MYSTICISM: SRI YANTRA

The Sri Yantra also known as the Sri Chakra represents all the fundamental principals of Tantric philosophy. It is known as the best or supreme existing yantra and all other yantras derive from it.

A Yantra is the symbolic representation of the Mother Goddess. It is made up of ‘linear and spatial ‘geometrical permutations’ of the Goddess in the mandala. You find yantras in many sacred geometry works and the design of the Sri Chakra/ Yantra is nine interwoven triangles, four of which represent the male principle (Shiva) and five inverted triangles representing Shakti, the feminine principal. The nine triangles also represent nine basic elements or root substances (mula-prakritis) of the universe. In the human body they are represented as nine substances; five from Shakti – skin, blood, flesh, fat and bone. The four from Shiva are – semen, marrow, vital energy (prana) and the individual soul.  

The place of the mother goddess is represented by the dot or bindu in the centre of the design. The dot has four legs representing the deities responsible for the creation of all things.

Brahma – the creator is in the northeast.

Vishnu – the preserver is in the southeast.

Rudra – for withdrawal is in the southwest.

Sadasiva – for retention is in the northwest.

Surrounding this pattern are two concentric circles of lotus petals: the inner has 8 petals and the outer 16. The entire pattern is encased within a gated frame, called the “courtyard” or “earth stretch”.

An individuals spiritual journey or path to enlightenment from material existence to ultimate ascension and enlightenment is mapped through the sri yantra, the spiritual journey is undertaken as a pilgrimage each step or elevation is an ascent to the centre.

The Sri Yantra represents the totality of existence and can be used as a tool in meditation to contemplate the the path to enlightenment and the nature of the universe and existence.

*Shop the Sri Yantra here

MYSTICISM: MANTRAS AND OM MANI PADME HUM

Mantras by definition (“man” which means mind and “tra” which means transport) can be used to alter one’s state of consciousness and when chanted repeatedly can shift, transform and manifest any number of circumstances depending on the intention of the mantra.

Mantras can be used as a powerful tool to enter deep states of meditation as they transport the mind. This can be particularly effective for those who are new to the practice of meditation as the mind finds it difficult to still itself, free from the stimulus of everyday life. Chanting a simple mantra such as OM MANI PADME HUM can help the mind to focus and more easily let go of one’s current reality.

The recitation of mantras can also change your reality through the power of their energetic and auditory vibrations. In times of stress and anxiety reciting a divine mantra can assist you in surrendering to the universe and help you to let go of circumstances that are beyond your control. They can diffuse negative emotions through the energetic impact of their vibrations. The more energy put into the mantras the greater the influence they can have.     

Om Mani Padme Hum

Tibetan Buddhists believe that saying the mantra (prayer) Om Mani Padme Hum, invokes the Buddha of compassion Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig). Mantras are powerful words believed to awaken latent spiritual forces in the body. Om Mani Padme Hum means “Hail! To The Jewel in the Lotus” It refers to conscious knowledge of the existence of the jewel – the Divine Spark – in the human heart.

Viewing the written form of the mantra is said to have the same effect.

OM -pure body-                  Is said to purify: bliss, pride

MANE -jewel-                      Is said to purify: jealousy, passion, desire

PADME -wisdom-               Is said to purify: prejudice, poverty, possessiveness

HUM -unity-                        Is said to purify: aggression, hatred

Origins

Mantras can empower and awaken your body, mind and spirit and have been used for over 3000 years. They can be found across almost every major religion from Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and can even be equated to the recitation of prayers in Christianity. The most common mantra that people encounter is the single syllable of OM which some may argue is the most important mantra of them all. The eternal OM is said to represent all of existence, the past, the present and the future, all held within this one sound. Some schools of thought even attribute OM to the origin of the Christian "Amen".

We all lead busy lives and can understandably at times loose track of our spiritual practices. Getting into the habit of reciting mantras is a great way to stay connected to your spirituality and integrate it into your daily life. Like any activity, we must practice until it becomes second nature to us; if you have a set back during your day make your reflex to go into reciting a mantra instead of dwelling on the issue and feeding the problem negativity. Use a mantra to transmute the negative charge around the perceived set back and move on.

Do you have a favourite Mantra? Let us know in the comments.

WISDOM: THE BUDDHA

Buddha is a title given to those who have reached a state of enlightenment. The term Buddha means ‘one who is awake’. The historical figure most associated with The Buddha, is known as Siddhartha Gautama in Nepal approximately 2,500 years ago. The Buddha did not claim to be a divinely inspired prophet, personal savior or a deity incarnate in flesh, but that of a teacher. The Supreme Teacher who reveals the path to enlightenment. The goal of this path in to achieve Nibbana, the perfect liberation of the mind from all constricting bonds and the consequent release from samsara, the round of repeated birth and death.  

The Buddha teaches us that awareness of impermanence and change is a primary element in turning the mind toward liberation. Because all things are impermanent, all personal faults can be transcended and all perfections achieved.

All component things are impermanent.

When One acquires realization of this truth, One naturally releases the bonds of unhappiness.

This is the way of purification and freedom.

Buddha