While the uninitiated won’t realise it, the concept of practicing yoga is about far more than the poses and asanas. The music, atmosphere, and environment all play a crucial role. Yoga symbols certainly fall into that category of holding huge significance, which is why you should consider using them to enhance your spiritual practice and teachings.

Yoga symbols are sacred signs with very clear meanings. Here’s how they can be used to your benefit.

Why are yoga symbols used?

Yoga symbols are steeped in ancient history and carry various meanings that are designed to help you reach a higher state of consciousness. 

Yogis have used symbols to heighten their spiritual practice for hundreds of years. By adding the right symbols around your studio or practice space, you (and your students) can reach levels of higher consciousness too.

Six yoga symbols you need to know

There are many different symbols out there, but some are more common than others. They each symbolise different teachings and meanings that can be used to boost your meditation and yoga practices. Let’s take a look at six of the most powerful.

Hamsa & Evil Eye: The hamsa and evil eye icon is associated with Hinduism, bringing luck, strength, and protection. This counteracts the evil eye, which represents the negativity of jealous and hostile stares.

Ganesh: Ganesh, the elephant headed deity, who is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and the Lord of Beginnings. According to Kundalini yoga, Ganesh, also referred to as Ganapataye, resides in the first chakra, called Muladhara (muladhara).

Mandala: Semantically, the name Mandala derives from the Sanskrit for ‘circle’. Unsurprisingly, then, the pattern is circular in design. It represents the universe and can help bring you to a greater level of concentration and total meditation.

Lotus Flower: In Buddhism, the petals of the lotus flower are associated with the opening of our heart and love. The symbol is also used to promote the idea that we can replicate the flower’s ability to move from a place of suffering into the light.

Buddha: Most yoga enthusiasts will know the basic story of Buddha. Having a depiction reminds us of the journey to becoming liberated from suffering and can help you become enlightened through the meditation practice.

Aum: The most common symbol is also one of the most sacred. It is said that Aum, or OM, mirrors the sound of the cosmos. Chanting it is believed to help open the third eye and tune into the universe.

Symbols are all around us in many walks of life, but this is especially true when handling the spiritual elements of yoga. Use those symbols wisely, and your quest for a heightened spiritual practice will see noticeable rewards.

Paintings with a Purpose