Start your yoga career now: Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher Training in London Begins September
Yantra - Using Yantras in Meditation
YogaLondon on 30 September, 2010 | 
The term Yantra translates as 'instrument'. It is an instrument for developing pratyahara.
In the science of yantra, every form in the whole universe can be simplified into geometric shapes (e.g. square, triangle, circle, line, etc.). Each of these geometric shapes has its own symbolism and meaning attached to it.
The practice of yantra involves concentration on the chosen geometric shape and its symbolic meaning. The practitioner then needs to develop a visualisation of the yantra within their own mind, with the ability to see the shape in 3D from all sides. Eventually the mind becomes so focused on the yantra that it is unknown to the student whether the yantra is in their mind or if they are in the yantra. Work can then begin on dismantling the yantra piece by piece until the yantra no longer exists. The practitioner is left in a meditative state of absorption.
Beginners should work with more complex yantras and simplify them as they progress.
Yantras are also used in Tibetan Buddhism, but include pictures of Buddhas or enlightened beings. In these forms they are known as Mandalas.
Geometric shapes employed in Yantra:
A yantra is typically made up of a square border, then circles, triangles and lotus petals, and finally in the centre a dot (bindu). Each of these components has it’s own symbolic meaning. Here are just a few of the many shapes and their meanings:
1) Bindu (dot) - Signifies the point between the manifest and unmanifest, between actuality and potentiality.
2) Triangle - The downward pointing triangle symbolises feminine/shakti energy, water and the number 2. The upward pointing triangle symbolises masculine/shiva energy, fire and the number 3.
3) Dodecagon (superimposed upward and downward triangles) - Equal and opposing forces in balance.
4) Hour-glass triangles (upward and downward triangle meeting at their points) - Symbolic of destruction (note: destruction may be a positive or negative force).
5) Square - Symbolises the earth element, which is grounding and sustaining. This shape is linked to the number 4.
6) Circle - The circle symbolises rhythm or dormant energy. It is associated with the element ether and the number 1 (or 10).
7) Lotus - The lotus appears in a variety of forms, mainly distinguished by the number of petals. They are each associated with particular deity or personality.
Shri-Yantra
This is the most famous yantra of all. The word 'Shri' is linked to the goddess Lakshmi (goddess of fortune). Depicted in the shri-yantra are nine triangles that are arranged in such a way as to create 43 smaller triangles. Of the nine triangles, four point upwards (masculine energy) and five point downwards (feminine energy).
In concentric circles surrounding these superimposed triangles are an 8 petal lotus (vishnu/preserver) and a 16 petal lotus (symbolic of control over the mind/senses).
The three lines which surround the outer lotus are symbolic of the three parts/spheres of both the world/body (gross, subtle and causal matter) and the mind (Conscious, unconscious, subconscious).