Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the question that follows.

Mandala creation is a centuries-old artistic tradition originating from the ancient Sanskrit term for "ring" or "circle." These intricate circular motifs have fascinated spiritual seekers and art enthusiasts for generations. Serving as both mathematical geometry and sacred symbolism, a mandala's round layout symbolizes the architecture of the cosmos alongside the inner evolutionary voyage of human consciousness. At the center lies a nucleus representing the primary point of creation—interpreted variously as individual selfhood, the origin of life, or divine energy. Extending outward from this focal core, complex symmetrical patterns expand, reflecting the unfolding universe and the ongoing flow of time.

Rooted deeply within Eastern spiritual philosophies, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, these designs are central to meditative practices and ceremonial rituals. Monks often construct these elaborate layouts using vibrant colored sand grains, only to dismantle them upon completion to symbolize the impermanent nature of life and non-attachment to physical form. Beyond its spiritual significance, fashioning a mandala offers remarkable therapeutic benefits. Engaging in the rhythmic, structured process of drafting these balanced forms helps diminish stress, enhance mental focus, and calm emotional turbulence, serving as a mindful exercise that promotes inner stillness and harmony.

In the context of Eastern spiritual traditions, what do mandalas fundamentally serve to symbolize?