YANTRA literally means "support" and "instrument". A YANTRA is a geometric design acting as a highly efficient tool for contemplation, concentration and meditation. YANTRAS carry spiritual significance : there is a specific meaning that pertains to higher levels of consciousness.

The YANTRA provides a focal point that is a window into the Absolute. When the mind is concentrated on a single, simple object (in this case a YANTRA), the mental chatter ceases. Eventually, the object is dropped when the mind can remain empty and silent without help. In the most advanced phases, it is possible to attain union with the higher spiritual Realms by the geometric visualization of a YANTRA.

The YANTRA is like a microcosmic picture of the MACROCOSM. It is a focusing point and an outer and inner doorway. The YANTRAS are often focused on a specific deity and so. by tuning into the different YANTRAS you can tap into certain deities or creative force centers in the universe.

The Sri Yantra Above

Shri yantra is said within the vedas, to be of the greatest general use and has prime importance. It is reputed to give fulfillment of ambitions for power, financial gain and influence. It also will give popularity to politicians, military officials, and monarchs who desire to be loved by the people.

Mantra:
"Om Sharing Haring Kaling Haring
Sri Mahalakhmaya Namaha"

This Yantra, also called "Sri Chkra" can be found in all south Indian temples and most individual's homes. It is often used when the sun is badly afflicted in an individual's horoscope as the sun represents the physical body, and the eternal soul. "Surya Namaskar" (worship of the deity of the sun planet) must be performed for one week. the yantra is best inscribed in gold, silver or copper, and once puja has been completed should be worn on a Monday morning.
 

YANTRAS are usually designed so that the eye is carried into the center, and very often they are symmetrical. They can be drawn on paper, wood, metal, or earth, or they can also be three dimensional.

 The most celebrated YANTRA in India is the Sri YANTRA, the YANTRA of Tripura Sundari. It is a symbol of the entire cosmos that serves to remind the practitioner of the non difference between subject and object.

How do YANTRAS work ?

At the basis of YANTRA operation is something called "shape energy" or "form energy". The idea is that every shape emits a very specific frequency and energy pattern. Examples of old believes in shape energy are the YANTRAS and mandalas of eastern philosophies, the star of David, the five pointed star (pentagon), the Christian cross, the pyramids and so on. Certain 'powers' are ascribed to the various shapes. Some have 'evil' or negative energies and some 'good' or positive energies, but in YANTRA Yoga only the benefic and harmonious energies are used.

When one focuses on a YANTRA, his mind is automatically "tuned in" by RESONANCE into the specific form energy of that YANTRA. The process of RESONANCE is then maintained and amplified. The YANTRA acts only as a "tune in" mechanism or a doorway. The subtle energy does not come from the YANTRA itself, but from the MACROCOSM.

Basically YANTRAS are secret keys for establishing RESONANCE with the benefic energies of the MACROCOSM. Very often the YANTRAS can put us in contact with extremely elevated energies and entities, being of invaluable help on the spiritual path.

YANTRAS are poorly known in the Occident
At this moment, there is little known about YANTRAS in the Western world. Many people consider them just pretty pictures and some artists claim to draw "YANTRAS" from their imagination. They are very far from the true meaning and use of YANTRAS. First of all, YANTRAS cannot simply be invented from imagination. Every specific mood and emotion has an associated form energy and shape. This unequivocally determines the form of the YANTRA associated to that mood. The traditional YANTRAS were discovered through revelation, by clairvoyance, not invented. One needs to be a true spiritual master, a Tantrik guru, to be able to reveal a new YANTRA to the world.

Search the Internet and the libraries and you will find very little consistent knowledge about YANTRAS. Some people placed YANTRAS upside down, a monument of their ignorance. You cannot place a YANTRA just any way you please. Anyone knows that when the cross is held upside down, it is no longer a benefic symbol. A YANTRA put upside down is no longer the same YANTRA.

"Dissecting" a YANTRA
The power of YANTRAS to induce RESONANCE is based on the SPECIFIC FORM of its appearance. Such a diagram can be composed from one or more geometrical shapes which combine into a precise model representing and transfiguring in essence, at the level of the physical universe, the subtle sphere of force corresponding to the invoked deity. From this point of view we can argue that the YANTRA functions similarly to a MANTRA (sacred word). By RESONANCE, a certain energy from the practitioner's MICROCOSM vibrates on the same wavelength with the corresponding infinite energy present in the MACROCOSM, energy which is represented in the physical plane by the YANTRA. The principle of RESONANCE with any deity, cosmic power, aspect, phenomenon or energy owes its universal applicability to the perfect correspondence existing between the human being (seen as a true MICROCOSM) and the Creation as a whole (MACROCOSM).

The Yantric Contour
Every YANTRA is delimited from the exterior by a line or a group of lines forming its perimeter. These marginal lines have the function to maintain, contain and prevent the loss of the magical forces represented by the core structure of the YANTRA, usually the central dot. They also have the function to increase its magical and subtle force.

The core of the YANTRA is composed of one or several simple geometrical shapes : dots, lines, triangles, squares, circles and lotuses representing in different ways the subtle energies.

The Dot (BINDU)
For example the dot (BINDU) signifies the localized energy and its intense concentration. It can be envisaged as a kind of energy deposit which can in turn radiate energy under other forms. The dot is usually surrounded by different surfaces, either a triangle, a hexagon, a circle etc. These forms depend on the characteristic of the deity or aspect represented by the YANTRA. In the tantric iconography, the dot is named BINDU; in tantra BINDU is symbolically considered to be SHIVA himself, the source of the whole creation.

 The Triangle (TRIKONA)
The triangle (TRIKONA) is the symbol of SHAKTI, the feminine energy or aspect of Creation. The triangle pointing down represents the YONI, the feminine sexual organ and the symbol of the supreme source of the Universe, and when the triangle is pointing upwards it signifies intense spiritual aspiration, the sublimation of one's nature into the most subtle planes and the element of fire (AGNI TATTVA). The fire is always oriented upwards, thus the correlation with the upward triangle - SHIVA KONA. On the other hand, the downward pointing triangle signifies the element of water which always tends to flown and occupy the lowest possible position. This triangle is known as SHAKTI KONA.

The intersection of two geometric forms (lines, triangles, circles, etc.) represents forces that are even more intense than those generated by the simple forms. Such an inter penetration indicates a high level in the dynamic interaction of the correspondent energies. The empty spaces generated by such combinations are described as very efficient operational fields of the forces emanating from the central point of the YANTRA. That is why we can very often encounter representations of MANTRAS in such spaces. YANTRA and MANTRA are complementary aspects of SHIVA and their use together is much more efficient than the use of one alone.

The Six Points Star (SHATKONA)
A typical combination often found in the graphical structure of a YANTRA is the superposition of two triangles, one pointing upwards and the other downwards, forming a star with six points (SHATKONA), also known as David's Star. This form symbolically represents the union of PURUSHA and PRAKRITI or SHIVA-SHAKTI, without which there could be no Creation.

The Circle (CHAKRA)
Another simple geometrical shape often used in YANTRAS is the circle, representing the rotation, a movement closely linked to the shape of spiral which is fundamental in the Macrocosmic evolution. At the same time, the circle represents perfection and the blissful creative void. In the series of the five fundamental elements it represents air (VAYU TATTVA).

The Square (BHUPURA)
Between the simple geometrical elements that compose YANTRAS there is also the square (BHUPURA). The square is usually the exterior limit of the YANTRA and symbolically, it represents the element earth (PRITHIVI TATTVA).

Every YANTRA starts from the center, often marked by a central dot (BINDU) and ends with the outer square. This represents the sense of universal evolution, starting from the subtle and ending with the coarse, starting from "ether" and ending with "earth".

Even tough most of the times YANTRAS are composed of these simple geometrical shapes, sometimes we encounter other elements such as arrow points, tridents, swords, spikes included in the design of a YANTRA with the purpose of representing vectors and directions of action for the YANTRIC energies.

The Lotus (PADMA)
The lotus symbol (or its petals) is both a symbol of purity and variety, every lotus petal representing a distinct aspect. The inclusion of a lotus in a YANTRA represents freedom from multiple interference with the exterior (purity) and expresses the absolute force of the Supreme Self.

In conclusion, a YANTRA is a very complex spiritual instrument in the tantric practice (SADHANA). It can calm and focus the activities of the mind, and by its positive auto-suggestion it has a benefic impact on the health and psychic well being of a person.

A YANTRA alone represents nothing. Only when it is awakened by mental concentration and meditation will the process of RESONANCE appear and the benefic macrocosmic energies will manifest themselves in the practitioner's MICROCOSM.

How to Use YANTRAS
As we showed above, the secret key to using YANTRAS in meditation is RESONANCE. The process of RESONANCE is established by mental focus on the image of the YANTRA. As long as the mind is tuned into the specific mood associated to that YANTRA, the energy flows, but when the RESONANCE is stopped, the energy disappears.

 The Sri Yantra             The Tara Yantra

Instructions for YANTRA meditation :

Hang the YANTRA on a wall facing North or East, placing the center of the YANTRA at the level of your eyes.  Adopt your favorite posture or, if you want, sit on a chair maintaining your spine straight. Breath in through the nose and out through the mouth, but do not force at all, just let the breath flow normally,

Look into the center of the YANTRA, trying to blink as rarely as possible; you don't want to look at the particular details of the YANTRA, just keep your sight right in the center and observe the whole YANTRA at once this exercise should last at least 15-30 minutes every day; the experience will be indescribable in time, after at least seven days of YANTRA meditation you will be able to tap into the same yantric energy even without a YANTRA (at the beginning you may fix your sight on an exterior or imaginary point or evoke the YANTRA with your eyes closed) do not forget to consecrate the fruits of this practice to God (karma yoga); you should not chase any objective when doing YANTRA meditation, just let it gradually guide you towards the sublime energies of the MACROCOSM when executing this techniques it is recommended that we maintain a state of aspiration and intense longing for experiencing the beatific energies of the consciousness
in superior phases the YANTRA absorbs the practitioner's complete attention, and he can no longer tell if the YANTRA is within himself or if he is within the YANTRA; this is the state of non duality.

HOW MANTRAS ARE USEFUL All our are problems are self created. Usually they are the outcome of our Karma’s and the reasons can be checked from the individual Horoscope. One's subconscious mind can help to find the solution through meditation and recitation of Mantras. Purity of thoughts, words and deeds, sincerity and deep seated. Belief in repeating Mantras systematically and without any stress or strain on the brain or body is the keynotes for the efficacy of Mantras.

Concentrate and Meditate without having any desires in mind. The Mantra should be recited softly so as to be audible only to be person concerned and not to others. Mantras should be recited in a pleasing musical tone, which will help in concentration.

Continuous Sadhana will enable the Sadhaka to find solutions to the problems, attaining peace of mind, reducing mental strain.

FOOD: The Sadhaka should have a light meal, hot and well cooked and in small quantity, as over eating leads to the excitement of the sensory organs which aggravate passions.

Onions, Garlic and Meat have stimulating effects on the sensory organs and will do more harms to the body than good. Intoxicates and smoking of any kind should be avoided.

Lack of control in the diet is a great obstacle to progress. Small quantities of wholesome food purify the mind and a pure mind retains the memory of God. This Asana is very useful to acquire Sidhi. Place one heel at the anus and keep the other heel at the root of generative system. The feet or legs should be so arranged that the ankle joints should touch each other. Hands should be placed straight on the knee joints. Sit for 15 minutes with closed eyes concentrating on God. This ASANA is useful in curing rheumatism and keeps the mind and body in order. focused if not closed, on the space between eyebrows (TRIKUTY).

PADMA ASANA Place the right foot on the left thigh and then carefully bring the left foot on the right thigh. This is the physical position for the spiritual process. One must press the tongue against the teeth and chin against Heart. The sight should be focused on the tip of the nose. Breathing should be slow. It destroys diseases.

PRANAYAM Pranayam removes all diseases, purifies the Nadis, steadies the mind in concentration, improves digestion and increases the appetite. It helps awaken the Kundalini. Sit in Padma or Sidhi Asana. Close the right nostril with the thumb. Draw in the air very slowly through the left nostril. Then do it likewise with the right nostril. Retain the air as long as you can comfortable. Then exhale very slowly, through the nostril after removing thumb or finger. Do 20 rounds in the morning and in the evening. Increase it gradually.

TRATAKA This involves steady gazing at a particular point or object without blinking to increase concentration. It is a very effective method to control the mind and improve the eyesight and develop will power. It can be done by concentration one's attention on a black or white dot on the wall, a picture or on OM etc.

POOJA: Diva or Deity should be kept in one's mind while reciting the mantra. Each mantra has tremendous force and draws maximum benefits. This can be performed in three ways: -  1. Vaikhari (Verbal) by speaking loudly. 2. Upamsu (Whispering). 3.  Mansik (Mental). 4. AGNI HOTRA: Homa is performed with fire in accordance with prescribed ritual.

Yantras and Pranapratishta

The classical tantrik surfaces are gold, silver, copper and Vishnu stone (shalagrama). The point or bindu at the center generally represents the deity, Shiva and Shakti united. The triangle normally represents the three gunas, or in the case of the tantrik tradition, the three bindus. Triangles usually face downwards in the case of female Yantras and upwards in male Yantras. Enclosing circles and a group often surrounds triangles or groups of petals, in which are the attendants of the Devi or Diva. Finally, the whole is often enclosed in a Bhupura, a word that means earth city. These are the enclosing walls, fenced by the guardians of the directions and the intermediate directions (dikpalas).

Giving Life to a Shree CHAKRA

Before any Yantra is a suitable object for puja, it must be given life (pranapratishta). The rite installs the 35 tattvas into the Yantra. It also gives the Yantra the full set of senses and the Antahkarana, or subtle body.

The Yantra Gayatri is   Yantra Rajaya Vidmahe Maha Yantraya Dhimahi Tanno Yantrah Prachodayat.

Brahmna-Vishnu-Maheshvara are the Rishis of this great mantra installing life into the Shree Yantra; Rg, Yajur, Sam and Atharva are the Metres; Consciousness is the Devata; Aim is the Bija, Hreem the Shakti, Kroom the Kilaka.

Lakshmi The Deity Of Wealth -
She Brings Good Fortune, Wealth, & Prosperity.

LAKSHMI YANTRA Above.
The Lakshmi Mantra: "Om Sri Mahalakshmiaya Namaha"

When Lakshmi smiles upon you, good fortune and wealth will come your way.  The symbol above represents a diety named Lakshmi and she is the goddess of wealth.  Saying prayers to Lakshmi will bring you your desires.

THE TARA SADHANA FOR WEALTH

The chief among the ten Mahavidyas or the powerful forms of Shakti, Tara bestows one with wealth and prosperity. For thousands of years Her Sadhanas have been popular among Rishis and Yogis, because once it is done with full concentration success is sure to come and all one's materials desires are fulfilled.

This sadhana also bestows Siddhi of Tara Mahavidya, which is a great spiritual achievement. Also materially one gains all that  to gain.

THE SADHANA

Quick success is attained if the Sadhana is started from Akshaya Trieeyaa or a Sunday. At night have a bath, get into red robes and sit on a red mat facing the South. If you don't have a red robe, then get into comfortable clothing, and sit on a cushion on the floor. Cover a wooden seat with red cloth and on it place a Tara Yantra. Next make seven heaps of Sulfur in a row and on the fourth place an oil lamp. Mustard or sesame oil could be used, these you can get at your health food store. Before the lamp place a Tara Vastnaabh in a copper place. First bathe it with water. Wipe it dry and offer it rice grains on it. With a match stick write the following Mantra on the Tara Vastnaabh with vermilion.

After this, light the lamp and some incense and with a red coral rosary chant the following mantra:

Aum Ayiem Ka La Hreem Ayeim Taaraayei Siddhim Dehi Dehi Om Ayeim Ka La Hreem Ayeim Namah.

60 rounds of this mantra have to be chanted daily for six days. The sixth day when the Goddess appears pray to Her with folded hands to fulfil all your wishes and gift you with gold daily. After six days place the Tara Yantra in your place of worship and wrapping the Tara Vastnaabh in the red cloth place it in some safe spot at home. Thus the Sadhana is accomplished and soon one gains all that one wishes for.

Without doubt this Sadhana is nothing short of a miracle and whoever tries it faces no paucity in life. Every Sadhak should try and accomplish it.

END.