Ritual

until it is repeated and creates a wave pattern (japa), accompanied
by a clear grasp of its meaning and a proper articulation of its
letters. Each letter of the mantra is charged with energy and creates
vibrations in the inner consciousness. Sound vibrations are said to
be the manifestation of the Sakti and consequently are sound
equivalents of the deities. Mantras may seem meaningless and
unintelligible to the non-initiate, but to the adept who has received
right instruction from a guru, they are seeds of spiritual power.
The Primal Sound as the monosyllabic mantra Om is the basis of
cosmic evolution. All the elemental sound-forms of mantras
emanate from this eternal sound. Sound and form are interdependent,
and every form is a vibration of a certain density;
conversely, every sound has a visual equivalent. Sound is the reflex
of form and form is the product of sound. All that is animate and
inanimate are vibrations of a particular frequency. All the mantras
have their colour forms, and when a mantra is pronounced
properly its visual correlates begin to manifest. The dynamic
power-pattern rooted in sound by which it is revealed is called a
yantra.
A yantra, which means 'aid' or 'tool', is generally drawn on
paper or engraved on metal, either to aid meditation or as a
tangible image of the deity. Just as a mantra is a sound equivalent,
the yantra is a diagrammatic equivalent of the deity and consists of
linear and spatial geometrical permutations of the deity. The
primal abstract shapes, such as the point, line, circle, triangle,
square, are harmonized in composition to provide a formal
equilibrium which is both static and dynamic. A common feature
of the yantra is that it possesses an element of centrality around
which the whole figure is built up. The centre as point of origin
and balance evokes the idea of emanation and radiation.
Enveloped in vertical and horizontal extensions it conveys a sense
of formal mathematical order and regularity.
A set of seven paintings illustrating
various phases of cosmic evolution
and involution. Rajasthan, 18th
century. Gouache on paper.
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