Yantra literally means ‘Instrument’ or ‘Machine’.

However, when we talk of Vyapar Yantra in Tantra

practice, it is some design, consisting of geometric designs, mystic numbers, Mantras or figures,
inscribed on a metallic plate, a paper or some other suitable medium. A Yantra acts as a highly efficient
tool for contemplation, concentration and meditation. It carries spiritual significance, and points the
user to higher levels of consciousness.

Normally, a Yantra is an interlocking matrix of geometric figures, circles, triangles and floral patterns
that form fractal patterns of elegance and beauty. Though drawn in two dimensions, a Yantra is
supposed to represent a three dimensional sacred object.

A Yantra is like a microcosmic picture of the macrocosm. It is a focusing point and an outer and inner
doorway. The Yantras are often focused on a specific deity and so by tuning into the different Yantras
you can tap into certain deities or creative force centers in the universe. In other words, Yantra is also
regarded as the body or abode of the deity.

Yantras are great cosmic conductors of energy, an antenna of Nature, a powerful tool for harmony,
prosperity, success, good health, yoga, and meditation.

The word Yantra means-'which controls & protects '(yam samyamanat trayate iti yantrah)'. It helps us
to control our mind and sensory organs which cause our limitations. These limitations are the main
cause of all our problems. When we use a Yantra, it helps us to experience our real nature. In Tantra
books, it is stated that Yantra is so called as it saves the worshipper from Yama (God of Death), other
evil creatures and other dangers. Somewhere else it is stated that Yantra is so called as, it removes
‘yantranas’ (tortures and pains) arising from such faults as love and anger.

Yantras are constructed with observing immutable laws of sacred geometry, being symbolic
representations of energy patterns of a deity and rank amongst the most powerful 'centering' devices for
harnessing divine energies. The Yantra is actually more powerful than a picture of a God which, to be
energized, requires a Yantra to be affixed at its base or back.
Yantra is also considered development or product of mantra. In our ancient Indian Vedic science, there
are some special sounds to control and concentrate these Cosmic Energies, we called them Mantras.
The geometrical shapes of these Mantras are called Yantras. A Yantra always contains a Mantra
associated with it. Just as the mind is a part of, yet different from the body, so is the Mantra from the
Yantra. The Mantra is the mind consciousness while the Yantra is the form of the deity.

In common parlance, a Yantra is an instrument, or a talisman or a mystical diagram. It is a technique or

path, considered the simplest and shortest, through which one can attain one's desires, and fulfill one's
wishes. It is said that the 'Deities' reside in the Yantras and by performing 'Puja' or worship of Yantras,
one can appease them, remove the malefic effects of planets, and increase the flow of positive
influences.

A Yantra is helpful in every field of your life, to attain success in your profession, to acquire wealth,
peace, good luck, getting rid of tensions, to win in court cases, to ward off diseases and to progress in
meditation. By having a Yantra and keeping it in a sacred place in your house, worshipping it every
day, one can fulfill ones desires and attain ones goals. Yantras are also used for innumerable mundane
purposes such as to enhance the quality of one's life, attract prosperity, abundance, love, harmony,
peace, enhance learning, promote healing, relieve health problems, for career advancement, achieve
desired goals in projects, improve business and protection from negative forces.
A Yantra must have to be energized with a Mantra so that it starts working. The Yantra itself is like the
body, while the mantra used is the soul. So until and unless the Yantra is energized or activated with the
particular mantra, it will do nothing. The mantra to energize a Yantra is called, 'Siddha Mantra'. The
Siddha mantra is what makes the Yantra alive, so it starts working.

There are specific Mantras and procedures to worship each Yantra. Generally it is suggested to energize
a Yantra at a specific auspicious time. A Yantra is not as costly as primary gemstones but is very
effective when used with Mantras in the proper way.

Yantras may be either two dimensional or three dimensional. A two dimensional Yantra is drawn on
paper, or embedded in metals etc. A three dimensional Yantra is a three dimensional shape, often kept
in a particular place or in the corner in a home or office, to bring peace, happiness and achieve success.

Two dimensional Yantras can be either geometric or numeric. Geometric Yantras are made of geometric
elements, such as dots, lines, circles, crosses, triangles etc. Each of them has a symbolic value that at
last makes up the total form of the Yantra. They are combined in to complex shapes and figures to
address particular divine forces and energies. On the other hand numeric Yantras are specific
combinations of numbers to address the deity related, and attain the goal.

All Yantras are to be taken as an instrument for enhancing an existing potential. They cannot force
something to happen that is against natural Karma. Yantras aid and assist in bringing about a desirable
outcome, but they cannot force something to take place. You cannot force somebody to love you, you
cannot force good luck and prosperity, but Yantras will speed up the process if it exists as a potential,
they help in reducing the time before something good manifests, they help in removing obstacles that
may exist. Yantras cannot force something to happen because it is desired; they enable it to be manifest
if it is Karmically deserved.