The Sacred Geometry of The Circumpunct

    The Circumpunct is a yantra in a way, a visual meditation tool. And in observing as such it is a visual representation of Buddhist meditation processes. Some are related to the four dimensions of geometry and four dimensions of meditation on their own. The four dimensions of geometry are points, lines, planes, and solids which symbolize the meditation dimensions of concentration, connection, circulation, and unity consciousness.  

    There are many lessons in Buddhism that are taught and considered in sets. Each idea of the set is powerful on its own and together are even more profound. Some of the fundamental lessons of Buddhism do arrive in sets of four and form a certain basis of comprehension. One such set is The Four Thoughts. Each of ideas in The Four Thoughts have numerous lessons within them, but they are together for their completeness in total of viewing the individual system and the universal system.

    The Four Thoughts are a contemplation set on The Precious Human Body, Impermanence, Karma, Samsara. The Four Thoughts are meant to be contemplated individually and are a unit as a meditative tool and meditation process. In brief, precious human body is you and your ability to develop yourself and help others. Impermanence is  the limitations of time. Karma is the energy of cause and effect in the world. Samsara is the totality of the mess we are in, all.   

    The Four Thoughts together correspond with the four dimensions of geometry and The Circumpunct symbol. Precious Human Body represents the point in geometry and the point in The Circumpunct, Impermanence represents time and the circle cycle. Karma represents the plane in geometry as the optimal shape of circle of space within The Circumpunct, and together, the individual in space and time form the volume and The Samsara of the entirety of the Circumpunct. The three compose a fourth.   

The Point
 
“The most primitive and fundamental of all symbols is the dot.” ~Manly P. Hall
 
    The point represents an individual being, mind, ego. The point is the spark or the heart center of the individual. The point is the seed of the idea and the spark of life. In a sacred structure we can understand the point to be the holy of holies, the center of the center or most important room.
 
    In meditation comprehension the point represents the concentration of mind. The point can be many things as a meditation tool, like an idea or an image in the mind, or like a inspirational picture or candle flame in front of you. Or it can be as mundane as a crease in a cave wall, as Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, famously utilized. Single-Pointedness is concentration. It is frequently the first step in a meditation processes for the more we can concentrate our energy the less diffused our energy is, the less scattered our thoughts are and more relaxed and capable we become.
 
    Just as we may be concerned with many thoughts at once we may be similarly be losing or diffusing energy in many ways. As soon as we enable concentration our energy can shift into more useful thoughts and more efficient being. The point represents the unmoved self, the self in still meditation.     
 
“Reality has no inside, outside, or middle part.” ~Bodhidharma

The Circle

    The circle represents time. The circle is symbolic for feminine divinity of the universe. In contrast, the line is symbolic for masculine energy. The circle here represents the cycle of The Sun and the cycle of time. It is the time circle. In school we are taught certain timelines as linear, but time can also be accurately depicted as circle for it is daily and annual and cosmic cycle. Time circles can be found worldwide as calendars of monolithic circles or circles constructed of other earthworks and even clocks depict the circle cycle in the hands of time.

    The circle represents time and timelessness. Timelessness being the idea of not being subject to temporal constrictions, triggers or stressors to start. The circle represents smooth movement and flow as in circumambulation/circuiting around a sacred site, or meditative walking/meditative movement.

The Space
​
    The space represents space, of course. The space in the Circumpunct is the most subtle to recognize, but no less important. Space in The Circumpunct represents the formation of three-dimensional objects and the void in between. The idea of space as opposed to time eventually leads to contemplation on what is tangible and intangible and what is the distinction between the material and immaterial.

    In any event how do we hold our space? Do we hold our being in a capacity that can receive and emit ideas? Is our perception field broad or is it small and shallow? Is our space like a still and glassy lake that can experience the tiniest ripple? Or is our space a roiling tumultuous sea where things are easily lost?      

The Volume

In consideration of The Circumpunct in totality as a meditation tool we have the mind/ego as a small point, perhaps a point of no size whatsoever, with an unseen connection to and central in space and time. Some of the meditation lessons in The Circumpunct may represent meditative qualities that are lifetime pursuits for some, like centered balance.

“Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear.” ~Lao Tzu

    In order to maintain a more balanced and refined state we can begin with the guarding of mind. To be balanced and refined we must keep our ego concentrated and yet small, central and yet not in the way of the flow of our inner world and the outer world like the point. To be balanced and refined we need to make a connection with ideas and ways of being like the unseen line. To be balanced and refined we need to be smooth in our thinking and being and let go of any skips or stutters in the flow of time. To be balanced and refined we need to make our field settled and calm like waters. When we get out of our own way, make connection and not hold onto skips and stutters in space and time we can enhance our awareness.

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” ~ Aristotle

Take the time to stand or sit still and soften the flow of mind and body to smooth over skips and stutters. Let the mud settle. Focus on something in a relaxed manner. Perhaps something entirely simple and yet infinitely profound, like our Circumpunct. And as it is said in Tai Chi practice, ‘soften the gaze.’ Gently focus on a pleasing idea or symbol, like The Circumpunct, in all its simplicity and profundity. In its totality The Circumpunct is an inspiration to not be as constricted by our bodily impulses, and not be as constrained by space and time.