Yantra is the Sanskrit word for machine or instrument. The meaning is contextual and can stand for anything; a process, symbol or anything that has structure. A popular type of Yantra (a Shri Yantra)is made up of geometric patterns similar to the one pictured above. The traditional use of a Yantra in Eastern Mysticism is to balance the mind or to focus on spiritual concepts.
The Shri Yantra has a specific pattern. It is nine interlocking triangles that surround and radiate out from the center. Four of the traingles point up representing the masculine and five triangles pointing down to represent the feminine.
Yantras are one of the most elaborate symbolic pictures used in meditative visualization. Yantras take the meditator on a wordless journey into the deep mysteries of the mind.
Using a Yantra:
1. Place the yantra (image) at eye level, a comfortable distance from you meditation seat. Use soft but adequate lighting. (you can download a yantra from the Internet at someplace like google images)
2. Sit comfortably on your cushion and close your eyes.
3. To help concentrate, watch the breath as usual, and when body and mind become still, open your eyes and focus on the image.
4. Blink only when necessary. Your eyes may have a tendency to flit from one part of the image to another. Try to keep them as still as possible.
5. Ignore any thoughts you may have about the image. Do not attempt consciously to decode its symbols. Allow the symbols to work upon the unconscious. Sense that the image is both in front of you and inside your mind.
