Yantra
 

The meaning of the Yantra and its symbols

   Integral Yoga® is a complete Yoga, and the Integral Yoga  Yantra is also complete. It is a representation of the entire cosmos. Sometimes external images are used in meditation or worship to symbolise or express certain divine ideas or qualities. When mantras (sound formulas used in meditation) or divine ideas are meditated upon, certain images are brought out. It is something like liquid crystallizing into solid form. These geometric figures are actually crystallised mantra forms.
   The Integral Yoga Yantra represents the entire creation. Each part of the Yantra corresponds to a different aspect of the cosmos. According to Yogic thinking, God or the Cosmic Consciousness is originally unmanifest - just by Himself, Herself or Itself. As God begins to manifest, the first expression is as the sound vibration. The Bible explains it by saying, "In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God, and the word was God". Here word means sound.

   In Sanskrit, they say something similar but take it a step further: "Naada, bindhu, kalaa" the sound, then the dot, then the art or rays. If God manifests as sound, you can't see anything. What is the smallest expression which you could see? The Bindhu or the dot. It should be the smallest possible particle. In the Yantra it is shown as the large dot in the centre and represents the first physical expression, the very core of the cosmos. That dot which then expresses itself as kalaa the different rays or different arts.

   The next expression is the three rings of different hues, which represent the three gunas or basic qualities of nature: sattva, (balance) rajas, (activity) tamas, (inertia). In the Yogic thinking, everything in this universe manifests uniquely because it results from a unique combination of these three. All differences in the phenomenal world are due to the variations of these basic three qualities.

   Then you see the hexagon around the three rings. This can be well explained with an example from science. Taking a photo of a crystal, you will see that its normal shape is six sided. That's why the Yantra has the six sides around the centre. It means that the first speck of matter expresses itself as more complex matter like a crystal. The six triangles are actually a combination of two larger triangles, one pointed up, the other down. The triangle with apex upwards represents the positive or masculine aspect; the inverted triangle is the negative or feminine aspect. In Sanskrit this concept is called Siva-Shakti. A combination of the male and female equally represented. There is no inferiority or superiority for either aspect; they blend perfectly together. Whichever way you hold the Yantra, they remain the same. So it makes a complete whole, and this itself represents the entire unmanifest as well as the manifest aspects of the Supreme. Once the triangles come together, the hexagon could also represent the six basic tattvas or principles - the five senses and the mind as the sixth. The six-sided crystal then manifests outward in further expressions of the primordial energy and matter. Why and how does this happen? Out of love. So all the beautiful lotus petals represent loving manifestations.
   Another way of representing the petals is that the eight inner petals represent the subtle elements while the sixteen outer ones indicate their grosser manifestations.

   Then you see three large circles surrounding the lotuses. They indicate how these elements further express as the three worlds: causal, astral and physical. But even that is not the end. The Divine expression is unlimited, which is why the circles are framed by a square with gaps pointing out - the infinity of creation.

   Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi

   These symbols appear on the outermost petals of the Yantra and are the visible indication of the deepest teaching of H.H. Sri Swami Satchidananda that "Truth is One, Paths are Many."

  They represent the twelve faith on the altars in the upper sanctuary of the LOTUS. These altars circle and connect to the central altar honouring the One Light. Close examination of the faiths of the world reveals their basic unity. The structural core of every religion is some form of prayer or communion with the Divine, combined with love and service to fellow beings.

   The essence of every religion is an experience of the heart. Since all paths lead to the same goal, let each individual choose and follow any road that lead to that Light.