I N T R O D U C T I O N   T O   Y A N T R A S

by Horia Cristescu and Dan Bozaru

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PART 2
"DISECTING" A YANTRA
The power of a YANTRA to induce a certain kind of 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 a YANTRA functions similarly to a MANTRA (sacred word). Through RESONANCE, a certain energy from the practitioner's MICRO COSMOS vibrates on the same wavelength with the corresponding and infinite energy present in the MACRO COSMOS, energy which is represented on the physical plane by the YANTRA.

The principle of RESONANCE with any deity, cosmic power, aspect, phenomenon or energy owes its universal applicability to the perfect correspondence existing between a human being (seen as a true MICRO COSMOS) and Creation as a whole (MACRO COSMOS).


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 added function to increase its magical and subtle forces.

The core of the YANTRA is composed of one or several simple geometrical shapes: dots, lines, triangles, squares, circles and lotuses, each representing in different ways the subtle energies of the universe.


THE DOT ( BINDU )
For example, the dot (BINDU) signifies focalized energy and intense concentration. It can be seen 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 characteristics of the deity or aspect represented by the YANTRA.

In tantric iconography, the dot is named BINDU; in tantra BINDU is symbolically considered to be SHIVA himself, the source of the entire creation.


THE TRIANGLE ( 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 inferior nature into the most subtle energies. Also the triangle pointing upwards signifies the subtle 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 flow 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.

This indicates a higher level in the dynamic interaction between the correspondent energies. The empty spaces generated by such combinations are described as very efficient operational fields of the forces emanating from the central point of the YANTRA.

That is why we 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 POINT STAR (SHATKONA)
A typical combination that is often found in the graphical structure of a YANTRA and 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 that is often used in YANTRAS is the circle, representing rotation, a movement closely linked to the shape of spiral which is fundamental in the macro cosmic evolution. At the same time, the circle represents perfection and the blissful creative void. Out of the five fundamental elements it represents air ( VAYU TATTVA).

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