For most of us, conceptual thinking is not possible; we need grosser expressions of the Infinite formless reality in order to comprehend it. Seers and Sages, through their experience of deep meditation, tapas and surrender to the Source brought forth these symbols in different forms. Over a period of time, repeated exposure to a symbol and what it stands for gets embedded in our minds, and then, whenever we happen to see it, the whole idea of what it represents unfolds for us.

Since, for the common man, God as a formless entity would be difficult to comprehend, the wise Seers further gave form to these symbols and created stories around them in order to instill certain value systems and make people aware of the finer qualities of existence. In this manner, an individual would be focusing on a part of the total reality with which he identified and, depending on his intention and attention, he would actualize his wish or desire.

Experience tells us that every thought has a form and the potential to actualize itself. Whatever we affirm, we manifest. The word once uttered is let out in the collective consciousness and those gifted with a keen vision can see the form. Thus, when an agni-yagna is performed with mantras and invocations to the deities, one can see the forms of the symbols and deities represented by the words.

Given below are photographs of an agni-yagna performed recently, showing some symbols as the invocations with the relevant mantras were being done.

Agni takes the form of a Shivalinga. Shivalinga symbolically represents Cosmic Consciousness.

A figure of a devi or deva that was invoked.

This visual has most of the symbols, mainly because the yagna was coming to an end and offerings were being made to the different deities with the recitation of: SAVAHA!

In the flames we can see
(1) Aum. All religious rites are started with the repetition of Aum, a word that represents Consciousness as a whole or God Himself.

(2) Swastika. This symbolizes the Sun and also the wheel of karma. The mark of Swastika is also used on doors or on any object as a symbol of protection.

(3) Descending and ascending Trishul (trident). This is usually carried by the Shaivites and is also a symbol of higher consciousness.

In his preface for the book Kundalini Diary by Santosh Sachdeva, Rohit Arya states: "Where do stories come from and why do they take the shape they do? They come from Inner Experiences, from strong visual imprinting… The differences in stories are due to differences in personalities and cultures - they are differences in interpretation of what is fundamentally the same set of inner visions."

Thus, we realize and understand the role the symbols created by the recitation of the mantras play in an individual's spiritual growth.

- Santosh Sachdeva