Purushakara Yantra, Rajasthan 18th century. The Purushakara Yantra is a masculine cosmic figure in whose form appear different levels of existence. The ascendants are the superior states and the descendants are the inferior experiences. This type of illustration, known as a yantra, is used to help focus the mind for meditation. The use emerged within the Hindu yogi movement, and from there it was passed on to Jainism and Buddhism.
