Ritual

Diagram illustrating the eternal
recurrence of the sevenfold division
of the Universe as a cosmic river of
time and reality. A manuscript page
from Rajasthan, c. 19th century.
Ink on paper.
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models of the doctrine of holism: each single element is a whole and
exhibits unitariness whatever the mutations and changes to which it is
subjected. And always it is the underlying vibrational processes that
sustain this unity in diversity. In every part, the whole is present or at least
suggested. I4
A yantra is very often referred to as an energy pattern or a
power-diagram. As images of primal energy yantras reveal the
varying scales of reality which denote cosmos, infinity, time, space
or the play of polarities. Since we interpret infinity in finite terms
we are forced to express the limitless in relative terms by creating
mathematical patterns of virtual space. The yantras are not only
based on mathematical form but also on a mathematical method.
The artist must look beyond appearances and penetrate to
structure and essence; he must reorganize reality in terms of
distinctions and relationships of mathematical dimensions. Here
Cezanne's proposition comes to mind: 'To relate nature to the
cylinder, the sphere, the cone, all put into perspective so that each
side of the object, of a plane, moves towards a central point.' I5 The
minimal representation of pervading consciousness is the extensionless
mathematical point of zero dimension, bindu, placed in the
centre of the yantra. Bindu is the ultimate point of power beyond
which a thing or energy cannot be contracted or condensed. By
virtue of its nature, it is the repository of all manifestation in its
complexity and variety and the basis of all vibration, movement
and form: 'Transcending the tattvas [elements] is the Bindu'
(Yamala). As a centre, the point controls everything which is
projected from it; such a centre is called mahabindu, or Great