Yantra In Hinduism a yantra is a diagram for meditation depicting chakras, larger cosmic planes or the dynamic totality of all existence as understood within the Hindu belief system.
Yantras are also variously used in ritual worship, temple rites, astrology and to enhance one’s paranormal powers.
Concerning paranormal powers, the yanta may be used as a good luck charm, to exorcize evil spirits and avoid calamities.
Yantras are usually drawn, printed (as on note paper), painted or engraved on rock or metals.
In architechture an entire Hindu temple may take the structural form of a yantra, thus representing and emboding the sacred powers it was built for. Many Hindu temples themselves are based on archetechtural manuals that advocate the yantra design.
Perhaps the essence of the yantra is found in Oscar Wilde’s notion that
Truth in art is the unity of a thing with itself: the outward rendered expressive of the inward; the soul made incarnate; the body instinct with spirit.”
Cited in Peter Fingesten, “Spirituality, Mysticism and Non-Objective Art,” Art Journal, Vol. 21, No. 1 (Autumn, 1961: 2-6), p. 2
Primary Sources and Further Reading:
- The Encyclopedia of Religion. Eliade, Mircea (ed). New York: 1987, Collier Macmillan, Vol. 15.
- Fischer-Schreiber, Ingrid. The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion : Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zen. Boston : Shambhala, 1994, c1989.
Image Credit:
- #14 Sri Yantra Mandala SHANKAR originally uploaded to flickr.com by shankar gallery Richard Lazzara » http://www.flickr.com/photos/shankargallery/148979213/
» Mandala
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