Thanks to the efforts of James and Vivechana of Soulscapes, a 4-day Shakti Yantra Workshop on "The Four Aspects of the Mother" was offered as an immersive experience for participants, first- timers or those who already have done the course to get acquainted with The Divine Mother, deepen one’s relationship and in some ways acquaint oneself with her powers for one's growth and evolution on the spiritual path or perhaps to bring in greater harmony and balance in one's daily living.
Vivechana from her lived experience and work with Yantras, designed each day, which, while immersive and transformative, delved into the profound teachings of Sri Aurobindo's concept of the Four Aspects of the Mother. Her way is one of sharing and would not so much be teaching. Not only was information from her own research delightfully put into slides that were attractive and appealing, ably combined with different sources that shed more light, it's a journey of discovery, a meditative experience, but also a step-by-step approach to drawing the yantra, that allowed unique experiences yet a deeper connection with the Divine Feminine.
The freedom and space she gives for developing a personal connection to the Divine, while one still uses the framework or the guidelines she shares, is very enriching as it allows one to be fully present with mind, body and breath. Her depth and exploration is evident in the way she puts together and shares all of the information in a manner that's simple and relatable, easy and doable. What also helped were the participants, sharing each day their experience of the Divine Feminine and it was so surprising to see how each connected differently and received her, depending where each one was and what called them to relate to.
Vivechana has put together the steps that actually have one move from an outer sanctum to an inner one, if not merging, but at least experiencing Her Presence that one felt comfortable.
Background and Context
Sri Aurobindo's teachings on the Four Aspects of the Mother offer a profound framework for understanding the Divine Feminine and its role in the spiritual evolution. The four aspects – Maheshwari, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati – represent distinct qualities and energies that are essential for personal transformation and spiritual growth.
Day 1: Introduction and Maheshwari
Each day started with a meditation on the prayer Om Anandamayi Chaitanyamayi Satyamayi Parame
A conscious power has drawn the plan of life
There is a meaning in each curve and line...
Such a profoundness to the journey was undertaken on studying the four aspects to the Mother, where each line was being drawn with full attention, concentrated attention, that certainly there was no randomness, but rather a plan and power to one that opened into, each movement guided at suitable pace.
The workshop commenced with an introduction to archetypal symbols in a way of being initiated into the language of symbols, where words had no place rather in the wordless, one experienced all that has to be. Of it being a living form, dynamic and a certain energy present that has a certain consciousness, beauty and harmony that with practice and time is a never-ending discovery and connection with it, it held the aspiration alive and gave a certain meaning to be embodied and revealed in the form of the Yantra being draw
We were slowly being led into understanding the play of Tantras, Shakti and Yantra (sacred geometric patterns) used for meditation and spiritual growth.
Vivechana guided participants through a brief understanding of the Mother and her Four Aspects and they were all interdependent, while individually in itself different. It set the tone for the workshop.
The first Aspect of the Mother, Maheshwari, was explored in her imperial form along with her nature and essence in one's life.
The participants learned to connect with Maheshwari's qualities of:
- Wisdom and knowledge
- Spiritual growth and introspection
- Clarity and discernment
The Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, Queen of the Universe, was the chosen deity for the evening. Up and personal, we got to know her mantra, where does she resides, her colours, and what she symbolises. Thereafter, the Bhuvaneshwari Yantra was introduced, meditated upon and the Mother’s Organ music being played in the background the participants began to integrate Maheshwari's energies into their personal practice for the evening.
At the end of the day, on completion,one could also colour the Yantra with colours of one’s choice, while the original colour of the Yantra was shared.
Day 2: Mahakali
The second day focused on Mahakali, the aspect of the Mother representing strength, courage and transformation.
As usual, we started with the meditation on the prayer and thereafter Vivechana took all of us on a journey to understand the temple architecture. It was fascinating to understand the context of how temples were built, the premise of being one and connected, the mathematically arrived- at space for the temple, combined with art, paintings, etc. and finally how they helped live the four important milestones for one Dhara Artha Kama and Moksha. To the significance of the Padas, the Vaastu Purusha and all other elements the temples were constructed such the one could connect with the Divinity within as one moved from the outside to the inside, of the visible and the invisible. The importance of creating sacred space as it allows for something to be created and flow.
The second day focused on the Yantra of Kali, The Goddess of Yogic Transformation. Vivechana shared insights from Sri Aurobindo's teachings, highlighting Mahakali's aspects and her role in:
- Overcoming obstacles and challenges
- Embracing change and transformation
- Cultivating inner strength and resilience
Her anger may seem ferocious, yet her actions is swift, her passion and energy and the breadth expansive and powerful.
The participants engaged in a powerful share of what they felt being with her, letting go of limitations and
embracing Mahakali's transformative power.
Day 3: Mahalakshmi
Mahalakshmi, the embodiment of beauty, love, and abundance, was the focus of the third day. And what a lovely way to start the session by having us focus on the actual purpose of art while it may still serve other purposes. Mahalakshmi, being the embodiment of beauty and love, the care and attention with which Vivechana crafted her presentation was indeed exuding beauty and love.
To the timeless imprints that are present and coveted through the symbols, the universality of the language and that all is interconnected, and nothing is really separate in this world. the balance of spirituality and matter needed in our daily lives and in everything is what we engaged in.
On third day, Vivechana took us through the understanding of the Yantra, what it really is, and what could be some of the reasons one pursues in making this these Yantras: fFor spiritual connection, to enhance meditation and concentration for manifestation and intention-setting.
The connection of the 8-pointed star across religions highlighting the interconnectedness, the universality of the symbolic language with a certain purpose and power. The parallels between the mandalas, to Buddhist Mandalas and difference between Yantra and Mandalas was conveyed. Her patience in answering questions and clarifying them ensure that as a group we moved along in the journey and made it even more beautiful.
The day had its focus on Kamalatmika – The Lotus Goddess of Delight, the significance in its heavenly archetype that blooms forever in the Light above.
The yantra that was drawn on this day was Mahalakshmi Yantra, in getting to know her form and what aspects that allow for its embodiment. It was very different from the other yantras done to that point. There was something so delightful and joyful doing the yantra with the Lotus at the centre. The vibrations were surreal and tangible in her beauty and love.
The participants explored the qualities of Mahalakshmi through creative expression, the importance of:
- Cultivating love and compassion
- Nurturing inner beauty and radiance
- Embracing abundance and gratitude
Participants created a personalised coloured Yantra, infusing their energy with Mahalakshmi's loving presence.
Day 4: Mahasaraswati
The final and the fourth day had arrived and today it was us delving into Mahasaraswati, the aspect of the Mother that represents creativity, inspiration, and wisdom. The youngest of the four Aspects, She is closer to the ground, focusing on the organization and execution. As part of the contextual setting, Vivechana took the participants through the system of the Hatha Yoga – the essence being that we fix our geometry in such a way that the machine will function without any friction within itself. Such subtle wisdom she imparted to guide us in understanding our inner nature.
To understand this, Vivechana took us through an understanding of the grammar of Yantra, from the Bindu the innermost aspect to each layer that has its contribution and meaning, the four main directions and the four diagonal ones their importance along with the color significance.
The Goddess Matangi, The Utterance of the Divine Word, is the one who bestows knowledge, talent and expertise, of the spoken word.
Vivechana guided participants in:
- Tapping into creative inspiration
- Cultivating wisdom and intuition
- Integrating the qualities of all Four Aspects
- the Yoga - skill in works, power of work, the spirit of perfection and order
The workshop concluded with a collective meditation, solidifying the connections made with each aspect of the Mother.
Conclusion
The 4-day Yantra workshop provided a sacred space for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and connection with the Divine Feminine. The participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose, carrying the transformative energies of the workshop hopefully into their daily lives.
By continuing to explore and deepen our understanding of the Four Aspects of the Mother, we may further our spiritual growth, cultivate inner wisdom, and embody the Divine Feminine in our lives.
