Tantra, Mantra, and Yantra are the three basic worship methods in Hinduism. These three approaches are used by human beings to connect with the God. These universal approaches are used by the worshippers for spiritual attainment or upliftment. Most of the Hindu forms of worship have deeply combined the elements of all three. Let us understand each method in more detail –
Tantra
The Tantra principle holds importance in Hinduism as well as Buddhism. However, there is no definitive accounting of the Tantra origins. The famous spirituality writer Ken Wilber describes Tantra as one of the world’s most influential and remarkable spiritual traditions. Through systematic use of their body and lower mind, Tantra helps individuals in self-realisation and self transformation. There is a misconception that Tantra can be used only by Tantriks. But this is not true. Tantra is used in various aspects of Hindu worship. In the regular worship, the basic use of Tantra includes the use of certain bodily postures such as lotus position, the folding of hands, body purification through fasting and bathing, detachment through devotion, breathing practices, and so on.
However, the effects of Tantric rituals are short-term, meaning the effects of these tantric activites can be felt only for a short duration or just immediately after performing the rituals but not for long duration or as permanent remedies. Therefore, these rituals needs to be performed regularly and again.
Mantra
Using the mind or thought power, the method of mantra invokes divine power. It is believed that the practice of mantras activates the mind and intelligence. Each mantra contains a specific set of sacred syllables. When spoken in the right rhythm, with the right phonetic and grammatical accuracy, and with full devotion and sincerity, it is believed that the mantras invoke and activate the associated deity and assist the worshipper in achieving his/ her desires. Mantras are nothing but the representation of the God in sound form. The hidden energy in each mantra gets invoked when the sound of mantra creates the right frequencies and the rest of the worship is performed in the right manner. Language, being just a medium, has nothing to do with the real power of Mantras. Mantras, when spoken in any language, but with the right feeling and emotion, can give maximum benefits.
Though the effect of chanting Mantras is longer than the tantric rituals, it continues/ remains for some time only. The effect may remain for some more time after the chanting is completed or only until it is done again. Therefore, the mantras are also needed to be chanted regularly and again.
Yantra
Yantra is simply a scared geometrical shape or a design which uses special pictures and lines. It is used to express the force of powers and energies of the nature and thoughts. All the statues of god, statues, geometrical shapes, symbols, and designs fall under the category of Yantra. Yantras are believed to make our thoughts powerful and strong. Such symbols help in producing the feelings associated with the symbol in our subconscious mind.
Shree Yantra is one such powerful Yantra which comprises of triangles and Petals arranged in specific mathematical ratio. The symbol of triangle means growth and prosperity. Shree Yantra, with triangles in all four directions, represents multi-dimensional growth and posperity.
Shree Yantra is known as the instrument of Goddess Lakshmi and is believed to be her beloved Yantra. Therefore, it is not surprising to see that several Shastras refer to Shree Yantra as the King of Yantras. It helps in bringing prosperity and harmony by emitting strong cosmic energies and transforming the negative energies into positive energies.
There are a lot of benefits of Shree Yantra such as prosperity and fame, success, peace, happiness, spiritual attainment, relaxation and healing, and also vastu improvements.
To build up strong energies in the house, apart from keeping the Shree Yantra in the house, you need to create positive vibrations with a pious heart and honest emotions. It is also important that the Shree Yantra sthapana / Installation and worship is done in the right manner. You can get more information about it.
