From: Inman, Thomas (1820-1876) Ancient pagan and modern
Christian symbolism (1884) Sri lantra [Yantra] is an ancient
Hindoo [Hindu] emblem. The circle represents the world, in which
the living exist; the triangle pointing upwards shows the male
creator; and the triangle with the apex downwards the female;
distinct, yet united. These have a world within themselves, in
which the male is uppermost. In the central circle the image to
be worshipped is placed. When used, the figure is placed on the
ground, with Brahma to the east, and Laksmi to the west. Then a
relic of any saint, or image of Buddha, like a modern papal
crucifix, is added, and the shrine for worship is complete. It
has now been adopted in Christian churches and Freemasons'
lodges.