Is it math or is it magic?
This question was often put by mesmerised members of the audience to the late Shankaracharya of Jagannatha Puri, His Holiness Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaja, whenever he demonstrated the neat, elegant techniques of the ancient system of speedy calculation that he had successfully re-constructed.
In reply, the Maharaja would usually quip: "It's both - it's magic until you understand it; thereafter it's mathematics!" That aptly describes the system of mathematics he founded based on 16 Sanskrit sutras, now being popularly referred to as "Vedic Mathematics".
Likewise, yantras may be similarly described -- they are mathematical as well as magical!
On a deeper level, yantras are spiritual diagrams and instruments of precise mathematical design, and are said to represent the supernatural powers of Divinity. Yantras are almost always accompanied by sacred mantras, usually inscribed on them, and are used as talismen to invoke auspiciousness and promote the well-being of the user.
The mathematics of yantras is based on combinations of geometrical shapes and elements, magic numbers, and other special symbolic or numeric combinations.
