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Yantra:

Mechanistic patterns, designs and symbols which represent someone or something. Yantra refers to mechanistic science. Yantra has become known as the symbology for various divine realities through mystical patterns, which are drawn on the ground, on paper, etched in copper or drawn on computer screens, etc. For example, the Star of David is a component in many yantras, as is the swastika. Both of these are ancient vedic symbols.

(See also: Yantra, Psychic, Psychic Dictionary, Parapsychology, Parapsychology Dictionary)

Yantra:

A Tantric diagram or chart.

(See also: Yantra, Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

Mantras & Yantras: Types of Yantras

These five types of yantras are classed according to the different puja (worship) conducted. Bhu Prisht Yantras, Meru Prisht Yantras, Patel Yantras, Meru Parastar Yantras and Ruram Prisht Yantras. Each yantra has a separate and distinct purpose to gain a particular objective for the aspirant. Some yantras are worshipped in temples, some worshipped by individuals at home and some are worn on the body. According to how the yantras are used they are further classified into seven divisions Sharir Yantra, Dharan Yantra, Asana Yantra, Mandala Yantra and Puja Yantra.

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Mantras & Yantras: The Meaning of Mantra

Mantras, being sacred sound vibrations, are composed of sacred syllables representative of and containing within great spiritual power, or energy. Utilising mantras allows us to concentrate and focus this spiritual energy. The mantras were perceived originally by the great seers or rishis from the primeval or cosmic ether and translated into very definite syllables with rhythm and melody.

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Mantras & Yantras

Mantra meditation is often called " Mantra Yoga", considered to be a part of "Nada Yoga", which means the "yoga of sound". The great rishis, seers or saints of ancient India passed down these sacred sound vibrations for the benefit of all life but especially for human society for only in the human form of life can one obtain spiritual realisation. These sacred sound vibrations are known to promote healing on all levels, whilst, at the same time, awakening the chakras within our ethereal, or subtle, bodies.

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Sacred Geometry: YANTRAS - What is a Yantra?

All ancient cultures had sacred geometric designs representative of their Gods, which had a mantra (or sacred sound vibration) that corresponded to it. The Indians, Egyptians, Jews, Chinese, and Mayans all had systems of "planetary yantras" used to combat malefic influences. Yantra is the ultimate "symbology". In the Vedic culture we find much power and energy said to be held within sacred geometric symbols. They are to be found throughout sacred scriptures, carved in stone, hidden within paintings and in temples.

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In Hindu devotional practice, three kinds of external symbols are used for worship of the Supreme Being, who is actually formless and nameless. The most external is that of divine images cast in human form, with paraphernalia symbolising supra-human divinity.

The most subtle is that of the mantras or divine names with certain sounds. A mantra is divine power clothed in sound. Between these two come the yantras or chakras , representing the deity in geometrical diagrams. Worshippers of Shakti consider the Srichakra the holiest and most significant of divine symbols.

(See also: Srichakra, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

The Agamas : Another class of popular scriptures are the Agamas. The Agamas are theological treatises and practical manuals of divine worship. The Agamas include the Tantras, Mantras and Yantras. These are treatises explaining the external worship of God, in idols, temples, etc. All the Agamas treat of (i) Jnana or Knowledge, (ii) Yoga or Concentration, (iii) Kriya or Esoteric Ritual and (iv) Charya or Exoteric Worship.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

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The Sound Of Your Name

In the famous Tantra Book, Vigyan Bhairav Tantra, there's one sutra, "Enter the sound of your name and through this sound, all sounds", that talks about the science of mantra. Your name can be used as a mantra wich serve you a double purpose.

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Meditation is an intensely personal and spiritual experience. The desired purpose of each meditation technique is to channel our awareness into a more positive direction by totally transforming one's state of mind. To meditate is to turn inwards, to concentrate on the inner self.
There are many forms of meditation, such as chakra meditation, yantra meditation, vipassana meditation and mantra meditation. While the forms of meditation vary, they all use concentration techniques, which help us to becoming a witness of our thoughts. The idea is that when the mind is calm, like a lake without any ripples, we experience total peace and empowerment.

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Gemstones and the Vedas

Since ancient times India has been a source of gems and the knowledge of their uses. They were valued for healing, and for spiritual reasons. Their use as an ornament was of secondary importance. Gems were known to increase the flow of different energies. Individuals would use them both for their own personal uses, and in places where many could benefit from their energies, as in temples dedicated to God.

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Diamond

Diamond is the gemstone recommended for Venus. It increases artistic and creative abilities. It can also lead toward love and devotion in relationships and may also increase passion and sexual desires. Physically, it strengthens the reproductive system, and is said to aid in the treatment of chronic diseases. White, or colorless, sapphire is a good substitute for diamond and may be used in the same manner.

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Mandala, which literally means circle, largely associated with religions and cults of India and Tibet, was also used as a potent symbol by the American Indians, the original inhabitants of Central America, and by the aborigines of Australia.

Across cultures, the universe is represented as a series of concentric circles, maybe as a model of the solar system. In Tantra, the central point represents Mount Meru around which the earth is situated, and the concentric circles represent the cosmic aspects of the universe, like energy fields and atmospheric zones. In Hindu and Buddhist interpretations, the centre of the Mandala is the ultimate divine principle uniting the object and the subject as they spin out of the centre. This may refer to the cosmos or to the human body.

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The Curative and Spiritual Powers of Gemstones

In the same way as medicines cure a disease by cumulative vibrational qualities, gemstones can counteract afflictions caused by the negative planetary effects. There are also medicines made from gems' ashes (bhasmas) and powders (pisthis) which have been used to cure disease by taking internally. The results have been astounding and referred to as "the ancient editions of modern isotopes".

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Blue Sapphire

Blue sapphire is the gemstone recommended for strengthening Saturn. It can be beneficial to career or work and promote feelings of self-contentment or detachment. It is also said to counteract envy and give protection while travelling and from mental anxieties. Physically, it is said to strengthen the bones and cleanse the blood. Spiritually, it is an aid in meditation and it increases psychic abilities.

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Red Coral

To strengthen Mars, wearing a red coral stone (best), or strand of beads is recommended. The deeper red it is in color the more potency it will have. The wearing of red coral will increase vitality, courage and ability to work on endeavors through to their fruition. Physically it is said to strengthen the immune system, the muscles of the body and the male reproductive system.

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Hinduism: Communicating with God and the Gods in Hinduism

 It is in the Hindu temple that the three worlds meet and devotees invoke the Gods of our religion. The temple is built as a palace in which the Gods live. It is the home of the Gods, a sacred place unlike every other place on the earth. The Hindu must associate himself with these Gods in a very sensitive way when he approaches the temple. Though the devotee rarely has the psychic vision of the Deity, he is aware of the God's divine presence. As he approaches the sanctum sanctorum, the Hindu is fully aware that an intelligent being, greater and more evolved than himself, is there. This God is intently aware of him, safeguarding him, fully knowing his inmost thought, fully capable of coping with any situation the devotee may mentally lay at his Holy Feet. It is important that we approach the Deity in this way - conscious and confident that our needs are known in the inner spiritual worlds.

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What is a "Jyotish" or "Ayurvedic Quality" Gemstone?

Jyotish is the sanskrit name for vedic astrology, meaning "science of light". Ayurveda is the Indian system of medicine meaning "science of life". For gems to be capable of transmitting cosmic planetary rays that may enhance physical, emotional, or spiritual health or attract positive influences toward a person, they must first of all be natural. This means they are created by tectonic pressure within the earth over time periods up to millions of years. Gems also transmit cosmic colors that are in turn absorbed by the chakra centers in the ethereal body and therefore they must be of good quality in clarity.

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Choosing and Wearing Gemstones

Once a proper stone is obtained it may be set in either a ring or pendant for wearing on the body. The gem must be set in such a way that the stone comes into contact with the skin. Gems should be set by themselves, as certain gems are incompatible and may cause undesired effects if set together in the same piece of jewelry. There are exceptions in the case of specific talismans where certain gems are set together for a positive combined effect.

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