About The Kenpo Yantra

What is the Kenpo Yantra?

This is the symbol we use as our logo at EPAKS, Inc. Its called the Kenpo Yantra. The Kenpo Yantra is an unusual name - so, why use this name? To understand that, one must first understand what a Yantra is and how it is used. Second, one must understand why an Indian term was chosen.

There are three things from which a Hindu studies – Mantra, Tantra, and Yantra. Most people have heard of Mantra – or phrase, which is repeated over and over to focus concentration or bring about a wanted goal. Lots of people have heard of Tantra (aka yoga) – or physical use of the body for inspiration and health. However, few have heard of Yantra – or symbol on which one should ponder to derive knowledge and enlightenment.

In other words, a Yantra is a symbol that is used for the advancement of the mind through realization. So, the Kenpo Yantra is a symbol specifically designed for the advancement and realization of knowledge in Kenpo; i.e. - it is a symbol that should be studied and pondered upon in order to advance one’s understanding of Kenpo.

From this, one can say that the Universal Pattern is a Yantra about Kenpo – and it is. The Universal Pattern is essentially a symbol to represent the study of motion from linear to circular paths and visa versa. So, how is the Kenpo Yantra any different from this? The Kenpo Yantra does not represent the study of motion; rather it represents the concepts, theories, rules, and principles of motion. From one perspective, one could say that the Kenpo Yantra is an opposite of the Universal Pattern. Where the Universal Pattern is a symbol to represent the study of motion – the Kenpo Yantra is a symbol to represent the study of the ideas that define and explain motion.

Ok, so that explains the term Yantra, but why use an Indian term – why not Chinese, Japanese, or American? An Indian term was chosen specifically because India is typically considered the origin of the martial arts. Bodhidarma (Daruma – from the Japanese) traveled to China, from India, in approximately 527 A.D., spreading the Buddhist faith. With him, he also brought a form of martial art that then also spread throughout China and the rest of Asia. So, just as the original Kenpo patch had writing and symbolism from China out of respect and recognition – the Kenpo Yantra uses the term Yantra out of respect and recognition to India.

For a more complete history of the martial arts, please consult SGM Edmund K. Parker’s Infinite Insights Into Kenpo Series – Book I.

Inside the Kenpo Yantra

 The Kenpo Yantra contains numerous figures, shapes, and symbols. It even contains every number and letter in the alphabet. However, a complete description of all the information contained within the Kenpo Yantra would require an entire book by itself. This chapter is meant to serve only as a starting place. It will highlight and expose only a few examples, and hopefully start you on the path to exploring the Kenpo Yantra on your own.

What you should find about the Kenpo Yantra is the following: the more time you spend examining the Kenpo Yantra, the more information you will be able to find within it.

These are just a small sample of some of the concepts, principles, and figures that can be found within the Kenpo Yantra:

Some of the Figures Contained in the Yantra

 Some of the American Kenpo Theories Contained in the Yantra

 Some of the Symbols contained in the Yantra

What Qualifies a Symbol as a Yantra?

 In order to qualify as a yantra, the following figures must be in the symbol:

• Contour
• Bindu
• Triangle
• Star
• Lotus
• Circle
• Square

 

Each of the figures required to qualify as a Yantra