The concept behind the ground plan of the meditation centre was the Mandala structure known as the Sri Yantra, which is basically created by two overlapping triangles, thus forming what is sometimes called the Star of David, or in India, the Star of Lakshmi. This pattern is often the basis for the Rangoli or Kolam designs made by village women on the doorstep of the home. The design is thought to be auspicious, and to invite the Divine Mother into the home.
The Hexagonal structure on which the Sri Yantra is based, comprises a number of triangles which inter penetrate each other. Besides the star form where two triangles completely overlap, there is also the design of two triangles which only touch each other at their apex, creating a form which is like the traditional drum or dhumaroo, which folk singers use to keep time. In fact this drum also reminds one of the shape of the ancient hour glass. It is thought to both symbolize time, but also the human body, as we find in many tribal images where the upper part of the body is represented as a triangle whose apex points down, and the lower part of the body is a triangle whose apex points up. Another important form which we find in folk art is the diamond, or lozenge shape, where two equilateral triangles share a common base, though pointing in opposite directions. These forms are both dynamic, but also balanced. They seem to symbolize both rest and movement.
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