From the outside, the world of yoga seems so mysterious. It’s even more intimidating if you’re a beginner. Moreover, various symbols represent different areas of the practice, adding to the mystery of it all. But what do they mean?
First, know that these symbols aren’t just used for show. They embody the spiritual side of yoga. By learning about these signs, you’ll understand the spiritual effect of yoga. Even the physical benefits are connected. Remember, yoga links the body, spirit, and mind! Through this, you can improve countless physical issues like back pain, blood pressure, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and lung disease.1 Honing the spiritual side will only help.
The following symbols are a central part of yoga. To build your understanding, learn what they mean and the history behind them.
1. Om
Om is a sacred hymn. The Sanskrit symbol is well-known, making it a popular motif on yoga mats or even on the bodies of die-hard yogis. The sound creates a sense of vibration, signifying the unity of yoga’s fundamentals: mind, body, and spirit. It may be a simple word, but the meaning is so powerful.
In fact, a 2011 study found that chanting “om” stimulates the vagus nerve. This the longest nerve in the autonomic nervous system, connecting the brain and abdomen. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been used to treat depression and epilepsy.2 Who knew just two alphabets could make such an impact?
You might know it as the sound of meditation. Many yoga sessions also start and end with “om” chants, often in sets of threes. Additionally, “om” can be pronounced in different ways. The “o” and “m” can be sounded separately, starting with a long “o” and ending in a vibrating “m.” Other people prefer “aum” or “ah-oo-mm.”
2. Lotus Flower
As the official flower of India, the lotus is widely used in yoga. Both Hinduism and Buddhism honor the bloom. The representation lies within the flower’s biology. It grows in muddy waters, with its roots deep in the muck.3 Despite the conditions, the flower is breathtaking.
For a practicing yogi, the lotus shows how we can overcome challenges. It’s possible to flourish into beauty – no matter what life throws at you! The flowers serve as a reminder that the road to achievement is never pretty.
Additionally, the lotus position is the most common meditative position. Many restorative yoga flows will end with this move.
3. Hamsa Hand
The hamsa is a hand-shaped amulet or talisman. In various religious practices – including Buddhism and Hinduism – this ancient symbol is used for protection. A basic palm shape doesn’t count as the hamsa. It must have the “evil eye,” the symbol of bad luck and energy. The hand appears to be literally stopping the eye.
In practice, the hamsa emulates the positive nature of yoga. With each breath and stretch, yoga is meant to release tension and negativity. Love jewelry? You’ll be sure to find hamsa charms and necklaces in the yoga world.
4. Mandala
From tattoos to coloring books, mandalas are easy to find. These complex and gorgeous patterns represent the universe, showing how each component is deeply connected. In Sanskrit, mandala means “circle.”
Mandalas don’t hold just any old pattern, though. The shapes are perfectly geometric and repetitive. Again, this represents the natural sequences of the universe. Sometimes, mandalas incorporate other yoga symbols like Buddha or the “om” symbol.
5. Buddha
The most recognizable yoga symbol might very well be Buddha. The title means “awakened,” representing freedom from suffering through enlightenment. Buddhism focuses on this journey.4
In the 500s BCE, Buddha was born as Gautama Buddha. As a spiritual master and thinker, he guided his followers to a special state of mind — nirvana. His philosophy had a lot to do with letting go of suffering.5 Yoga embodies his teachings. With each stretch and asana, you let go of suffering and pain. It’s the ultimate goal of the practice.
As you can see, these symbols are more than pretty shapes. They’re a visual representation of yoga’s most vital concepts. To get the most out of yoga, embrace the power of these symbols.
References
