UNDERSTANDING SYMBOLS

It is the fundamental nature of human beings to seek explanations for mysteries of life. But these mysteries are beyond explanation and so symbolic language is used to represent them.

A symbol is clearly linked in function to sign, but it has deeper meaning. A symbol through its nature represents something that is more profound than itself. A fire, for instance, symbolizes warmth, creative power, life force and masculine strength.

The symbols have always been recognized, throughout the world, as significant because of their qualities, which are related to the deeper truths. Symbols grew in meaning and complexity over the years, changing according to cultures. But, the most common symbols, which have remained constant for years, are those for soil, human race, fertility, birth, life and death. Our search for profound truths that lie beyond our understanding is expressed by symbols in many myths and religions, which have evolved over centuries.

Many of our ancient gods live in our imagination and their symbolism has been absorbed in our language, music, art and poetry. Even the natural world provides us with a vast and rich store of potential symbols affecting every aspect of life. Wherever we live, relatively unchanged by time, we are surrounded by signs, images and ideas that are often highly symbolic.

 ….the man who understands a symbol not only opens himself to the objective world, but at the same time succeeds in emerging from his personal situation and reaching a comprehension of the universal….thanks to the symbol, the individual experience is awakened and transmitted into a spiritual act.

SWASTIK FIGURES

The auspicious sign

The Swastik is marked on both the sides of the doors especially during Dipawali. In India, since ages, Swastik is observed as auspicious mark to guard from ill-omened harms and to grow more and more wealth in the home. It is marked by yellow or red clay in villages, while in towns by mixing red sindur with ghee. In fact, Swastik is a symbol of universal cycle of creation and energy orientation on the earth. Its deitic and supernatural power is universally accepted. The cross-ward straight lines indicate four directions from its nucleus. The cross point clock-wise movements of its four arms indicate infinite without any cross or cut point with right angle turn. This is the symbol of central origin of universe after big bang and force of attraction with balance between interstellar systems in the space. Observation of Swastik creates peace of mind with good thoughts. The energy that is obtained by pronouncing the OM is obtained by the observation of Swastik. It is also symbol of Sun as master source of life energy in this planet and the indication of square shape of universe as well. It is a mysterious mark and seed formula for imparallel source of cosmic energy.

The word Swastik is made from ‘Su + Asti + K’ Su = good and auspicious, Asti = existing, K = the performer. That means Swastik is that which always does good and auspicious for all, in all directions. Dextral Swastik is auspicious and synistral is not. Terminal points of the four line turns indicate four corner directions. It also symbolizes – Vishnu, Sun, Universal cycle, Ganesh, Sudarshan Chakra, as well as four arms as four Varnas in Hindu society. Its antiquity is highly regarded.

ASHTA VINAYAK

In Hindu religion all auspicious works must begin with name of ‘Shree Ganesha’. Lord Ganesha has infinite power which can be projected in all 1008 directions of working. Each directional purpose is symbolized by a different name of Lord Ganesha. When the special coded mantra with the statue of Lord Ganesha is kept in the house, it becomes the symbolic solution of the problem. 

Some of the symbolized names are given below -

Santan Ganpateya Namaha
For couples not having children.

Avighnay Namaha
For removal of any obstacles in life.

Gyanrupay Namaha
Helpful for children in studies.

Siddha Lakshmi Manoharpraya Namaha
For increase in luck of financial matter.

Chintamani Charvanlalsaya Namaha
For elimination of tensions.

Siddhivinayka Namaha
For success in every work.

Sumangalaya Namaha
For increase of happiness and prosperity in home.

Mrutyunjaya Namaha
Help in curing incurable diseases.

IMPORTANCE OF SYMBOLS IN INDIA

India has many symbols, from those, which are simplest to the most complex. It has symbols, which are entirely different from the rest of the world, though trace of similarities can be seen. The symbols in India are the outcomes of mythology, religious beliefs, traditions and philosophy.

The most powerful symbols used are that of five elements. This is shown by the five basic energies which are very important in ‘tantra’, ‘healing’ and ‘spiritual' works. Other important symbols are those of the seven chakras of the ‘yoga’.

In India, symbols are also a part of everyday life, e.g. Rangoli – Beautiful patterns made on the threshold of the house, which brings upliftment of spirit, wards off evil energies and gives protection.

One other very important symbol of India is the ‘Rakhi’. It is tied on the right wrist of a brother by the sister, which is a symbol of protection, unending love and affection. Besides these, there are other symbols used in everyday life, which have different meanings.

UNDERSTANDING YANTRAS

The yantra is a potent and dynamic sacred symbol. The concentric lines of yantras define its volume and create a rhythmic unity, relating what they unite or divide to centre, the point of integration. The yantras function as revelatory symbols of cosmic truths and as instructional charts of the spiritual aspects of human experience.

The yantras, though of many different types are mainly divided into 5 types :

(1) Bhoomi Prishth Yantra: It is made out of materials from earth and is

further divided into -

(i)  Raised Yantras including lines

(ii)  Others are carved

(2) Meru Prishth Yantra: These are of the shape of mountain.

They are broad at the base and have pointed apex.

(3) Patal Yantra: This is of the reverse shape of ‘Meru Yantra’, that is

they are having apex pointing downwards. They are carved ones.

(4) Meru Prastar Yantra: These are the cut yantras.

(5) Ruram Prashth Yantra: These are forged ones. Its bottom is

rectangular shaped whereas the top is like tortoise back. 

All these yantras are subdivided according to the five elements of the world - Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Sky. These yantras have been made for different purposes indicating their specific uses -

(1) Prithvi Tatva (The earth element): These yantras bestow comforts, contentment, ambitions and success.

(2) Jal Tatva (The water element): These yantras bestow love, smoothness, affection, wisdom and remove restlessness.

(3) Agni Tatva (The fire element): These yantras bestow success, respect victory and remove troubles.

(4) Vayu Tatva (The air element): These yantras are very powerful but, if  not properly used, they can lead to difficulties, disrespect, also attracts the user to vices.

(5) Akash Tatva (The sky element): These yantras bestow love, affection, education success, spirituality and remove worries.  

Although, we have discussed only some of the yantras here, there are many such yantras in all different countries and religious sects. ‘Yantras’ is a very deep subject which has been studied by our ancestors throughout the world.

Hence, yantra is a psychic tool of personal fulfillment. Though a complex symbolic construction with multiple layers of metaphysical meaning, it also aids man to return to his original wholeness.

MYSTIC FIGURES

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