Yantra literally means tool or form. It is a symbol that helps us understand how energy becomes form so we can participate more consciously in the unfolding of our physical life. All form rises from unseen energy. There are layers of manifestation that energy moves through as it becomes form. These layers of “crystallization” are called Tattvas and they follow certain sacred geometrical patterns. We see these patterns in nature from the microscopic to the cosmic. By meditating on a Yantra, the mind becomes organized and aligned with the flow of the manifesting current and is more receptive to ingenuity, inspiration, and efficient sequential architecting. By imprinting a yantra in one’s mind, the mind is held more steady and open to divine guidance. Yantra can be used by people who are hugely creative and wish to manifest complex possibilities. Yantras can be tools to lubricate our minds to more smoothly receive and organize our chitta (creative energy). The most simple mantra is an equilateral triangle: two base points moving equally to a single top point. This yantra represents duality coming into harmony. Simply gazing at a triangle as we meditate imprints the shape in the mind and influences the entire body mechanism towards it symbolism.
From the simple triangle, more complex yantras can be built. The most well-known yantra is the Shri Yantra. It is the Goddess Devi representing the the natural beauty of the three worlds in harmony: Physical Plane, Energetic/Emotional Plane, and Divine Mind. The Shri Yantra is the symbol of the Vedas. The wisdom of the Yoga path is said to be contained with in this sacred symbol. It is nine 3-sided triangles contained with in a 4-sided square. The sacred number 108 rises from this yantra 9 x 3 x 4 = 108. This yantra (and the number 108) also contain the ratios of distance between the sun, earth and moon. It could be thought of as the equation or symbol representing the flow of spirit into life on earth and the liberation of life back to pure spirit.
The Shri Yantra represents the evolution of the multiverse as a result of the natural Divine Will. The four upward-pointing isosceles triangles represent the Goddess’s masculine embodiment Brahm, while the five downward-pointing triangles symbolize the female embodiment Jagat jannani. Meditating on this mantra helps create and imprint of understanding both our eternal energetic self and our complex temporal form. It helps us ride the manifesting and liberating currents of our lives with more grace.