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Yantras are visual tools
that serve either as centering devices or as symbolic compositions of the energy
pattern of a deity as seen by Tantric seers in their vision.
As there is a difference between mind and body,
so there is between yantra and mantra.
Yantra is the body or form of the deity (devata), whereas mantra is the mind,
consciousness, spirit or name. Yantra is the external, visual expression through
which the deity receives devotion.
When a yantra is adopted for worship and the
energy is invoked in it, it becomes a symbolic representative of the deity and
actually it becomes the deity when the person abandons his analytical, critical
attitude and the energy circulates in higher centers. Every yantra becomes the
dwelling place of the deity it represents. No idol or picture of a deity is as
powerful as a yantra, because a yantra is composed of archetypical forms that
are common to all existing phenomena. The very process of making a yantra is an
archetypical activity that works with the encoding of the genes. During the process
one moves from concrete reality to abstract truth.
The word yantra is used in two or more ways in Sanskrit. It comes
from the root "yam", which means supporting or holding the essence of
an object or concept. The syllable "tra" comes from "trana"
or liberation from bondage. Yantra also means liberation from the cycle of birth
and rebirth (moksha). As a tool, yantra is used to withdraw consciousness from
the outer world, so as to help the student to go beyond the normal framework of
mind to the altered states of consciousness known as turiya.
The act of drawing and painting yantras teaches the mind how to
concentrate, how to be one-pointed. To some people this practice is fascinating
and absorbing, while others might not find it as interesting as doing calligraphy
or singing, but creating a yantra can yield a valuable lesson. Yantra drawing
requires accuracy, exactness, discipline, concentration, neatness and patience.
The geometrical forms of the yantra activate the right hemisphere, which is visual
and nonverbal.
A black point on a white background forms the most precise and
powerful yantra. But it is too simple to say that a yantra is a point on a surface
which serves as a field for gazing. The point (bindu) is the center of the yantra.
It signifies unity, the origin, the principle of manifestation and emanation.
Although in theory a true point has no magnitude, but to have a point in concrete
form, it is given the smallest practicable magnitude. This point is the first
step in visualising the abstract, the formless. Meditation or concentration on
this point brings the mind towards abstract concentration which is used as a means
to self realization.
A circle is an extension of a point. With the radius of desire,
the point draws a circle around itself and expands. However, the circle also creates
an individual consciousness out of cosmic consciousness. After the point and the
circle the triangle is the simplest form. Upward triangles draw the attention
up and away from the world.
Yantras that represent any form of the divine mother are called
Shakta Yantras. Yantras can also be related to Vishnu or Shiva. In most cases
their forms are equal to some of the Shakta Yantras, but the colors differ. Architectural
yantras are used for the ground plan of temples.
Astrological yantras are used in working with the energy of the
nine planets. Numerical yantras are not composed of basic geometrical forms but
of numbers. Some of them are used as talismans. When working with a yantra, a
mantra is needed to invoke the vital life force (prana) of the particular deity.
Constructing a yantra requires imaginal thinking which involves
the right hemisphere. The symbolic nature of yantras triggers the left hemisphere.
Practitioners of tantra combine the universal pattern of the yantra with the cosmic
sound of a mantra to achieve a higher state of awareness, in which individual
being and universal being are one. The dichotomy of the hemispheres is resolved,
both are calm.
Especially Westerners are more left hemisphere dominated
and are deficient in right hemisphere education which causes some
loss of imagination and of faith in higher values. Right hemisphere
education through art, dance and music is needed to restore the
balance. By coloring and drawing the geometrical yantra diagrams,
based on the mathematical perfection of sages of the East, Westerners
can make both their hemispheres work simultaneously and calmly,
achieve faith and live in constant awareness.
PIETER WELTEVREDE - USA TOUR AUTUMN 2006
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