by Horia Cristescu and Dan Bozaru
PART 3
THE SQUARE (BHUPURA)
Between the simple geometrical elements that compose YANTRAS there is also the square (BHUPURA). The square is usually the exterior limit of the YANTRA and when seen as a symbol, it represents the element of earth (PRITHIVI TATTVA ).
Every YANTRA starts from the center, often marked by a central dot ( BINDU ) and ends with an 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 though most of the time YANTRAS are composed of these simple geometrical shapes, sometimes other elements such as arrow points, tridents, swords, spikes are included in the design of a YANTRA with the purpose of representing vectors and directions for the YANTRIC energies in action.
THE LOTUS ( PADMA )
The lotus symbol (or its petals) is both a symbol of purity and variety. Every lotus petal represents a distinct aspect. The inclusion of a lotus in a YANTRA represents freedom from the multiple interferences of exterior (purity) and expresses the absolute force of the Supreme Self.
In conclusion, a YANTRA is a very complex spiritual instrument in one’s tantric practice ( SADHANA ). It can calm and focus the activities of the mind, and through its positive auto-suggestion it has a beneficial impact on the health and psychic well being of a person.
HOW TO USE YANTRAS
As we previously mentioned, the secret key to using YANTRAS in meditation is RESONANCE. The process of RESONANCE is established by mental focus on the image of the YANTRA.
As long as the mind is tuned into the specific mood associated to that YANTRA, the energy flows, but when the RESONANCE is stopped, the energy disappears.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDITATING WITH A YANTRA
1. Hang the YANTRA on a wall facing North or East, placing the center of the YANTRA at the level of your eyes.
2. Adopt your favorite posture or, if you want, sit on a chair and keep your spinal column straight.
3. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, but do not force yourself at all, just let the breath flow normally.
4. Look into the center of the YANTRA, blinking as rarely as possible; you don’t want to look at the particular details of the YANTRA, just keep your eyes focused in the center and observe the whole YANTRA at once.
This exercise should last at least 15-30 minutes every day; the experience will be indescribable.
In time, after at least seven days of YANTRA meditation you will be able to tap into the same yantric energy even without a YANTRA (at the beginning you may fix your sight on an exterior or imaginary point or evoke the YANTRA with your eyes closed).
Do not forget to consecrate the fruits of this exercise to God ( karma yoga ); you should not pursue any specific objective when doing YANTRA meditation, just let it gradually guide you towards the sublime energies of the macro cosmos.
When executing this technique it is recommended that you maintain a state of aspiration and intense longing in order to experience the beatific energies of the divine consciousness.
In superior phases the YANTRA absorbs the practitioner’s complete attention, and he can no longer tell if the YANTRA is within himself or if he is within the YANTRA; this is the state of non-duality.