The mystical symbolism of yoga and meditation is rich. Modern yoga has commercialized these ancient symbols and ignored their deeper meanings. Some practitioners display signs on clothing, jewelry, or tattoos to show their love for yoga. These symbols are more than just decoration. Understanding and knowing the yogic character is critical to understanding yogic teachings and mythologies. The use of yoga symbols can help you gain a better understanding of the practices of yoga. They can be used to communicate a concept, teaching, or spiritual idea visually.
What are Yoga Symbols
A symbol is a graphical representation of an idea, concept, or relationship. Symbols are powerful tools that help us move from the unknown to the known. Mystics in India created yoga symbols to help elevate consciousness and gain deeper insight into a person’s spiritual path and yoga practice. These symbols are essential in guiding one to inner peace and enlightenment.
How to Use Yoga Symbols
You can use the yoga symbols to enhance and deepen your meditation and practice. You can get a lot of inspiration by placing these symbols in your home and workspace. You can add yoga symbols to your clothing, wear jewelry with characters, or even decorate your home with decorative items with signs. Having the marks near you will improve your yoga practice and increase your concentration, inner calm, and connection to the Devine. Place one or more yoga symbols in your space to help you focus on their use. You can use them as a visual prompt to remind you to stay focused on your intentions whenever you see the symbols. You can also put one of these pictures in front of your eyes while practicing yoga poses or meditation.
Common Symbols of Yoga
The following symbols are not exclusive to yoga. These symbols are also found in other religions and cultures. It is essential to understand that symbolism can have many layers, which require contemplation and research.
The Om/Aum Symbol
You will find this symbol at many yoga studios. The Om or Aum symbol is often chanted before and after a yoga class. Yogis believe the sound or vibration Om unifies everything. The chanting of Om and the meditation on the Om symbol is said to open the third eye and allow you to connect with the divine power of the universe. This image represents yoga’s primary goal to unite the mind, body, and spirit.
The three sounds of Om, A-U-M (A-UM), represent the Hindu Trimurti. Brahma is the creator (A), Vishnu is the sustainer (U), and Shiva is the transformer (M). Aum’s sound and representation can be broken down into four different meanings.
The bottom left curve represents A (aah) and the first state or waking consciousness. The bottom left turn represents the sound of A (aahh) and the first or waking state of consciousness.
The angle at the bottom right represents the sound U (oooh) and the second state of consciousness or dreaming. This is beyond the physical body in our unconsciousness, energetic realms, and active unconsciousness.
The curve on the top left represents the sound M (mmm) and the third, or deep sleep state of consciousness. Represents spiritual forces and connectivity of the universe.
The dot on the top of the character represents the silence that follows the chanting of Aum and the fourth state of Samadhi pure consciousness. This is the state of pure consciousness in which you are one with all creation and experience absolute stillness.
The 7 Chakra Symbols
The chakras are seven energy centers within our body, and they can be described as spinning disks of light. Yoga practitioners believe that when all seven energies work in harmony, you’ll be spiritually, mentally, and physically at peace. One way to balance the chakras is by meditating on the meanings of each chakra symbol. The chakra symbols are made up of lotus flowers, triangles, colors, circles, Sanskrit alphabets, and other symbols.
The Muladhara, or Root Chakra, is red and resembles an upside-down triangle. It represents stability and grounding.
Svadhishthana, or Sacral Chakra, is orange and looks like a crescent within a flower. It represents your creative center.
Manipura, or Solar Plexus Chakra, is yellow and looks like an upside-down funnel. It affects confidence. It represents the energy and vibrancy you radiate into the world.
The Anahata, or Heart Chakra, is green and looks like a tiny star inside a lotus. It is believed to increase your empathy and compassion.
The Vishuddha, or Throat Chakra, is blue and resembles a circle within a triangle. It represents your ability and willingness to share your knowledge and experience with those around you.
The Third Eye Chakra is an indigo-colored triangle that looks like an eye within an eye. It represents your connection with the divinity. The third eye chakra is also called this.
The Sahasrara, or Crown Chakra, is your connection with the universe. It is purple and looks like a lotus blossom in full bloom.
You can explore the seven Chakras in greater detail as part of your spiritual practice. By examining the symbolism of each Chakra, you can learn how to balance their energy flow and unlock any blocked Chakras.
The Gyan Mudra Symbol
This is a standard hand mudra that is used for meditation and yoga. This symbol is similar to the “ok” hand gesture that we make by touching the tip of our index finger to either the end or base of our thumb. The index finger represents the heart chakra and air element, and the thumb the solar plexus.
This symbol is also known as jnana mudra or chin mudra. This symbol is known as the jnana or chin mudra.
Lotus Flower
The open lotus flower symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and new beginnings. The lotus flower blooms above the stagnant, muddy water. Its roots are deep within the bottom mud. Water lilies also represent our ability to turn significant challenges and obstacles into powerful lessons. Closed lotus flowers represent a yogi who has yet to be enlightened. Blue lotus flowers represent mindfulness and wisdom. The white lotus symbolizes purity of spirit and thought. Purple lotuses represent mysticism, while a pink lotus can be called the sacred lotus Buddha.