Yantra
Yantras ( Sanskrit यन्त्र yantra , n., From yam “to support”, “to hold”) are ritual diagrams that are common in Hinduism and Tantrism and are used for meditation or have an initiatory function. Yantras are graphic representations, a figure with spiritual and ritual meaning. Yantras are always purely geometric figures, in contrast to mandalas , which can also contain iconic representations - in some cases there is also the opinion that yantras contain mandalas.
function
A yantra is considered a representation of the divine and can be viewed as the physical expression of a mantra : the mantra represents an aspect of the divine in the form of a sound, while the yantra in the form of a geometric figure. At the center of the presentation is a starting point, bindu ( Sanskrit : बिन्दु bindu m. Point, drop, essence, dots, dots) from which the other forms radiate - this is how the visual sensory perception is guided through the presentation from this starting point. The yantras almost always contain geometric shapes such as triangles, squares or floral representations; but more complex shapes are also possible. The diagrams, although designed in two dimensions, are understood more as multidimensional sacred architecture. Typical is a very symmetrical structure, which is closed off from the outside by using a frame and thus holds the energy together.
construction
Most yantras are made up of certain graphic basic elements, so that some geometric figures and shapes can increasingly be found in the most varied of yantras. They have an important meaning or they represent certain elements:
- Center (Bindu Sanskrit : बिन्दु bindu m. ) Point, drop): the bindu is used as a starting point, it depicts the extremely condensed energy of creation. As a central point, it is considered the gateway to transcendent reality. The bindu can also be found in the yantras as a symbol of wholeness and perfection;
- Hexagram (Shatkona Sanskrit षट्कोण ṣaṭkoṇa adj. , Hexagonal ): shows the unity of female and male. It consists of two triangles placed on top of each other and is an image of mother nature. The Shatkona also represents the higher self;
- Circle (Chakra Sanskrit : चक्र cakra n. Wheel, disc, potter's wheel; throwing disc, discus; throwing weapon Viṣṇus; oil mill; circle, cycle): in yantra symbolism the circle represents the element water and rotation, the cyclical development of becoming visible. It is closely related to the spiral shape, which plays an important role in holistic development and also embodies the chakras, the energy centers. The circle is related to the mind;
- Square (Bhupura Sanskrit : भूपुर, bhūpura edge): It represents the body, matter and stability; stable and firm, it depicts the element earth, the power of compression and manifestation. In the Yantra, the square is a sacred area that is opened to the outside world through 4 T-shaped doors that are initiation thresholds;
- Triangle (Trikona ( Sanskrit : त्रिकोण trikoṇa adj. U. N. Triangular, forming a triangle) with point downwards: knowledge, but also the element water are represented by the triangle with a downwards point. In general, triangles are in the yantras for energy.
- Triangle (Trikona) with point upwards: in the yantras stands for the power of the element fire. Triangles show the polarity aspect of the energy, the point upwards signifies masculine, the point downwards feminine power;
- Line diagonal: the element air is symbolized by a diagonal line. In general, the straight lines represent the human soul. They divide a representation into two sides of the same structure and thus reflect the duality, for example, between good and bad, man and woman or day and night;
- Horizontal line: the power of the water element is shown in yantras as a horizontal line;
- Line vertical: the powerful element of fire is found in the symbolic power of the yantras in a vertical line;
- Point: represents the ether.
- Lotus flower (Padma Sanskrit : पद्म padma m. U. N. Lotus): the lotus flower can be found in all symbols of the chakras, it is the symbol of the female creative principle. Because of its growth with the roots in the mud, the stem in the water to the formation of flowers on the surface, it is also a symbol for the path to enlightenment.
practice
Especially in the religious life of followers of the Shakti , the feminine form of the divine, Yantras play an important role. One draws them z. B. on the floor, on paper or scratches in metal plates. These signs represent the formless aspect of the goddess. In worship, a puja , they can be at the center instead of a statue or an image . By reciting mantras, believers believe that the goddess herself manifests in them and is present through her.
All yantras have in common an outer enclosure by so-called "walls", inside there are strong differences depending on the yantra / deity. The Sri Yantra , the most famous yantra, contains nine intertwined triangles, four of which represent Shiva and five represent Shakti .
In a broader sense, Yantra in Hinduism generally means the use of external objects, symbols, or mechanical methods to worship the divine. In this sense, yantra represents one of the three paths of spirituality in Hinduism, the other two are mantra and tantra . Yantra stands for the path of detached action, mantra for the path of knowledge and tantra for the path of devotion .
literature
- Gudrun Bühnemann et al .: Mandalas and Yantras in the Hindu Traditions. Brill, Leiden 2003, archive.org
Web links
References and comments
- ↑ Eckard Wolz-Gottwald: Yoga-Philosophy-Atlas. Experience of primordial awareness. Via Nova, Fuld 2006, ISBN 978-3-936486-04-9 , p. 90