Yantra() is the Sanskrit word for a mystical diagram, especially diagrams oramuletssupposed to possess occult powers inastrologicalormagicalbenefits in theTantrictraditions of theIndian religions. Traditionally such symbols are used inEastern mysticismto balance the mind or focus it on spiritual concepts. The act of wearing, depicting, enacting and/or concentrating on a yantra is held to have spiritual orastrologicalormagicalbenefits in theTantrictraditions of theIndian religions.Shapes and patterns commonly employed in yantra include squares, triangles, circles and floral patterns but may also include more complex and detailed symbols, for instance:The lotus flower typically representschakras, with each petal representing a psychic propensity (orvritti) associated with that chakra;

A dot, orbindu, represents the starting point of creation or the infinite, unexpressed cosmos;

Theshatkona(akoa) (Sanskrit name for a Hexagram) is composed of a balance between:

An upwards triangle which according to Tantra denotes energy, or more specifically action and service (seva). It may also denote spiritual aspiration, the element of fire, orShiva. It is also said to represent the static substratum of the cosmos;[citation needed]

A downwards triangle which according to Tantra denotes spiritual knowledge. It may also denote the creative power of the cosmos, fecundity, the element of water, orShakti;

Aswastikarepresents good luck, welfare, prosperity or spiritual victory;

Bijamantras(usually represented as characters ofDevangarthat correspond to the acoustic roots of a particular chakra orvritti).