The London Satyananda Yoga Centre
Yoga and Meditation in the tradition of the Bihar School of Yoga
Yantra :: The Visual Tool of Tantra
The word yantra comes from two Sanskrit root words, ‘yam’ meaning an instrument, implement or tool; and ‘tra’ meaning to liberate from bondage. Therefore a yantra is a tool that liberates. Liberates from what? From our limited consciousness to an expanded consciousness, from the individual awareness to the cosmic awareness. Harish Johari defined them as, “…a tool to withdraw consciousness from the outer world and direct it towards the inner world.” [1]
A yantra is a focus point for concentrated energy, and there are many different types of yantra. The most recognised being those formed of concentric geometric shapes, expanding outwards from the bindu, or point, in the middle, for example Sri Yantra, Durga Yantra, Siva Yantra. These yantras are said to harness and express the energy of the deity to which they relate, they are considered as abstract representations of the deities themselves and these are used in many aspects of tantric ritual and sadhana.
In Tantra, the bindu is pure consciousness, the unmanifest, potential energy, Siva without Shakti. It is the influence of Shakti, the kinetic energy, which brings about creation that is represented by various yantras, especially Sri Yantra, expanding outwards from the point of creation mapping all that comes into existence. The form of the yantra shows the way back to this point of origin, back to reconnecting with the universal consciousness that was lost the moment we were separated from it by being created. “All the primal shapes of a yantra are psychological symbols corresponding to inner states of human consciousness, through which the control and expansion of psychic forces are possible.” Khanna. [2]
Yantras may be used in a variety of ways. Trataka on yantras is a powerful practice. The yantra used must be chosen carefully, Siva Yantra and Ganesh Yantra are suitable to begin with. They may be used with children, colouring them in is a wonderful focusing activity. They can be introduced in meditation and also in yoga nidra, and the practice of likit japa – writing the mantra of the yantra within its form is also a very interesting practice.
If you are interested in using yantras, for teaching or your own practice, then please contact me or Thurleigh Road centre as I am producing beautiful coloured and black and white yantras mounted on foam board for trataka and general good vibes!
Hari Om Tat Sat
Brahmananda
[1] Tools For Tantra, Harish Johari, Inner Traditions India 1986
[2] Yantra – Tantric Symbol of Cosmic Unity, Madhu Khanna, Thames and Hudson 1979