Chapter 6: Ancient Tools of Meditation with Coloring & Drawing -- The Nine Designs Known as Yantras
Like science and innovation, meditation makes use of machines to help amplify and simplify the capacities of human beings. These are called yantras, and they are utilized much like how a person would grab a calculator when tasked to solve 4,456 multiplied by 9,874. It’s not that the person cannot solve this by himself. The calculator simply helped the physical body function in a better way.
Understand that this computing device is practically useless without a human being operating it. Yantras work the same way, because a triangle will be nothing but a mere shape without the spiritual concentration of a person.
Mantra, Yantra and Science
Essentially, mantras and yantras are the same. One can use them to amplify the spiritual concentration and focus of a person. The difference is in how they are manifested. Mantras, more popularly known, are phrases of positive affirmation uttered during meditation. Yantras, on the other hand, are its visual representation. These are geometric figures that represent a goddess. Basically, an upward pointing triangle is a yantra, and a downward pointing triangle is another and it holds a different symbolism. When combined, a whole new different yantra is made and it holds an entirely different meaning.
Understand that these are not mere magical scribbles that require baseless belief to work. There is a scientific explanation to this. Much like how mantras and Reiki work, yantras deliver a specific frequency to the beholder.
According to research, earth has a natural frequency and basically, every item and person emits their own differing frequencies. It has been observed and proven that when a person tunes himself to the earth’s frequency, his body will begin calming down and healing itself. It is the practice of Reiki that has been harnessing this understanding. Of course, yantras are a different story, but it holds the same basic scientific concept.
Basically, these images don’t actually hold any spiritual energy. Instead, it is the key that unlocks the energies inside the human body through vision. It’s like tuning yourself to the different energy capabilities of the physical body.
9 Planet Yantras
These 9 different yantras are very much like astrology. They share the same idea that on the day a person was born, the alignment of the planets had somehow influenced the formation of one’s personality. Instead of using these planetary yantras to predict one’s future, however, it is used to develop balance, provide strength and calm energies.
Yantra for Surya (Sun)
Despite being the center of the galaxy, this yantra is used to calm down anger and lessen ego. Other aspects the surya yantra will improve in one’s life are vitality, intellect and thus, success.
Yantra for Chandra (Moon)
The moon, even in other astrological interpretations, has been associated with femininity. Therefore, it upholds love, family, home, better insight and emotional stability.
Yantra for Mangala (Mars)
Much like the Roman god of war it represents, this yantra increases the person’s audacity, determination and sportsmanship. The bad side perhaps of this yantra is how it boosts ego. Whenever a person encounters marital issues, violence, divorce and debt problems, however, this is the symbol to look for.
Yantra for Budha (Mercury)
If your behavior leans towards eccentricity, and if you have nervous disorders or problems with concentration, then this yantra will help you lower and balance these. Mercury, after all, (as also represented in Greek and Roman mythologies) upholds learning and communication.
Yantra for Brihaspati (Jupiter)
This yantra is beneficial for children, as well as those seeking to enhance creativity and deepen meditation. Some of the things it will bring are joy, fertility, concentration and generosity.
Yantra for Shukra (Venus)
In Roman mythology, Venus was the goddess of love and beauty. By coincidence or not, the yantra for shukra somehow represents similar traits. Those looking to excel in fine arts and creative talents, and in romance and love, should utilize the energies that can be released by this yantra. Apart from those, this symbol leads to good marriage, greater wealth, and is exemplified by beauty and grace.
Yantra for Shani (Saturn)
This yantra is perfect for those gripped by loneliness, suffering, isolation and depression. The energies this geometric diagram unleashes help lower and silence these feelings.
Yantra for Rahu (North Lunar Node)
Since karma still works alongside the yantras, be careful with how you use this diagram because it raises the user’s power, fame, and popularity.
Yantra for Ketu (South Lunar Node)
Basically, this is the opposite of the previous yantra. Instead of garnering growth and energies from external sources, this helps people develop their inner selves. Its main target is to heighten spirituality (in both liberation and concentration), improve healing and widen perceptions. Those with mysterious illnesses or allergies can also seek the energies unlocked by the ketu yantra.
The Yantras in Drawing and Coloring
As explained in the introduction, coloring is as good as meditation, and as discussed earlier in this chapter, the yantras are visual keys to unlocking specific energies. Traditionally, yantras are embroidered and hung on walls to be stared at by masters undergoing meditation. They don’t necessarily need to draw it themselves to have access to its energies.
Since, however, sitting in a lotus position and hoping to immediately master the art of meditation is immensely difficult, coloring is the next best option, especially for those with crazy schedules. Since coloring requires visual attention on the artwork, the only way you can make use of a yantra during the activity is if you need to color the pattern.
There are several options to attain a yantra design:
Yantra Coloring Books -- If mandala coloring books are everywhere, then there should be one of these in your local book or crafts store. If, however, there aren’t any labels as to what kind of yantra that is, it’s up to you to research that.
Download from the internet -- As long as you have good paper, and a reliable printer, then feel free to make your own yantra coloring book. The internet, after all, is a rich source of the different yantra designs.
Draw your own -- According to experts, it is good to draw the yantra yourself. It will, however, be more difficult than coloring. Understand that these are geometric patterns, thus there is a certain strictness in precision. You will need a ruler, compass, and a protractor to get it right. You can always follow a pattern from internet images, but there are seminars where you will be taught how to properly make one.
After all, there is a step-by-step process in drawing it. One of the basic rules is to always start from the outside, then work in a clockwise manner to the inside. This is applicable in both drawing and coloring.