Mantra, Yantra & Tantra
Mantra, yantra and tantra are the three basic forms of practice in Hinduism that are used individually or together for self-liberation. Each of these three practices can be used beneficially or misused.
The key is the intention and purity of the practitioner. For example, in the worst-case scenario, mantras can be used to cause harm or create suffering (tamasic). They can also be used purely for self-centered reasons (sattvic). Ideally, they are used for universal spiritual liberation (rajasic).
- TANTRA: The path of action or physical practice (physical power, nervous system, nadis)
- MANTRA: The path of the mind and knowledge (thought power, invocation, devotion)
- YANTRA: The path of will power and energy (spiritual power, individual will, renunciation)
Energizing a Yantra
Yantras can be used to store divine energy much like a battery or protective shield. In addition to concentrating on a yantra when chanting or meditating, you may want to consider the following practices in association with energizing a yantra:
- Take a shower or bath to start with a sense of purity on the physical level
- Find a place where you will not be disturbed (you may want to face east)
- Light incense or diffuse essential oils (especially sandalwood, cedarwood, myrrh)
- Create some kind of altar with special objects and/or fresh flowers
- State your intention or desire (personal or universal)
- Choose a set number of times to repeat a mantra (108 is a common number)
Functions of Yantras
Private yantras may have been derived from the larger forms used in temple construction. As depictions of universal vibrations, yantras are a type of microcosm. Rituals involving mantras and yantras can become very complex.
Yantra Rituals
The rituals may be performed only on certain days of the year. The mantras are repeated with mathematical precision for each aspect of the yantra. The rituals are done at certain times of the day, and certain types of food or offerings are given. The Hindu form of feng shui called vastu will sometimes use yantras to correct negative configurations or influences in the environment.
Astrology and Yantras
Yantras may be worn as talismans or charms. They can also can be created for specific purposes such as the mitigation of astrological influences, the healing of a particular disease, or for spiritual protection. There are yantras for each of the major planets that can be used astrologically.
RESOURCE: To learn more about astrological mantras, visit our article Astrology Mantras.
How to Use Yantras
The choice of a yantra depends on the aims and goals of the practitioner. Traditionally, both a mantra and yantra were chosen for a spiritual aspirant by a teacher or guru. The purpose was to find the yantra and mantra combination that would be the most effective in stimulating the devotion and life force of the seeker.
Yantras and Vastu (Feng Shui)
Yantras are sometimes used in vastu (the Hindu form of feng shui). For example, a powerful image or sculpture of the Sri Yantra may be used to correct negative configurations or influences in the environment. Historically, yantras were guarded by Hindu priests to prevent unauthorized access to them. Yantras can be created for specific purposes:
- mitigation of astrological influences
- healing of a particular diseases
- creation a spiritual forcefield
- protection from the ill will of others
- a focus for meditation and mantras
Combining Mantra, Yantra and Tantra
Yantras can function in several ways. As discussed above, yantras can be used for protection. They can also be used as a means of concentrating on a particular aspects of God’s consciousness embodied in a particular deity. If you are using a mantra to shift a situation or circumstance in your life, using the yantra and mantra together will increase the effectiveness of your efforts. There are also tantric meditations and practices that help to move energy through the channels in the physical body.
Benefits of Using Mantra, Yantra, and Tantra Practices
Benefits of using the practices of mantra, yantra, and tantra include the following:
- VISUALIZATION: Focusing on a yantra helps to train the mind in the practice of visualization. In turn, mastering the use of visualization is helpful in supporting health, accomplishing goals, and creating a calm and centered attitude in life. Visualization can be part of all three practices of mantra, yantra and tantra.
- ENERGY STORAGE: Some believe that the yantra itself holds spiritual energy. By chanting or focusing attention on the yantra, it can be charged like a battery. The stored energy can be utilized at a later point.
- SYNERGY: The yantra reinforces the positive effects of the associated mantra. Since the yantra is a crystallized form of the mantra, the two strengthen each other synergistically.
- CONSCIOUSNESS: The beauty and symmetry of the yantra will help to uplift your consciousness simply through gazing on the yantra or having the yantra visible in your environment.
- CHAKRA YANTRAS: The symbols for each of the chakras are also yantras. These can be used to help visualize the clearing and healing of each chakra. Learn more in the article Chakra Symbols.
Kathleen Karlsen is an author, musician, artist, and composer. She has written three books (The Color-Music Connection, Flower Symbols, and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Her YouTube channel features over 600 videos. Kathleen and her family live in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
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