YANTRA

        Yantra is the Sanskrit word for "instrument" or "machine". Much like the word "instrument" itself, it can stand for symbols, processes, automata, machinery or anything that has structure and organization, depending on context
                One usage popular in the west is as symbols or geometric figures. Traditionally such symbols are used in Eastern mysticism to 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 or astrological or magical benefits in the Tantric traditions of the Indian religions.
             
Yantra is a Sanskrit word that is derived from the root yam meaning to control or subdue ^[1] or "to restrain, curb, check" ^[2]. Meanings for the noun derived from this root include:^[3][4]

• "any instrument or machine" (i.e. that which is controlled or controls. For instance the body is said to be a yantra^[5])
• "any instrument for holding, restraining, or fastening" (for instance a symbol which 'holds' the essence of a concept, or helps the mind to 'fasten' on a particular idea)
• "a mystical or astronomical diagram" (usually a symbol, often inscribed on an amulet) sometimes said to possess mystical or magical powers.

-tra is derived from the root word trayoti (??? this is not a root word. citation please) which means "liberation" (as in tantra and mantra). A yantra depicts both macrocosmic and microcosmic forces acting together - the movement towards and away from the centre - "control" and "liberation" within the one device. Mantra plus yantra creates tantra. In some disciplines of Tantra it is said that a focused, controlled gaze upon a particular yantra may lead to liberation.