Elevate Your Spiritual Practice with Yantra Painting Meditation: Here’s How
Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the intricate geometry of a Yantra painting? Maybe you’ve thought, "What’s the deeper meaning behind these ancient symbols?" or "How can they enhance my meditation and energy healing practices?"
What I love about Yantras (the sacred diagrams) is that they’re not just beautiful works of art. They’re powerful tools that connect the material with the spiritual. That’s why I often share this meditation practice with my yoga students.
No matter where you are on your journey, exploring the art of Yantra can open up pathways to inner peace, clarity, and a deeper cosmic connection. And that’s exactly what I’m here to guide you through in this article.
If you’re ready, grab a tea, get cozy, and let’s get into it.
What makes Yantra painting special?
Most people think of yantras as pretty geometrical paintings. Yet there’s so much more to them! The art evolved out of the practice of tantrism. It embraces a wide variety of imagery, of which the yantra, a geometrical diagram with abstract symbols, is one of the most vivid and central.
In addition to the mathematical perfection, the yantra has a universal appeal on the level of archetypes. You can actually find similar forms reappear in almost all religions. They work as symbols of cosmic mysteries through which man rediscovers his primeval consciousness.
What exactly does ‘Yantra’ mean?
Ganesha yantra
The word yantra is used in two or more ways in Sanskrit.
It comes from the root “yam”, which means support or hold. To hold is to contain, to keep, to maintain the essence of an object, a thought, or a concept. The syllable “tra” comes from trana, or “liberation from bondage”.
So a yantra is that which preserves the essence and liberates. In a more general way, yantra just means “tool”. And the best thing is that it can be a tool in many forms.
Yantra: The Visual Tool
When we paint yantras in my workshops, we also use them as visual tools. Yantras are powerful visual tools that help center your mind. Or in the more traditional Tantric point of view, they can serve as symbolic representations of a deity’s energy. In the Kularnava Tantra (one of the most well-known Tantra texts), it says:
YANTRAM MANTRA MAYAM PROCTAM
MANTRATIM DEVATAIV HI
DEHAT MANOR YATHA BHEDO
YANTRA DEVATAYOSTATHA
What this means is that the deity is present in both yantra and mantra. Just like there’s a difference between mind and body, there’s a difference between yantra and mantra. Yantra represents the body or form of the deity, while mantra represents the mind, consciousness, spirit, or name.
The scripture also says that just as oil is essential to the lamp, the body is essential to the spirit, and the yantra is essential to the deity. The yantra is the external, visual expression through which the deity receives our devotion.
When you adopt a yantra for worship and invoke its energy, it becomes the symbolic representative of the deity. And, in time, it actually becomes the deity itself when you let go of a critical, analytical mindset and allow the energy to flow into your higher centers.
Each yantra, by its name, becomes the dwelling place of the deity. The essence of the deity’s image is retained in the tantric form—no idol or picture can hold as much power as a yantra.
Idols are personal, but yantras are universal because they are made up of archetypal forms that are common to all things. A yantra is an archetypal unit, and the process of creating one taps into the very core of our being, almost like encoding divine energy within us.
It’s a journey of moving from the tangible to the abstract, from the physical world to the deeper spiritual truths.
Mystic Yantras and their principles
Venus Yantra
3 Principles: Form - function - power
Mystic yantras are a mix of three principles: the form principle, the function principle, and the power principle. They are believed to reveal the inner basis of the forms and shapes abounding in the universe. Just as, whatever the outer structure, all matter is made of an intrinsic basic unity, the atom, so each aspect of the world can be seen in its structural form as a yantra.
As the scientist sees the final picture of the world in the orderly, simple, atomic structures in which certain primal shapes appear as a harmonized ‘whole’, so the shilpi-yogins (makers of spiritual art) seek to identify the innermost structure of the universe by concentrating the variegated picture of the world - appearances through intense yogic vision into simple form-equations.
A yantra then can be considered an ultimate form-equation of a specific energy manifesting in the world. These simple form - equations are held to epitomize the real nature of the cosmos as abstracted from the concrete.
Combining yantra & mantra: Here’s what happens in your brain
Saraswati yantra
A yantra, as used by practitioners of Tantra, is combined with a mantra to engage the visual and verbal hemispheres of the brain at the same time. Normally both hemispheres alternate and work separately because of their functional specialization.
The geometrical patterns of a Tantric Yantra, when combined with sound (mantra), can engage both sides equally. Aspirants train themselves in the art of thinking in images as a means of attaining abstract concentration.
Yantra, being related to imaginal thinking, works with the right hemisphere, and mantra, because of its verbal nature and relationship with imaginal thinking in terms of abstract generalized models, works with the left hemisphere. Yantra as a symbol represents a particular energy that is related to a particular state of awareness.
For instance, a Kali yantra not only portrays Kali through abstract symbols but is a symbolic projection of the energy that Kali represents or personifies. So the yantra, because of its symbolic nature, also works with the left hemisphere, whereas its geometrical construction triggers the right hemisphere.
By drawing and coloring these geometrical diagrams based on mathematical perfection, one can make both hemispheres work simultaneously and calmly, achieve faith, and live in constant awareness.
There are important laws for the construction of yantras, including considerations of time, constellations, lunar dates, direction to face, nostril to use, pen to use, ink to use, and materials for construction. The role of colors and the place where yantras are made are also crucial elements.
Drawing Yantras: Rules & Foundations
Now that we've explored the essence and theory behind Yantras, let's take a step further. It's time to delve into the foundational rules and principles of Yantra creation, where precision meets spirituality.
1.The Center and Its Energy
The focal point of any yantra is always its center. From this point, energy radiates outward in concentric circles, dissolving into the outer edges. This center is where the divine epiphany happens.
In some yantras, like the Sri Yantra or Kali Yantra, this center may be represented by a simple dot, known as the bindu. The bindu is considered the source, the undifferentiated point of origin and return, symbolizing the unity of all forces in the universe.
2. The Root Forms of Yantras
The basic shapes that make up yantras—the triangle, circle, and square—are considered primordial and can’t be reduced further. The triangle symbolizes the rhythm of creation and is the first symbolic form to emerge from chaos.
The upward triangle represents masculine energy (Purusha/Shiva), while the downward triangle represents feminine energy (Shakti).
3. The Circle and Square
The circle represents the cyclical forces of the universe, symbolizing the infinite nature of time. The square is the foundation, representing the earthly world we must transcend. It’s the base of most yantras and reflects the stability and balance of the material world.
4. Combining the Shapes
These three basic shapes—point, triangle, and circle—are often interwoven to create intricate patterns. For example, two triangles interlocking create a star or hexagon, representing the fusion of opposing forces—masculine and feminine, spirit and matter, static and kinetic.
5. Other Symbolic Shapes
The lotus blossom is often used in yantras to represent the unfolding of divine power. The square also signifies order and perfection, the support for the yantra figure, while the four T-shaped portals at the periphery of the square represent cosmic doors, symbolizing entry into the cosmic force field.
Each shape holds layers of meaning, depending on its placement and the level of consciousness in which it functions.
Varieties of Yantras
Shakta Yantras - are yantras that represent any form of the Divine Mother.
Architectural Yantras - are used for the ground plans of temples. They also include Mandala Yantras and Chatra Yantras. Mandala Yantras are to be engraved on the roof and Chatra Yantras on the top of the seat of the goddess.
Astrological Yantras - are used in working with the energy of the nine planets: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu ( the north node of the moon, known as Dragon’s head), and Ketu ( the south node of the moon, known as Dragon’s tail).
Numerical Yantras - are composed not of basic geometrical forms but numbers. Some of them are composed of magic squares and are used as talismans. The Yantras composed of numbers are the most popular and are used in Tantra for all kinds of purposes.
The work of Yantras
Guru yantra with the 6 chakras on the sides
Almost all the functions that are performed by mantra are done also by yantra. The only difference is that the mantras can be used without yantras, and yantras are of no use without mantras.
The same yantra can be used for different purposes by chanting the mantra or by adding some more words or bij sounds; but in any case, the mantra is a must with the yantra. Yantras are used mostly for six purposes:
Shanti Karma: peaceful tasks
Akarshan: attracting
Vashikaran: enslaving
Istambhan: stopping or paralyzing
Uchchatan: distracting
Maran: bringing an end to the physical form.
Yantras and the elements
The elements produce different effects in yantra sadhana. The elements appear and disappear in the body during each cycle of breath, when the breath is flowing from the right or left nostril. Any yantra worship starting in a particular element enriches the practitioner with the character of that element.
Earth
Earth gives stability, patience, inspiration, mental quietness, physical comforts, and success in sadhana.
Water
Water gives respect, love, satisfaction, knowledge, and alertness ( activity).
Fire
Fire gives excitement, a hurrying nature, obstacles, destructive tendencies, and mental problems.
Air
Air, if suits the nature of the aspirant, helps to achieve his desired goal; otherwise, it brings craziness, bad name, disrespect, ignorance, and nervousness.
Akasha
Akasha (ether, the fifth element) increases spiritual elements, love of knowledge, and spirituality. It opens the mind to receive knowledge and increases intuition, the power of contemplation, and the desire to be alone.
So as you can see, the best elements for yantra and mantra sadhana are earth and water. Akasha also is good, but fire should be used just for hard tasks, and air only if it is suitable.
Yantra as the symbolic diagram
Kaalratri Yantra
There are two types of Yantra.
One is an amulet that may be worn or kept in the home. It is often used for protection and can ward off harmful disturbances. Such yantra can be painted/ created on paper, wood, stone, or any other material, depending on the desired result.
To create the second type of Yantra, you must follow intense rites and rules beforehand, then build the Yantra out of particular ingredients. In completing this task, you will bring the energy of a specific deity to Earth through the empowerment of the yantra.
In essence, the yantra becomes the body of the Divine, and you can receive the blessing of having close proximity to the deity invoked. Creating a Yantra is a deeply intentional and sacred process, guided by numerous important laws. These include the alignment with the lunar calendar, the specific day and time of the year, and even the precise hour of creation.
Additionally, the choice of materials, the preparation of the space, and the environment where the Yantra is constructed all play a crucial role. Each element contributes to amplifying the Yantra’s spiritual energy and effectiveness.
Ready to use Yantra as a drawing meditation?
In Tantra, creating a yantra is a powerful part of the ritual. When you draw the yantra, you directly connect with the subtle energies it represents. As you form each shape, you align yourself with its energy.
If you want to take your meditation practice to the next level, join me for a special workshop on Yantra creation. You can join me online or in person, where I'll guide you to paint your own yantra while meditating on its sacred geometry.
I'll help you combine your intention with artistic freedom, guided by the principles of this ancient practice. Whether you enjoy the simplicity of gouache or the depth of acrylics, I’ll make sure there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced.
The workshop is just the start of your journey with these sacred symbols. After you create your personalized yantra (or if you’d like, you can order one from me), I’ll activate it for you and provide a video guide with meditation instructions and mantras.
If you prefer, you can print a Yantra too. Just make sure it’s the right one for you and that you know the mantra to chant. The next step is to use meditation to tap into the yantra’s energy and align your intentions.
Below, I guide you through the process to help elevate your practice and make the most of the sacred geometry.
Step 2: Yantra Gazing Meditation
Find a Yantra that you would like to work with ( Try to choose one that calls to you and has qualities you would like to manifest)
Find a comfortable position either cross-legged on the floor or sitting on the chair.
Prop the Yantra in front of you, preferably at forehead height. If this is not possible, then place it on your lap or on the floor in front of you. Keep your spine erect and relax your body.
Take one minute with your eyes closed to perceive the yantra in front of you. Try to feel the subtle qualities of the yantra radiating from the yantra.
Open your eyes and bring them to gaze at the bindu of the yantra. Allow this gaze to be soft, of your eyes half closed.
Start to chant the mantra corresponding to that Yantra, you can chant it loudly, whisper, or repeat it mentally.
At points, the eyes may want to wander. Gently bring them back to the center of the yantra.
After you finish mantra chanting, close your eyes and see if you can visualize the yantra behind your eyelids. If you can, keep your focus pointed internally at the yantra until it dissipates.
At the end of your meditation, bring your attention to the body and feel its shining vibrancy and activation.
If you'd like to know more about Tantra, Pranayama, Mantras, or Yantras, you are welcome to visit my center, Hacienda de Yoga in San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos. You can also book a private online class or workshop.
Yantra examples:
Moon Yantra: this one soothes and nurtures the emotions and directly influences the physical body, the mind, and the spirit. The mantra is Om Cham Chandraya Namaha.
Sun Yantra: invokes the vitality of the life force, radiance, spiritual awareness, and an ability to know one’s purpose in life, endurance, strength, and clarity upon one’s sense of self. Mantra is Om Sum Suryaya Namaha.
Venus Yanra: awakens the feminine impulse of creativity and celebrates the interplay of the senses. Venus has been revered as the planet of romance, sensuality, and tender connections. Mantra is Om Shukraya Namaha.
Ganesha Yantra: eliminates the obstacles and controls the “rational” mind. It also helps to dissolve the ego and activates both hemispheres of the upper brain and helps to create a state of deep focus. Mantra is Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha.
Final thoughts on the art of Yantra
If you’re still curious about the world of yantras and would like to try making your own yantra painting respecting ancient principles, I’d be honored to guide you on this journey. Feel free to book your workshop here and let’s get started. I can’t wait to see you there!
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