YANTRAS
Yantra is not magic, but a path or technique which has been frequently mistaken with "Jadoo Toona" and superstition. In technical terms, Yantra means an instrument, an apparatus, a talisman or mystical diagrams. By following certain techniques and instructions, one can attain "siddhi" and fulfil one's desires and ambitions speedily.Our ancient "rishis" and seers practiced Yantra and attained perfect peace of mind so essential in modern life. The "Shastras" or ancient texts have held the power of Yantra in high esteem as an effective tool in the path towards realising God.
The Aims and Objects of Yantras
A man expresses himself through signs, speech or writing. While Yantras include signs and writings, Mantras and Tantras are inter-linked since they are expressed through the medium of Yantra. Different Yantras are connected with different deities and are combined with different Mantras. The five basic elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and the Sky are related to Yantras, and by performing Special "Pujas" or prayers one can control nature for one's own advantage. According to our Shastras, Yantra is a science which can be used through the five elements of Nature and by the recitation of certain Mantras. Deities are worshipped in different forms and each form is linked to a Yantra. Each planet is said to have a beneficial or harmful effect. Yantra is believed to remove their malefic effects and increase their beneficial aspect. A "Bindu" or a zero is the basic primary sign through which a triangle is developed, indicating various desires, methods or knowledge. The "bindu" is a focal point of increasing one's powers of concentration. It is often expanded to form various types of triangles and other round, long or broad figures which
are called "Yantras".
While anybody can draw the yantra, it docs not yield the desired results unless it is energised by a "Sidh Mantra". This task can be performed only by a competent "tentrik". Yantras are generally prescribed by astrologers and tantriks to ward off the evil effects of the planets, spirits or one's adversaries.
In general, a Yantra is a particular design drawn on bronze, lead, copper, silver, stainless steel, or gold. A durable material is used so that when "Puja" is performed, the wearer will be protected from all those forces which arc inimical. Yantra thus becomes the medium through which the invisible forces of energy act on an individual. The medium is sanctified and the person who wears it should recite certain "mantras" so that the effectiveness of the yantra is increased. In order to enhance the benefits of the yantra, the utmost skill and sincerity is required of the person who energises it.
The yantras sadhana is verifiable at every stage as it is a rational science based on a set of doctrines, which may be tested by any individual at any level. In order to olain "Siddhi", the sadhana must be done selflessly and with all faith and humility. It must be admitted that despite the best of intentions, the desired results arc not always achieved. People become disheartened and arc often known to label both yantra and its "Sadhakas" as hoaxes. However, just as scientists do not always succeed in their endeavours, so to the yantras and those who practice its prescribed rituals may register failures on some occasions.
The preparation of yantras is a difficult process as there are many prescribed steps and rituals that have to be followed exactly. The great tantrik yantra diagrams represent time and space, especially the "Shri Yantra" which is the most sacred and effective yantra in Hinduism.
Watch the "Sri Yantra"
