What’s a hamsa or an om? How do they affect your yoga practice? Learn the different yoga symbols and understand what they mean to you as a yogi!

You’ve probably seen them in tattoos or jewelry pieces like necklaces or bracelets, but you don’t really know what they mean. I am talking about yoga symbols. Using symbols as a way of communication has been around for thousands of years. Just think about the hieroglyphics in Egypt. Although we can now express ourselves through words, symbols have remained perhaps due to tradition and impact they have, especially in how we do yoga. As a beginner, I want you to be well rounded – that is, you learn as much as possible EVERYTHING there is to know about yoga. That’s why I thought about writing this.

Yoga Symbols Every Beginner Should Learn

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These are some of the popular yoga symbols, so much so they can be found as logos in yoga studios. I even have posters of them in my classroom! To introduce yourselves to these symbols, I’ve listed about seven that are the most common. Here they are: 

1. Mandala

A mandala may present different geometric patterns, but it is generally a circle, from which it got its Sanskrit name. It is a yoga symbol for completeness, harmony, and self-unity, one of the highest aspirations for any yogi. You see, yogis strive to achieve balance in spirit, mind, and body. This symbol should remind you of that.

2. Om/Aum

If you have been into any yoga class, then definitely you’ve heard this chant. In many cases, it is mentioned at the beginning and then the end of any session. But do you know om doesn’t really represent a word? It is a syllable – but a powerful one since it’s the vibration of the cosmic universe! One of the common yoga symbols, the om, which appears like number 3, has a deep meaning:

3. Hamsa

This is probably one of my favorite yoga symbols. It is also universal, at least for me, since it’s incredibly popular in other religions like Jewish. Hamsa, represented by the palm of the hand and its five fingers, stands for protection. As you can see, it includes the “evil eye,” which should ward off bad spirits away. In turn, hamsa invites luck, prosperity, good health, and happiness.

4. Chakra

A chakra is an energy point in the body, and our bodies have seven of them, represented by the lotus essences. If there’s an imbalance in your body, it may mean one of these chakras is out of whack. For example, if you have problems with lower back pain or you struggle to establish personal relationships, the issue may be on the root chakra. Hopefully, in the future, I can write a more detailed explanation about these chakras.

5. Buddha

For many people, the Buddha is a person. For the yogis, he also stands for enlightenment. When one is enlightened, he or she achieves a higher level of consciousness and oneness with the universe. He or she is believed to be in harmony with oneself, one’s mind, and one’s spirit.

6. Tree Of Life

The Tree of Life represents the connection of all living forms of the earth and is part of the cosmic tree, which also includes the Tree of Knowledge (remember biblical Adam and Eve?). For yoga and Buddhism, it is the bodhi tree where Buddha received his enlightenment.

7. Lotus

Lotus is one of the yoga symbols embedded into the practice as many yoga sessions include the Lotus Position. The lotus is a fragrant beautiful flower that stands for grounding and divinity: while its roots are found underneath mud and water forms like ponds, the flowers bloom above.

Do you know how to do the Lotus Position? Here’s a short tutorial from David Garrigues:

Did I help clear some of the questions you have about yoga symbols? I hope so. If any of these symbols mean something to you, then by all means, make it a part of your life. You can display them or have them as a tattoo – it’s your choice. The most important thing is you live the goodness of yoga. Namaste!

Do you know of other yoga symbols? Let me know through your comments and I’ll include them on the list. Don’t forget to read these as well.

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