Matrika /mah-trih-kah/, like many sanskrit words, has an abundance of meanings, including a group of letters or sound-syllables, the Goddess Shakti in her form as all sound and speech, and all levels of conceptualization. There are even a band of Hindu goddesses called the Matrikas, in a group that numbers either seven (Saptamatrikas) or eight (Ashtamatrikas), depending on the region in which they are being venerated.

In tantra, the matrika-shakti is the manifestation of all levels of the word; thought, written, spoken, recited, chanted, and sung. My teacher John was the first person I heard speak of the importance of each of these types of matrika. Exploration of each form brings about its own unique set of revelations, and it is only through engagement with all facets of the word that our understanding is illumined more and more. This section is my contribution of different forms of written matrika, birthed from my own contemplation and through discussion with others, that I hope may inspire new insights from your own reflection or dialogue.

Enjoy.

- Mark's blog

- Lingua Weekly interview by Gina Cariño

- Mayurasana article

- The Unfoldment of Awareness

NOTE: If you would like to copy, distribute and display the contents of any of these articles, you must receive written permission from, give credit to, and mention the original author. You are not allowed to use these contents for commercial purposes, and you may not modify them to make any derivative works.