Shri Yantra

I started this after my last aya journey and I was deeply called to create it. I had no idea what a Shri Yantra was two months ago and never even heard the term. It’s fundamentally sacred geometry, something that points to a deep understanding of the universe through geometry and symbols.

This painting was created on a 5X6 foot canvas made with oil paints. It also has crystals and gold glitter. The crystals help reflect the beauty of the universal energy and the glitter embodies all the stars in the cosmos. This creation was a joy to make and exemplifies a big step in my journey toward the infinite and my art.

The Shri Yantra’s 9 constituent triangles vary in size and shape and intersect to form 43 smaller triangles, organized in 5 concentric levels. It took me over eight hours to draw the geometric symbol with a large compass and lots of patience. Together the triangles represent the totality of the cosmos and express Advaita or non-duality.

In the middle, the powerpoint (bindu) represents the cosmic center—I placed red crystals at this point to also symbolize fire and the power of that element. The triangles are circumscribed by two concentric circles composed of 8 and 16 petals, representing the lotus of creation and reproductive vital force. I made my lotus petals waves, as I have a deep connection to the ocean and all that it represents.

The entire configuration is framed by the broken lines of an earth square, representing a temple with four doors open onto the regions of the universe. I also created four wings of fire that express my journey into the fire realms of my soul—burning with enthusiasm.

I am still learning about this mysterious symbol and here is a video that helps one dive deeper into the meaning and mystery behind Shri Yantra.