The explanation of Shri Yantra by Anantbodh Chaitanya

Shri Yantra, the Queen of all Yantras, brings the divine power of prosperity into one's life - both materialistic and spiritual. Holding a strong place in Hinduism, yantras are mystical charts that support the pursuit of wealth by meditating through them or simply being in possession of one.

Shri Yantra: a map to consciousness

The yantra comprises nine interlocking triangles forming a total of 43 triangles within two circles of lotus petals and a T-shaped square. In the centre of the yantra is a point called the Bindu. The interplay of the nine triangles creates unity and balance between the masculine and feminine, with the Bindu point in the centre representing pure consciousness. The finished image of the nine interlocking triangles forms a kind of web that represents the entire cosmos.

The symbolism of the Shri Yantra

The diagram is also considered to be a kind of womb, representing all of creation, fertility and prosperity. The triangles are surrounded and protected by three circles, two of which are decorated with lotus petals, symbolic of eternity and wealth. The outer square layer represents the four gates of the earth. All of these elements represented in the Shri Yantra form a very powerful energetic symbol that unites all layers of existence from earthly experiences to the most cosmic spiritual representations.

Beyond Religion

Because of its very powerful symbolism, the Shri Yantra has drawn the attention of many people beyond the realm of Hinduism to the western world. It is widely used today as a supportive object for meditation to welcome prosperity while clearing the mind of all kinds of clutter.

Origin of the name "Shri Yantra"

Shri-yantra-meditation Shri Yantra is especially famous as it is the main yantra from which all other yantras are derived. In Sanskrit, "Shri" means "queen" and "yantra" comes from "yam" and "tra", where "yam" means "instrument" and "tra", is derived from "trana", means "liberation". Therefore, Shri Yantra literally means "the queen of all instruments of liberation". But liberation from what? Liberation in this context refers to spiritual liberation, the ability to detach from worldly worries and transform them into spiritual growth. Shri Yantra has different spellings that can be used. One such spelling is "Shree Yantra" which means "wealth instrument" which ties into spiritual wealth.

Shri Yantra: more than a drawing

A good yantra consists of five main geometric shapes: squares, triangles, circles, dots and lotus petals. Shri Yantra has them all: It consists of (1) nine interlocking triangles with (2) a dot in the middle, (3) two circles (4) completed with the petals of the lotus flower, and (5) a square.

An analogy for spiritual growth

When looking at the Shri Yantra, the outer layers can be viewed as a representation of the most "down-to-earth" experience. The square is called the "Earth Square" and each layer approaching the centre is a representation of the gradual movement of spiritual growth/liberation toward the ultimate goal of spiritual awakening and pure consciousness. This pure awareness is represented by the dot in the centre of the yantra.

The elements that build up into pure consciousness

The point, also called "Bindu" (Sanskrit for "point"), is surrounded by nine interlocking triangles, four pointing up and five pointing down. The upward triangles represent the masculine, Shiva, energy. The downward triangles represent the feminine, shakti, energy. The interlocking triangles form a total of 43 smaller triangles. The triangles are surrounded by two layers of lotus petals before reaching the square with T-shaped structures, also called the "Earth Square". For more information about the meaning of each element, you can read the meaning behind the elements of Shri Yantra.

The meaning behind the elements from the Shri Yantra

A Journey to Consciousness

When contemplating the mantra, it is advisable to first focus on the outermost layers and slowly move inward one layer at a time. This is due to the spiritual analogy. The outermost layer is the most grounded and at the same time the most human layer. As we gradually move inward, we enter higher levels of spirituality and consciousness. So let's analyze the different layers from outside to inside all:

The Earth square ( BHUPUR)

The outermost layer, called the "Earth Square," represents the most mundane and "basic" human emotions, such as anger, fear, and materialistic desires. Within this square are T-shaped structures that are considered to be the gateways to the well-known four directions. In addition, each also represents one of the four elements. East represents air, south fire, west water, and north earth. If you take all four directions or elements together, you achieve perfection, unity and also the well-known spirituality. Once we get past this layer, we come to three layers of circles, representing the past, the present, and the future. The three circles are embedded in two layers of lotus leaves.

The outer layer of sixteen petals

The first layer contains sixteen petals and represents the fulfilment of all hopes and desires that we are allowed to experience. The sixteen petals are divided into three categories. The first category contains ten petals that focus on the human body, more specifically the organs of perception and action (i.e. tongue, nose, mouth, eyes, ears, skin, hands, arms, feet and reproductive organs). The next five petals relate to the five elements: water, air, earth, fire and space. The sixteenth petal is the spirit that provides the connection and interpretation between the first two categories. To complete the first circle of lotus leaves, all three categories must be combined. In this layer, it is important to observe how we experience these sensations in order to become aware of them. For more information on how to observe these sensations, read the section on 'Awareness Through Observation'.

The inner layer of the eight petals

Moving in another layer brings you to the circle of eight lotus petals. These petals represent our different forms of activity: speech, movement, arousal, excitement, disgust, clinging, elimination, equanimity, and attraction. When you reach this layer, you are invited to observe these activities and become more aware as you engage in these activities. For example, take a moment when you are excited. Stop, take a step back and notice where the excitement is felt in your body. You can also observe and analyze what triggered this excitement in you. It happens that we were agitated for a while before we became aware of it. That's the purpose of this layer. Stay constantly awake and aware of how our surroundings or situations create certain triggers in us. Observing allows us to become more aware, to be more present and to let go of the sensations experienced in the present. As you practice this exercise, you will become more conscious over time. This causes you to move inward toward more layers.

The Triangular circles

As previously mentioned, the nine interlocking triangles represent the interplay between the feminine and masculine energies. The feminine energy is represented by downward triangles and the masculine by upward triangles. Interlocking the nine triangles creates a total of 43 smaller triangles. Each represents a property. As with the outer squares and lotus leaves, the 43 triangles must be represented in circles. If you look at the triangles in the form of circles, you can see a total of four circles and a central triangle.

Reading the triangular circles

In reading the triangular circles, one begins with the lowest triangle from the star by looking at the lowest triangle from the circle, which is pointing down. From there, move through each triangle in a counter-clockwise circular motion, reversing the masculine and feminine energies. To make the reading easier, another analogy can be used for reading the triangles, using the four directions as a reference point. Starting from the southernmost triangle, move east and then north. The river continues through the west and ends by reaching the south again.

The Outer triangle circle

The outer circle contains 14 triangles, i.e. 14 properties. Beginning with the lower, downward-pointing triangle and the South-East-Northwest analogy, here are the attributes: arousal, pursuit, attraction, ecstasy, infatuation, immobility, liberation, control, pleasure, intoxication, an accomplishment of desire, luxury, mantra and the destruction of duality.

The Second triangular circle

The next triangle circle contains 10 triangles or properties. The reading of the triangles remains unchanged, starting with the bottom triangle pointing down. The ten qualities are the giver of all achievements, the giver of wealth, the energy of activities pleasing to all, the bringer of all blessings, the giver of all desires, the remover of all suffering, the appeaser of death, the conqueror of all obstacles, the bringer of beauty and the giver of all happiness. The energetic difference from the first triangle is that these qualities represent a person or being behind. This can be perceived by the words "giver", "bringer", "remover", etc. They could also be understood as angels exercising these qualities. However, it is also possible that these represent the "we" and that we hold these hidden qualities, although we are not yet aware of them.

The Third triangular circle

The third circle of triangles also contains 10 triangles. The ten qualities are omniscience, omnipotence, sovereignty, knowledge, destruction of all diseases, unconditional support, vanquishing of all evils, protection and the fulfilment of all desires. The underlying energy of this triangle is universality and divinity. In contrast to the first two triangular circles, there is a feeling of connectedness and unity.

The fourth circle of triangles

This last circle of triangles contains a few triangles: 8. The eight qualities are maintenance, creation, dissolution, pleasure, pain, cold, warmth, and the ability to choose an action. These qualities can be used to understand the spiritual journey one embarks on in the virtuous cycle of creating and letting go of constant growth. Understanding what no longer serves and what is necessary for the next step. For example, "Maintain," "Create," and "Dissolve" can be combined, with pleasure-pain and cold warmth creating the opposites. The eighth quality summarizes the first seven qualities well: "the ability to choose an action". These eight points together form a unity on the path of spiritual growth.

The Central Triangle and Bindu

The last and most central triangle holds the quality of bestower of all perfection, with the Bindu in the centre of the triangle representing pure consciousness. Bindu is the source of all creation.

Who Shri Tripura Sundari?

The 3rd Mahavidya "Shri Tripura Sundari"

There are ten Mahavidyas. The Shodashi(षोडशी) or Tripura Sundari is The third Mahavidya. Bhagwati Lalita Tripura Sundari (भगवती ललिता त्रिपुर सुंदरी) is the main deity of Shri Yantra (श्रीयन्त्र). The goddess Tripura Sundari is depicted in her Shodashi (षोडशी) aspect as a sixteen-year-old girl and is believed to represent sixteen kinds of desires. Tripura Sundari, also known as Shodashi, Lalita (ललिता) and Rajarajeshvari (राजराजेश्वरी).

Shodashi (the goddess who is 16 years old): It is the climax of the creative cycle when the entire universe is in full bloom like a flower. She is the presiding Deity of the Shri Vidya form of worship and is contacted either in the central circuit of the Shri Yantra or in your own yantra, the Nava-Yoni Chakra. Her anthropomorphic characteristics are brilliance, manifestation, sweetness, depth, fixity, energy, grace and generosity. She is sitting on the lotus that has blossomed out of the navel of Lord Shiva is a beautiful young girl of 16 years with four arms. Her complexion is like molten gold and Her beauty is continuously seen by Lord Shiva. At one point, she is being made one with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu's consort. 

 Bhagwati Tripura Sundari (त्रिपुरसुंदरी)  - The Beauty of the Three Worlds 

Sundari is no ordinary beauty. She is the most blissful and beautiful of all goddesses as she represents the ultimate bliss at the source of all joys. The highest beauty does not reside in any object, although it is not separate from objects. The highest beauty is perception: "to hold the Infinite in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour," as the poet Blake so eloquently wrote. Beauty is derived from the light of consciousness that radiates through objects. It is never really contained in any object. Therefore, beauty can never disappear, but rather The light of beauty that we see in things is, therefore, the light of our own consciousness. By discovering it, we contact the sources of infinite delight within us. This is part of the Sundari revelation.

 The beauty of perception occurs only when the mind is cleansed of the known when the consciousness is cleansed of its conditioning and rests in pure consciousness without any memory residue. Then everything we see radiates with the light of eternity and is effulgent with the glory of our own Self as the Universal Self. Otherwise, the residue of our thoughts and emotions, like a dark film, obstructs the subtle and transparent beauty and presence in things, even though we can clearly perceive their physical characteristics. 

 Sundari represents the ultimate beauty of pure perception that arises when we see the entire universe in ourselves when we see all of nature as a reflection of the reality of consciousness. Sundari is, therefore, the beauty of nature but as seen through the spiritual eye of oneness - the view that the entire universe is Brahman (ब्रह्म) - there is nothing but God above, below, within, without, north, south, east or west, past, present or future. Sundari, therefore, is the Goddess of Vedantic knowledge, which is the knowledge of the Supreme or Divine Being. She teaches us that everything is the self and that the world is Brahman or the Absolute. From her perspective, Samsara is Nirvana (निर्वाण); the world of illusion merges with the Absolute. Hence, she is the most beloved Goddess form among Swamis and Vedantic Masters. She represents the knowledge of the Supreme Being. 

 The entire universe exists for the delight of consciousness, which is the game of the Divine Mother. Creation arises in joy and returns to joy. We are passing figures in the eternal game of it, who have not yet understood the source of the energy that Our pain and suffering is a delusion, a misconception born of ignorance and ego. Because we try to control or possess joy from the standpoint of the separate self, we separate ourselves from the true joy that is universal. the image of joy shows us the way out of our error, which is not denying ourselves happiness but discovering the true happiness we seek, which is to be one with everyone. Lalita awakens the receptive soul to the happiness that underlies everything. things.

 The great Yantra or energy pattern that underlines the entire universe, arising from the ॐ mantra. She is the deity who lives on the summit of Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain or the mountain of the spine, and gives the commands through which the entire universe moves. She is the divine love, which is the central motivating force behind the universe and which is the original impulse in our own hearts.

Sundari is also called Rajarajeshvari or "the highest ruler of the universe". All the commands that govern the universe arise from it, including the command that enables us to develop spiritually or to give spiritual teachings in the world. We must seek their command in order to do something meaningful in life. However, their command is not based on authority but on love. To get their approval we just have to be open to their love. What she allows us is to love her and to love everything. However, in order to discover their commands, we must be willing to give up our own selfish desires and try to control things. Tripura Sunday is often depicted as a young girl at the age of 16. As such she is called “16” (षोड़श) or “the young girl” (बाला). It is at this stage of a woman's life that the delightful aspect of her existence is most pronounced. It is their nature to play, seek new experiences and charm others. Your innocence attracts all that is true and good. Sunday is the power of consciousness, Chit Shakti. It is the consciousness of the Supreme Self, Paramatman(परमात्मन), as one with the Supreme Reality or the Absolute,(परब्रह्म). Because of true knowledge, it is called, Samvit (संवित)  which is the power to understand all things as consciousness itself. Bhagwati Lalita is thus the power of spiritual knowledge (ज्ञान शक्ति), which is more a question of feeling and perception than of thinking and analysis is. That is why she is the form of the goddess most worshipped by those who follow yoga. Bhagwati Shodasi is the form of the goddess who represents the pure consciousness and the bliss that flows from it. It combines the being of Kali (काली) with the knowledge of Tara (तारा) and adds the bliss dimension of spiritual realization.

This article translated from talks between Swami Shri Vishwadevanand Puri Ji and Anantbodh Chaitanya on Shri Vidya. 

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Shri Yantra: The Manifestation of Sacred Geometry

Shri Yantra: The Manifestation of Sacred Geometry by Alakh Yogi Shri Anantbodh Chaitanya 

What is sacred geometry? 

Sacred geometry is beyond religion and doctrine, yet many of its principles have been adopted by different religions in their architecture and art. Through the centuries, architects around the world have used certain geometric principles to build their temples, monuments and cathedrals—intended as symbolic models of the universe. Sacred geometry merges the physical, tangible aspects of creation with the spiritual essence behind them. It is the meeting of the seen and the unseen, the manifest and the unmanifest, the finite and the infinite, the mundane and the profound. Sacred geometry has played an integral role in the philosophy, architecture and art of numerous cultures since time began. 

 Why we need this? 

 Throughout the process of evolution, man has always found ways to guard and secure himself by using cosmic forces. History offers us infinite insights and instances of people who’ve employed these forces of nature to their advantage in the form of talismans, yantras and various other mystic charms as a sacred geometry 

What is Shri Yantra? 

 The Sanskrit term Shri yantra originates from “yan” or “yam” meaning “medium” and “tra” meaning “instrument” or “tool”. Here Shri represents wealth and Yantra is an instrument, apparatus or an amulet endowed with protective powers, its ultimate purpose is to unite us with our higher selves. Shri Yantra holds supreme status among all mystic sciences and disciplines. Tantric gurus have collectively declared Shri yantra as the best medium for manifestation and wish fulfilment. The Shri Yantra is considered to be the tool for obtaining and fulfilling all worldly desires and for material manifestation. 

The Shri Yantra is a mathematically precise design and based upon Golden Proportion or Phi ratio. Everything that exists in nature, is constructed in a proportionately precise manner and this proportion is called the Golden/Phi ratio. The Shri Yantra means “holy instrument” and can also be known as the Shri Chakra or “holy wheel”. It contains all form of sacred geometry/golden ratio, is mathematically precise and can also represent the union of the Divine Masculine and Feminine (The upward triangles meeting the downward triangles. 

Staring at the central dot or ‘Bindu’ of the Shri Yantra is known and proven to create changes within the brain and the stimulation of the Pineal gland by focusing our attention on the ‘3rd eye’ area. The Pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the brain. It produces melatonin, a serotonin derived hormone, which affects the modulation of sleep patterns in both seasonal and circadian rhythms. Its shape resembles a tiny pine cone (hence its name), and it is located in the epithalamus, near the centre of the brain, between the two hemispheres, tucked in a groove where the two halves of the thalamus join. The typical Shri Yantra with its central point (Bindu) and concentric circles of petals and other geometries are conceived of as a sacred dwelling in which the presiding deity and their entourage take up residence. So you move through each layer pay attention to what elements are being brought in. Look at the number behind each of the segments like the 9 strings or why are there 4 triangles for the Shiva and Shakti. 

 The Bindu represents the location of the highest manifestation of the deity as well as the focal point through which the deity transcends the relative plane, with its form and structure to merge into the formless consciousness. To help visually understand, the Bindu is the centre of the Shri Yantra and the dot is the symbol of AUM – it represents the piercing, breaking or bursting through (Bindu Vedhana) and it is the final stage. This is the very same formless consciousness in which the devotee merges with the highest truth. The Shri Yantra is then fully activated in its Divine nature and reveals the true potential and nature of the devotee in this merging and loving Shri relationship with the Divine as the divine. 

 
How Shri Yantra Works 

Exploring Yantra Dynamics Shri Yantra is an energy mapping machine. It is a blueprint that radiates a specific frequency due to its unique geometric construction. When focusing or meditating on a Shri Yantra, the mind automatically comes into alignment and resonates to the particular energy of the yantra. This sequence of resonance is magnified as one consistently meditates over it. Shri Yantra acts as a reservoir of divine energy. It is a medium through which the invincible energy acts on an individual. This channelled energy possesses an intense power to attract and manifest the desired experiences. 

 Significance of Shri Yantra in Modern Times. 

 Primitive people began wearing amulets and yantras to protect themselves from an often frightening world. Shri Yantra guarded the user against enemies, animals and provided protection against the evil eye. In our modern societies, our fears, needs and challenges are more sophisticated in nature. In this age, we are tortured by inflation, crime, natural and man-made disasters. There are the ever-expanding inner demons such as anxiety, frustrations and mental illness too, to name but a few. The use of yantra in present-day is therefore much more relevant than ever before.