The Origin and Evolution of Yantra in Lanna

Abstract

This research aims to 1. study the evolution and origin of Yantra in Lanna and 2. analyze the Buddhist principles that appear in Lanna Yantra. This is a documentary research.

The research results found that the development of Yantra that appeared in Lanna society was influenced by the beliefs of Buddhism and Brahmanism since ancient times and was combined with the original animist religion in the area, resulting in a ritual belief to negotiate with the power of the sacred. Yantra is a symbol representing the ritual in Lanna society and uses Lanna Dharma letters to write Yantra. The Buddhist principles that appear in Lanna Yantra are found to include basic Buddhist principles such as the 5 precepts, the hymns praising the Triple Gem, and the 9 virtues of the Buddha. These are the basic principles that are found to use the abbreviation of each principle to write Yantra. It was also found that the person who performed the Yantra writing ceremony adhered to the principles of Buddhism in composing Yantra, such as the Tri-sikkha, the Brahmavihara, the laity, and the social spheres, etc.