The Shree Yantra, one of the most revered symbols in Hindu spirituality, is a geometric representation of the universe and the divine forces that govern it. This sacred diagram is not just a tool for meditation but also a guide to understanding the cosmic processes of creation and dissolution. Central to its profound wisdom are the concepts of Shrishti Kram and Samhar Kram – two paths that represent the cycle of the universe, from its subtle beginnings to its manifest form and back again.
For those unfamiliar with these terms, let’s explore them in a way that makes the profound knowledge accessible and relatable, even to someone with no prior understanding of these concepts.
Shrishti Kram: The Path of Creation
बिंदुत्रिकोणवसुकोणदशारयुग्म-
मन्वस्त्र नागदळसंयुतषोडशारम् ।
वृत्तत्रयंच धरणीसदनत्रयंच
श्रीचक्र राजमुदितं परदेवतायाः ।।
Shrishti Kram refers to the process of creation – the unfolding of the universe from the most subtle essence to its gross, physical form. Imagine the beginning of all existence as a tiny point, a seed of potential. In the Shree Yantra, this is represented by the Bindu, the central dot that symbolizes the source of all creation.
From this Bindu, the process of creation begins. First, the Bindu gives rise to a single triangle, which represents the initial spark of life and energy. This triangle then multiplies and evolves into a set of eight triangles, symbolizing the expansion of this energy into various aspects of existence. This process continues, layer by layer, until the entire Shree Yantra is formed, culminating in the Bhupur Avaran – the outermost square that represents the physical world as we know it.
This journey from the Bindu to the Bhupur Avaran is a journey from the Sukshma (subtle) to the Sthula (gross). It is the cosmic process of creation, where the divine essence takes on form and substance, eventually manifesting as the material world.
This path is particularly significant for Sanyasis (monks and saints) who live not in the world but for the world. They seek to understand and connect with the source of creation, often transcending the physical to focus on the spiritual.
Samhar Kram: The Path of Return
भूपूस्त्रिवृत्तकमथेन्दुकलारविन्दम्
अष्टारकं च मनुकोणमथो दशारम् ।
दिक्कोणकं च गजकोणमथ त्रिकोणं
वन्दे च बिन्दुसहितं परयन्त्ररराजम् ।।
While Shrishti Kram is the path of creation, Samhar Kram is the path of return. However, Samhar does not mean destruction in the way we typically understand it. Rather, it means to wipe up or dissolve, a process of returning to the source from which everything came. In the context of the Shree Yantra, this is the reverse journey – from the outer Bhupur Avaran back to the central Bindu.
This path represents a movement from the Sthula (gross) to the Sukshma (subtle), a process of shedding the layers of material existence to reconnect with the divine essence. For those living a Sansari life – householders engaged in worldly affairs – this path is particularly relevant. It symbolizes the journey of living in the world, experiencing its joys and sorrows, and eventually seeking to return to the divine source.
Samhar Kram is not about destruction in a negative sense; rather, it is about dissolution – the gradual release of attachment to the material world, allowing the soul to return to its pure, original state. It is a reminder that while we live in the world, our ultimate goal is to transcend it, reconnecting with the divine source from which we originated.
Connecting the Dots: Shree Yantra as a Guide for All
The beauty of the Shree Yantra lies in its ability to guide both paths – Shrishti Kram and Samhar Kram. Whether you are a monk seeking to understand the process of creation or a householder navigating the complexities of worldly life, the Shree Yantra offers profound insights.
For the Sanyasi, the Shree Yantra is a map of the universe, a tool to understand the divine process of creation and connect with the ultimate source. For the Sansari, it serves as a reminder that life is a journey, and while we may engage with the world, we must always remember the path back to the divine.
In essence, the Shree Yantra encapsulates the entire cycle of existence – the creation, sustenance, and eventual dissolution of the universe. By meditating on this sacred symbol, one can gain a deeper understanding of both the physical and spiritual realms, learning to balance the material with the divine.
So, the next time you look at the Shree Yantra, remember that it is more than just a beautiful geometric pattern. It is a profound representation of the journey of life cycle, guiding you through both the creation and the return, helping you to live in harmony with the cosmos.
Content by: Shri Vidya Practitioners
