Ritual

Emergence of the universe from the
cosmic waters. The interlocked
triangles symbolize the male and
female principles evolving from the
primal chaos of elements into the
micro-version of the cosmic man.
From an illustrated manuscript
(detail). Nepal, c. 1760. Gouache
on paperboard.
58
the Yantra is the Supreme Sakti, when it swells it evolves into the
form of a triangle' (Kamakalavilasa). The point assumes a radius,
the polarization of Siva-Sakti takes place, the dynamic and static
energies interact and two more points emerge to form a triad of
points - the primary triangle or the Mula-trikona.
The three points are represented by Sanskrit syllables and the
three basic vibrations emanate from one primal sound substratum.
The triangle with its apex down represents the first form pattern of
primordial desire in the process of creation. It indicates the sign of
evolution and represents the zone or kinetic principle of creation.
The static principle predominates in the Para Bindu, so that it
represents the male principle. All of creation is the outcome of
these two principles, the point and triangle, and the bliss of their
union. Hence 'the Sri Yantra is the one body of the Siva couple'
(Yamala).
The primary triangle stands for three aspects of Sakti: Trividha-
Bala, the young one, Tripura-Sundari, the beautiful one, and
Tripura-Bhairavi, the terrifying one. It also represents the
threefold process of creation (sristi), preservation (sthiti) and
dissolution (samhara).
The expansion of space and time, sound and energy, continue in
the process of creation, and the primary triangle is transformed
into a series of lines, triangles, circles and squares to form the Sri
Yantra. The various patterns are the modifications of an original
primal vibration, and at each stage contain the interplay of the
static and kinetic energies in varying degree of concentration.