The Sri Yantra, also known as the Sri Chakra, is the called the mother or "queen" of all yantras because all other yantras derive from it. It is comprised of a geometrical pattern that represents the totality of creation and existence through Advaita Vedanta philosophy or 'non-duality' between the self or soul (Atman) and the infinite or highest metaphysical reality (Brahman). It symbolizes spiritual liberation and freedom found through self-realization and awareness of the divine within ourselves, the divine in others and all beings, and the non-dual Oneness of Atman with Brahman.
The Sri Yantra is a configuration of nine interlocking triangles that radiate outwards from a central point called 'Bindu'. This Bindu point represents the supreme mother (Devi) and where the unmanifest is manifested. It is the cosmic spiritual union of Shiva (Divine Masculine) and Shakti (Divine Feminine). Enclosing the Bindu point and superimposed on one another are the four Shiva triangles with apexes upward and five Shakti triangles (inclusive of the inner triangle) with apexes downward.
These nine main interlocking Shiva-Shakti triangles form forty-three smaller triangles, housing all Deities, who are the conscious forces governing the various powers of nature in the cosmos as well as in an individual. Shiva and Shakti are involved in the whole process of ‘Becoming’ or "awakening" in its microcosmic (Atman) and cosmic (Brahman) aspects. With Shakti comes creation through the awakening of the kundalini and with Shiva comes dissolution, and a constant recreation of all that exists.
Two circles of lotuses, one with eight petals and the other with sixteen petals surround these triangles and represents creation and vitality. The outer frame denotes a temple-like sanctuary, with four openings or doorways to the infinite regions of the universe.
The word Sri (shri) means 'holy' and the word Yantra means 'instrument'. The Sri Yantra is a "holy instrument" or sacred mandala that has been used for thousands of years as a a focus for meditation, prayer, or concentration to assist the Individual in becoming "awakened" or aware of the infinite, and its Oneness with God. It is a tool used to visualize the totality of our existence. Our spiritual journey from the stage of material existence to self-realization and enlightenment is mapped on the Sri Yantra.
Spiritual enlightenment can be achieved by awakening and ascending Shakti Kundalini energy from the base of the spine (root chakra) or muladhara to the top of the head (crown chakra) or sahasrara. The sahasrara is sometimes referred to as the "the seat of Shiva" or "Christ Consciousness".
Sri Yantra
