Geometry of the Sri Yantra

A Sri Yantra is a manifestation of a process- a process that mirrors the growth and organization of reality. It is not really about the finished design although it is one that is beautiful and seems to defy logic- but it is important to remember that the Sri Yantra GROWS on the page- it is in the doing that it gains its true power.

The Sri Yantra is informed by yet another design- a pattern of interlocking circles and its growth follows a logical path in the growth of geometric form from one point (Self, or ALL) to two points (duality, self and other)- the line connecting them (attention/intention flow) to one point revolving around the other - a circle (expression and consciousness/awareness) to three points- a triangle (dynamic growth manifested in a structure).

The drawing a Sri Yantra proceeds from point to point, to line, to circles, to triangles. It begins with awareness and the expression of one and once finished the Sri Yantra is a further manifold expression of one- Self and/or Universe.

Seen below is the basic matrix for the Sri Yantra - a vesica piscis of four circles (plus two offset) which generates triangles,( 60, 120 and 270 degrees), squares (90 degrees) and a pentagon which generates 72 degree angles. The matrix is completed by two circles. This arrangement of geometric forms which are generated  by the inter-penetration of circles, provides all the horizontal line positions to construct a Sri Yantra.

As  each triangle of the Sri Yantra is created it then informs the position of the next one and so on, so that the geometric matrix is a statement of the building blocks of CREATION,  and the Sri Yantra is a statement and model of the dynamic of  growth based on that matrix.

 for full construction methods, click here

Not only does the Sri Yantra  appear in the sacred art of Eastern Traditions but also appears in the sacred art of western Christianity. Shown below is a page from the Book of Kells (800 CE) showing a Sri Yantra pattern underlying the surface decoration. In this example, the Sri Yantra is providing a design matrix for the over all piece and also its dynamic portal effect.

                     a Sri Yantra lying beneath the picture plane of a carpet page from the Book of Kells ( Irish-8th Century CE)

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