Yantra and Cakra in Tantric Meditation
Asian Traditions of Meditation October 31, 2016 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.21313/hawaii/9780824855680.003.0004
Summary
The essay explores the Śrīyantra, a visual tool in Hindu Tantric meditation that represents the goddess Tripurasundarī and consists of nine circuits linked to psychic energy centers. The meditation process begins with gross consciousness at the outer circuit and progresses towards subtle consciousness at the center, or Bindu. The Śrīyantra's symbolic universe includes mantras, deities, and psychological traits, which are essential for creating a cohesive meditative experience.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The meditative process using the Śrīyantra moves from gross levels of consciousness to subtle consciousness, integrating various symbols to enhance the meditative experience. |
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Abstract
In Hindu Tantric meditation, yantras are visual meditative tools composed of concentric linear shapes centered on the Bindu, a dimensionless point. This essay discusses the Śrīyantra, the symbol of goddess Tripurasundarī, which represents the meta-worldview of Śākta Tantra. The Śriyantra is composed of nine circuits, which are identified with nine psychic energy centers of consciousness along the vertical midline of the visualized subtle body. The meditative process commences from the gross levels of consciousness represented by the peripheral circuit and moves toward the subtle and transcendent consciousness of the center (=bindu). The symbolic universe of the Śrīyantra consists of mantras, deities, cosmic categories and psychological traits. These symbols form the interpretative frame for inducing psychocosmic identities without which the meditative object, the yantra, and the meditator will remain dichotomized and disconnected.