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(Continued
from Yantras Pt.1)
Yantras are poorly known in
the Occident
At this moment, there is little known about Yantras in the
Western world. Many people consider them just pretty pictures
and some artists claim to draw "Yantras" from their
imagination. They are very far from the true meaning and use
of Yantras. First of all, Yantras cannot simply be invented
from imagination. Every specific mood and emotion has an associated
form energy and shape. This unequivocally determines the form
of the Yantras associated to that mood. The traditional Yantras
were discovered through revelation, by clairvoyance, not invented.
One needs to be a true spiritual master, a tantric guru, to
be able to reveal a new Yantras to the world.
Search the Internet and the
libraries and you will find very little consistent knowledge
about Yantras. Some people placed Yantras upside down, a monument
of their ignorance. You cannot place a Yantras just any way
you please. Anyone knows that when the cross is held upside
down, it is no longer a benefic symbol. A Yantras put upside
down is no longer the same Yantras.
"Disecting" a Yantras
The power of Yantras to induce Resonance is based on the specific
form of its appearance. Such a diagram can be composed from
one or more geometrical shapes which combine into a precise
model representing and transfiguring in essence, at the level
of the physical universe, the subtle sphere of force corresponding
to the invoked deity. From this point of view we can argue
that the Yantras functions similarly to a Mantra (sacred word).
By Resonance, a certain energy from the practitioner's Microcosm
vibrates on the same wavelength with the corresponding infinite
energy present in the Macrocosm, energy which is represented
in the physical plane by the Yantras. The principle of Resonance
with any deity, cosmic power, aspect, phenomenon or energy
owes its universal applicability to the perfect correspondence
existing between the human being (seen as a true Microcosm)
and the Creation as a whole (Macrocosm).
The Yantric Contour
Every Yantra is delimited from the exterior by a line or a
group of lines forming its perimeter. These marginal lines
have the function to maintain, contain and prevent the loss
of the magical forces represented by the core structure of
the Yantra, usually the central dot. They also have the function
to increase its magical and subtle force.
The core of the Yantras is
composed of one or several simple geometrical shapes : dots,
lines, triangles, squares, circles and lotuses representing
in different ways the subtle energies.
The Dot (BINDU)
For example the dot (BINDU) signifies the focalized
energy and its intense concentration. It can be evnisaged
as a kind of energy deposit which can in turn radiate energy
under other forms. The dot is usually surrounded by different
surfaces, either a triangle, a hexagon, a circle etc. These
forms depend on the characteristic of the deity or aspect
represented by the Yantra. In the tantric iconography, the
dot is named BINDU; in tantra BINDU is symbolically
considered to be SHIVA himself, the source of the
whole creation.
The Tiangle (TRIKONA)
The triangle (TRIKONA) is the symbol of Shakti, the
feminine energy or aspect of Creation. The triangle pointing
down represents the Yoni, the feminine sexual organ and the
symbol of the supreme source of the Universe, and when the
triangle is pointing upwards it signifies intense spiritual
aspiration, the sublimation of one's nature into the most
subtle planes and the element of fire. The fire is always
oriented upwards, thus the correlation with the upward triangle
- SHIVA KONA. On the other hand, the downward pointing
triangle signifies the element of water which always tends
to flown and occupy the lowest possible position. This triangle
is known as SHAKTI KONA.
The intersection of two geometric
forms (lines, triangles, circles, etc.) represents forces
that are even more intense than those generated by the simple
forms. Such an interpenetration indicates a high level in
the dynamic interaction of the correspondent energies. The
empty spaces generated by such combinations are described
as very efficient operational fields of the forces emanating
from the centeral point of the Yantra. That is why we can
very often encounter representations of Mantras in such spaces.
Yantra and Mantra are complementary aspects of SHIVA
and their use together is much more efficient than the use
of one alone.
The Six Points Star (SHATKONA)
A typical combination often found in the graphical structure
of a Yantra is the superposition of two triangles, one pointing
upwards and the other downwards, forming a star with six points
(SHATKONA), also known as David's Star. This form
symbolically represents the union of PURUSHA and
PRAKRITI or SHIVA-SHAKTI, without which there could
be no Creation.
The Circle (CHAKRA)
Another simple geometrical shape often used in Yantras is
the circle, representing the rotation, a movement closely
linked to the shape of spiral which is fundamental in the
Macrocosmic evolution. At the same time, the circle represents
perfection and the blissful creative void. In the series of
the five fundamental elements it represents air (VAYU
TATTVA).
The Square (BHUPURA)
Between the simple geometrical elemets that compose Yantras
there is also the sqaure (BHUPURA). The square is
usually the exterior limit of the Yantra and symbolically,
it represents the element earth.
Every Yantra starts from the
center, often marked by a central dot (BINDU) and
ends with the outer square. This represents the sense of universal
evolution, starting from the subtle and ending with the coarse,
starting from "ether" and ending with "earth".
Even tough most of the times
Yantras are composed of these simple geometrical shapes, sometimes
we encounter other elements such as arrow points, tridents,
swords, spikes included in the design of a Yantra with the
purpose of representing vectors and directions of action for
the Yantric energies.
The Lotus (PADMA)
The lotus symbol (or its petals) is both a symbol of purity
and variety, every lotus petal representing a distinct aspect.
The inclusion of a lotus in a Yantra represents freedom from
multiple interference with the exterior (purity) and expresses
the absolute force of the Supreme Self.
In conclusion, a Yantra is
a very complex spiritual instrument in the tantric practice
(SADHANA). It can calm and focus the activities of
the mind, and by its positive auto-suggestion it has a benefic
impact on the health and psychic well being of a person.
A
Yantra alone represents nothing. Only when it is awakened
by mental concentration and meditation will the process of
Resonance appear and the benefic macrocosmic energies will
manifest themselves in the practitioner's Microcosm.
(Go
back to Pt 1 of this article Yantras)
More
about Yantra's
(Yantra
- What is it?)
(Shri Yantra Mandala)
(Shri
Yantra Mandala - what is it?)
(Shri
Yantra Mandala Meditation)
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