Yantra
Symbols of Yantra
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 (AGNI
TATTVA). 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.
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.
BINDU
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.
BHUPURA
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 (PRITHIVI TATTVA).
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.
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).
Next
- Instructions for Yantra meditation
