Yantra: The Tantric Symbol of Cosmic Unity [Paperback]

Madhu Khanna (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997

The yantra is the Tantric tool of ritual and meditation, the power diagram that allows man to make the spiritual journey of return to the primordial centre, and ultimately to perceive the unity of self and cosmos. This comprehensive study reveals step by step the dynamics of this process, by elucidating the complex symbolic construction of the yantra with its multiple layers of metaphysical meaning. Madhu Khanna illuminates the correspondence between geometrical forms and concepts, and explores every aspect of the yantra: its associated mantras, rituals and meditation techniques; its application to temple architecture and sculpture; its traditional use in "black" and "white" magic and as a talisman.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A worthy introduction to a noble subject.”
(Arts Review )

"Yantra explores the dynamics, metaphysics, aesthetics, and ritual importance of yantras."
(Yoga Journal, August 2004 )

"Readers of both Eastern and Western backgrounds will find this book provocative and profoundly informative."
(Thomas Peter von Bahr, New Age Retailer, May/June 2004, Vol.18 No.3 ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Madhu Khanna is a scholar specializing in both Eastern and Western philosophy. He is coauthor, with Ajit Mookerjee, of The Tantric Way. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500272344
• ISBN-13: 978-0500272343
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,735,631 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exhaustive Analysis of Yantras and the Philosophy behind it, May 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Yantra: The Tantric Symbol of Cosmic Unity (Paperback)

This book details all kinds of historical Yantras as revealed in various Vedas (historic Hindu scriptures). Yantras are cosmic machines which directs energies to the human body/mind to attain various psychic states. The author dwells deeply in to the philosophy behind it, which in essence is Hinduism. Understanding the Hindu concept of the world, the cosmos and the human being is the key to unlocking the power of Yantra. A reader who is not exposed to Eastern religious philosophies will find it difficult to comprehend the description of concepts behind the Yantra.

This book has many illustrations of historic Yantras and details of the significance of its geometric drawings. I liked this book for the depth of analysis and the description of underlying concepts. Please note that this is NOT an instruction work book on Yantras which details about how to make a Yantra.

One disappointing fact is that the author uses little space to describe Occult Yantras which are commonly used by ordinary people for protection, healing and power. The Sri Yantra, which enables a person to attain higher states is described in detail. Overall this book gave me indepth knowledge about the working of a Yantra - the energized cosmic machine.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Valuable Resource, January 1, 2008

By 

Anonymous (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yantra: The Tantric Symbol of Cosmic Unity (Paperback)

Surprisng that this book has only one review here, considering most everyone i know has a copy in their library, and considers this book a cornerstone of their collection.

This book provides detailed, concise info regarding what the different yantras represent and how they work. I would have appreciated more information about the pecularities of use for different traditions. In any case i can't recommend this book enough. Thank goodness this book has not gone out of print.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource, June 17, 2010

By 

Donna Miesbach "Nebraska yogini" (Omaha NE) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Yantra: The Tantric Symbol of Cosmic Unity (Paperback)

Finally here is a book that takes you into the mystery of the yantra while exploring its history, its mechanics, and its deep symbolism. Abundant pictures and diagrams make it easy to follow its descriptions and explanations which open up a way of seeing things that may not have been previously accessible. This is a comprehensive work that offers the reader a wealth of information, leaving one with a deep appreciation for those who were so dedicated that they could penetrate the meaning of sacred symbols and enshrine their energy via the yantra.