sri yantra mystery of geometric construction

topic posted Thu, March 31, 2005 - 1:25 AM by  ar¡s
So, I have been looking for methods of constructing a precise and accurate sri yantra pattern and, or the life of me, I cannot find any methods that have worked so far.

My understanding is that in a perfectly drawn pattern all lines intersect at single points.

The issue I ran into is not knowing how to locate geometrically (non-arbitrarily) these points. The methods I looked into say one thing, but when drawn accurately in a vector program, it doesn't work.

Anyone have any tips or sources?

Thank you

Aris

PS meither metacrawler nor google bring forth anything useful, which is bizzarre, given the popularity of the pattern.
posted by:
ar¡s
Portland
  • I don't know the answer to your question, but in my studies of it I kept on coming across the statement that the actual number of triangles contained in it is infinite. When I counted I came to 111, which is a very interesting Aleister Crowley connection...

  • Re: sri yantra mystery of geometric construction

    Thu, January 25, 2007 - 9:14 AM
    Here's another great site using a compass (or pencil and string)
    www.harinam.org/gnosis/SriYantra.html

    google sri yantra under images and wow fun!
    • Unsu...
       

      Re: sri yantra mystery of geometric construction

      Tue, January 30, 2007 - 12:23 PM
      Yes these are all methods to construct the Sri Yantra based on many accounts new and old-
      and some perhaps are based on an analysis of old Sri Yantra on temple walls .
      But my question about Sri Yantra construction has always been and may always remain unanswered.
      Is this a true compass and ruler construction that will let us know the actual angle measures and edge propotions of
      the triangles? Or is it more of a design without mathematicaly rigourous construction constraints?
      I dont put it past the Vedics because they were very advanced geometers. The origins of trigonometry and algebra can be found in their ancient mathematics. But unless there is some document declared to be the oldest resource for the construction
      of a Sri Yantra- I will remain a bit skeptic.

      My investigation of geometric constructions (with compass and unmarked ruler alone)
      lead me to the theory that certain things were impossible to construct with these techniques-
      such as the construction of a regular 7 sided polygon.
      This means that the angle 360/7 (deg.) is not constructable but can only be approximated.
      Nor can regular polygons with 9, 11, 13, 14 sides (and there are infinately more) be constructed.
      Angle trisection is another impossible construction.

      So are all the angles in the Sri Yantra triangles constructable like a regular pentagon is?
      I can define all the lengths and angles in a regular pentagon based on the radius of the initial circle
      and using the Pythagorean Theorem (which Vedic geometers understood to some degree).

      Anyone think about it to this level?

      -Dan
      • ian
        ian
        offline 0

        Re: sri yantra mystery of geometric construction

        Thu, December 20, 2007 - 1:58 AM
        from what i remember, "secret geometry" was practiced with 3 things only...a compass, a pencil or whatever they used in those times to write with, and a straight-edge with NO marks/numbers on it. The Sri Yantra is based 100% on the Golden Ratio, or Section. Or , more commonly known as "phi". "Irrational" is the word to describe it today. Kind of silly because it IS the model of living things as we know them. Its the 3, 4, 5 triangle, and everywhere. It is a perfection not of "balanced" and "absolute" conclusions, but of UN-balenced parts of a whole that "compliment" eachother in a way that "rational" numbers just can't quite reach.

        So, yes, it can be drawn precisely with the 3 tools, but when your done, and if you did it right, then when you go to measure any part of it, the results will appear to be off here and there by just a hair. Things won't add up. Don't use numbers to check the work!!!!!!!!! NO MATH!!!!!!!!!!! Only use the 3 tools. They are more precise than you may realize...

        Good luck.

        ps. remember, its all about preportion!!!! NOT balance.
        • Unsu...
           

          Re: sri yantra mystery of geometric construction

          Sun, December 23, 2007 - 10:50 PM
          I think you misread the meaning of "irrational" when used to describe a type of number.
          An irrational number is not expressable as a ratio of integers.
          It doesn't mean that it a number which acts without reason.

          ir-ratio-nal

          The Golden Ratio doesn't come directly from the 3-4-5 triangle...

          However the 3-4-5 triangle an example of a tool helpful to underatand the Pythagorean Theorem which
          in turn is absolutely necesary to fully understand the Golden Ratio and irrational numbers.

          Master the Pythagorean Theorem by proving it to yourself- try constructing a geometric proof.
          If you can't- then study some of the many simple geometric proofs out there.
          It is the key in understanding the true meaning of irrational numbers-
          starting with square roots.
          You should develope some algebraic tools to manipulate mathematical expresions with
          square roots. It will come in handy to verify the many amazing algebraic identities of the Golden Ratio.

          The true beauty of the Golden Ratio comes alive through the interplay of algebra and geometry, and trigonometry . Its through this which
          you may discover its prefection in assymetrical balance.
      • Re: sri yantra mystery of geometric construction

        Thu, December 20, 2007 - 4:57 AM
        "My investigation of geometric constructions (with compass and unmarked ruler alone)
        lead me to the theory that certain things were impossible to construct with these techniques-
        such as the construction of a regular 7 sided polygon.
        This means that the angle 360/7 (deg.) is not constructable but can only be approximated.
        Nor can regular polygons with 9, 11, 13, 14 sides (and there are infinately more) be constructed.
        Angle trisection is another impossible construction."

        I've read that a polygon of 17 sides is so constructable (as is 5 sides from which the golden ration comes). See
        en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comp...r_polygons of
        en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comp...aightedge, which tells you which polygons can be so constructed.

        Karl

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