Sacred Geometry: YANTRAS

Sacred Geometry: YANTRAS - What is a Yantra?

All ancient cultures had sacred geometric designs representative of their Gods, which had a mantra (or sacred sound vibration) that corresponded to it. The Indians, Egyptians, Jews, Chinese, and Mayans all had systems of "planetary yantras" used to combat malefic influences. Yantra is the ultimate "symbology". In the Vedic culture we find much power and energy said to be held within sacred geometric symbols. They are to be found throughout sacred scriptures, carved in stone, hidden within paintings and in temples.

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Sacred Geometry: YANTRAS - What is a Yantra?

Often when I bring up the subject of "yantra" in the west, I Get blank stares of incomprehension. If I then say "sacred geometry" some will understand, as this is what the modem scholars of ancient Egypt refer to their ancient system of yantra as. Many will also understand if I mention "mandala" as the Tibetan forms of mandala are more well known in the west The particular shapes and figures have often been picked up and used commercially as poster prints which people place on their walls for decoration, not having the slightest idea of the intent of such a diagram Many ancient Vedic yantras, which are the oldest known, such as the concentric expanding diagram of "Sri Yantra" are mistakenly referred to as "mandalas" by the so-called "new-age" community.

All ancient cultures had sacred geometric designs representative of their Gods, which had a mantra (or sacred sound vibration) that corresponded to it. The Indians, Egyptians, Jews, Chinese, and Mayans all had systems of "planetary yantras" used to combat malefic influences. Yantra is the ultimate "symbology". In the Vedic culture we find much power and energy said to be held within sacred geometric symbols. They are to be found throughout sacred scriptures, carved in stone, hidden within paintings and in temples.

One example of how a western "madman" tried to use these powers for personal gain (of an evil disposition) is the case of Adolph Hitler. The swastika is actually an ancient, holy symbol found in temples all over the east. It is especially seen in paintings and carved into the temples and thrones for deities of Lord Ganesh (the elephant-headed god of prosperity said to remove impediments and obstacles from the path of human endeavour) . Hitler actually drew the symbol improperly and, although it looks like the original to the untrained eye at a glance, it is wrong and had no potency. Furthermore there is much more to yielding the power behind yantra than simply having the diagram. As I've tried to show in the previous parts of this book, there is the dedication and effort required to yield the beneficial effects of chanting mantras, especially if they are for some material purpose. Yantras are not "lucky charms" to be worn or displayed as icons of power in and of themselves. Much specific knowledge and ability must go into their preparation and much dedication and worship is required to achieve the desired effects.

Yantra means a Mystical diagram", "talisman", or "instrument" which, if prepared and created by a qualified "Tantric" (one qualified in the knowledge and practice of Tantra) as well as utilised under their specific instructions for fruitful results, will help to gain the objector objects of desire or ambition. Yantras are used in worship (puja) and can also be an effective instrument used towards the aim of self-realisation. The Vedic scriptures speak of them as worshipable and they were used by the ancient saints, seers, and rishis.

Yantras and mantras are connected together as for each yantra (diagram) there is a corresponding mantra that must be used with it they are representative of different deities from different demigods all the way up to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, or Lord Vishnu. There is also a definite relationship between them and the material elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether. By proper prayers, worship, and perfect recitation of specific mantras the material elements, or material nature, may be induced to move in a way the practitioner desires. This is not magic, nor trickery, but a highly evolved and developed science for exercising some control in this regard.

The different planets in our solar system have different effects on our daily lives here on earth and there are yantras for each planet which, when properly installed and worshipped, allow the aspirant to ward off certain malefic effects. This is the reason why a qualified vedic astrologer recommends mantras, yantras, or gemstones as a remedial measure to their clients. Properly utilised they are capable of making an inauspicious planetary influence less troublesome or to negate the effect altogether. Besides countering negative effects we also desire to increase the planets' beneficial aspects in our lives by the use of these ancient tools.

A zero ("nought" to the British or 'bindu" in Sanskrit) is the basis of the geometry through which the triangle is developed. It is said to represent the different desires within the heart, the ways of fulfilling them and the acquisition of knowledge.
This "bindu" is the central point By concentrating on the bindu the ability to concentrate and build up a powerful mental or psychic force field is increased. It is broadened and, in it's expansion, many other kinds of shapes are formed. These figures or geometric shapes are what are termed the "yantra" .

Although it would not be a difficult task for most of us to copy the form of a yantra, it would not have the desired effect. Furthermore to be perfectly honest, it would be all but useless if not created by a qualified person ('Tantric") and then "infused" with the specific energy via the medium of mantra. Otherwise it becomes just an interesting form or picture to look at, but has no real effect on time or circumstances within life.

The physical manifestation of the yantra itself is generally drawn or etched into metal, be it gold, silver, bronze, copper, lead, or stainless steel, although paper is sometimes used for their inscription. Such materials are long lasting with the idea that when the worship, or puja, is performed, the person the yantra is meant for will have protection from evil and undesirable forces of nature. To constantly increase its effectiveness the user must perform certain worship and regularly chant the prescribed mantras. As explained in the section on mantras, sincerity of heart i s a basic principle necessary for the results to be realised.

As a vedic astrologer I regularly recommend the use of remedial measures, although I have found that for most westerners the path of mantra and yantra is much more difficult to realise beneficial results through (materially speaking) than is the science of gemstone therapy. By obtaining a proper natural gemstone correctly set and installed with specific mantras, it will on its own act to ward off malefic (negative) planetary influences and attract benefic (positive) ones. Although always helpful, it is not necessary to continually perform worship of the gem (except initially) or chant the mantras after the initial installation, yet it will still have a constant protective influence. Mantras and yantras must be used with the utmost care, dedication and spiritual energy through regular puja and chanting to be effective.

Due to the highly advanced and evolved souls necessary to create dedicate, install and worship the yantra initially, they may seem to be ineffective in this day and age. However, it's not due to any defects within the revealed knowledge and science of yantra, but to the lack of dedication and ability of most to achieve the results. These sacred diagrams of "yantra are representative of time and space and can most especially be seen within the most sacred and powerful yantra, the "Sri Yantra" . There are 90 many very exacting levels to be gone through in their preparation and specific rituals that absolutely must be performed perfectly during this step-by-step procedure, that their creation is extremely difficult and specialised.

There is an irrevocable connection between the yogic and tantric (which contains the science of yantra) paths and between the process of worship and attainment Initially, in a tantric's practice, specific ceremony is effected absolutely linked to the astronomical and astrological sciences. Therefore, charts (horoscopic) are analysed as to most opportune and auspicious times to begin a process. The tantric then creates a visualisation of being "central" or located in the inner middle of the spinal column, the centre of which is called "Meru". This is also called the "sushumna", through which the "kundalini" (coiled up energy or "shakti" within the chakra at the base of the spine) passes . This is the whole aim or ambition of the tantric, that his "kundalim" will ascend the "sushumna" and remain concentrated in the chakra between the eyebrows until the correct auspicious moment. At this time, success may be achieved by raising the kundalini to the crown chakra and ultimately brought forth to a destination beyond this world, leaving the material body in the flames of yogic fire.

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