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