Question: “I am interested in drawing, painting or even constructing a real sand mandala. But I don’t really know what the basic components are or their symbolism. Could you please explain the basics of a mandala, its 4 quadrants/gates, and the lessons taught?”
I honestly don’t know too much about sand mandalas. Mandalas are drawn and ritualized in Tibetan Buddhism mostly. Their main function is the teaching of impermanence. Once a sand mandala is created it is usually offered to a buddha or deity. If it is an offering, then it is usually kept as-is until another mandala is made and the old one is destroyed.
When a mandala is made, it is a practice of concentration. When the mandala is complete, it is a practice of impermanence because the mandala is usually immediately destroyed. That’s pretty much the main lesson of mandalas.
Smile and be well!