The Sri Yantra is the symbol of Hindu Tantra. This sacred geometrical symbol is a visual representation of the energy pattern of the universe and the goddess Tripura Sundari.
The Sri Yantra design consists of:
• 9 interlacing triangles which create 43 smaller triangles
• a lotus of 8 petals
• a lotus of 16 petals
• a square representing the earth as a temple with four doors
The interlocking triangles represent the union of divine Masculine and Feminine energies. The four upward pointing triangles represent Shiva as the Masculine, and the five downward pointing triangles represent Shakti as the Feminine.
Tripura Sundari translates as the “beautiful goddess of the three cities.”
The three cities represent:
• The trinity of matter, energy and thought
• Our three bodies: physical, astral and causal
• The three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming and deep sleep
The three cities are symbolized by the three lights of fire, sun and moon.
Tripura Sundari represents the highest form of beauty – the light of consciousness.
External beauty is but a reflection of our inner light. The light of divine beauty can never be permanently contained in any object and will never die.
We can raise our awareness of divine beauty when our minds are clear and calm. This allows for pure perception. When we release self-defeating thought patterns we can delight in seeing all of the beauty in the universe as a reflection of true consciousness.
Where has your light been shining lately? Feel free to leave a comment in the box below.
Resources: Tantric Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses by Dr. David Frawley
It took me about 7 minutes to find the 9 primary triangles. It will probably take another 2 hours to get the image out of my vision. Thanks that was good fun.
Tahoe Dave
Beautiful site, Emily. Well done.
My light has been recently shinning on vivid, extremely vivid, and powerful memories. I’m four years old, playing behind a large dirt pile, in a vacant lot, down the street from our Jersey City, tenement apartment building. On one level, I’m exchanging a throw of rocks with kids from a neighboring dirt pile. Boys, you know, war. On another level, I begin looking at the dirt, and then INTO the dirt, it’s shape, it’s twists and turns, highs and lows, it’s roads, it’s castles, its nooks, crannies and water-ways, its inner worlds and inner workings, it’s endless routes, possibilities and awaiting adventures. Clear, calm, with the mind of a child, I’m drawn deeper and deeper. It’s all there. And there’s just so much of it. … Suddenly, I hear a familiar voice. Mom is calling from the roof of our building. Diner is ready.