symbols in yoga
Which symbols are the most famous?
Everyone knows them, at least from the looks and somehow we have all seen them on yoga t-shirts, pants, necklaces or even on the skin as a tattoo. Often they are also in the form of a statue in a yoga studio. The best known are: the "Om", the lotus blossom, the yin yang, the flower of life and the Buddha.
Here is a brief overview of the most well-known symbols that are often associated with yoga.
What do we understand as Yin Yang?
Yin and yang
The yin and yang symbol is not only widespread in the yoga world. Yin Yang, the opposites that complement each other.
In yoga there is even yin yoga or yang yoga.
But also a mixed form. In this context, Yin Yoga stands for calm, restorative yoga, which supports the female energy.
The poses are held for about 2-3 minutes without much muscle activity, if any.
From this it can be concluded that Yang Yoga is therefore a rather
active form of yoga, with lots of activity. The postures can also be held here for a few minutes, but are more likely
powerful. Vinyasa Yoga is often practiced in Yang Yoga. Of course there is also a mixed form; Yin-yang yoga.
Hatha yoga, for example, would be a hybrid. Because takes
one finds the word hatha, and translating it, one finds ha 'sun' and tha 'moon'. So also two opposites that complement each other and
connecting two completely different energies.
Those who have practiced hatha yoga before know
also that the postures that are taken can be exhausting, but we have enough time between the postures to empathize and to calm down.
For me it can hardly be said that Yin or Yang Yoga is better, since we have very different energies every day, which we can respond to in a new and completely different way every day,
to support and balance us.
What is the meaning of the lotus?
The lotus
The lotus is also a well-known symbol. Many also know the lotus from the chakras, here it stands for the opening and beauty of these.
From a yogic point of view, the lotus also has a meaning of enlightenment. In India, the lotus is often used as a symbol of purity and fidelity.
In yoga practice, the lotus is integrated through the so-called lotus position.
This is the number one sitting position for many meditators, so
Of course, enlightenment makes sense at this point, since that is one of the primary goals of meditation.
Apart from that, the asana practice also aims to make our body so strong and flexible that we can remain in the lotus position for meditation without any effort.
What does Om symbolize?
The Om symbol
It looks like a 30 with a small half circle and dot on top. Most know it from yoga classes, it is often chanted or spoken.
If spelled out correctly, it consists of the letters A, U and M and is to be understood as a universal, as a whole.
Often it is also at the beginning of many polysyllabic mantras
in Hinduism. But why is it so well known and often chanted at the beginning and end of each yoga class?
It vibrates our body so that A vibrates the abdomen, U the chest and M the crown, thus activating it
our chakras from the root chakra up to the crown charkra. In addition, it brings us into a state of full presence and is a short and powerful way to immerse ourselves in our yoga practice and sense of being there.
What does the Buddha symbolize?
The Buddha
Everyone has seen a Buddha somewhere, maybe just as a small decoration in the living room or garden of their relatives or friends or when traveling as a magnificent and powerful Buddha statue. Maybe you even have a Buddha yourself at home?
A Buddha has such a warm and friendly
Charisma, for many this is inviting and encouraging. Many yoga studios also have a Buddha on an altar or in the entrance area.
Even if the philosophy of yoga does not necessarily have anything to do with Buddhism, there are many parallels between the two. Because ultimately it is both in Buddhism,
as well as in yoga about doing good, being sensitive to yourself and to others.
In addition, the Buddha symbol often stands for meditation, which is very important in yoga.
What is meant by the flower of life?
The flower of life
The Flower of Life is an ornament on a hexagonal cutout. In the case of the flower of life, 90 adjacent grid points intersect at this hexagonal section, the petals, which are connected to one another by lenses.
The flower of life is used in modern esotericism as a protective amulet. The flower of life radiates harmony and perfection. The flower of life should give you energy and harmony through its even shape. The flower of life is said to have the power to "enliven water" and "eliminate interference" in rooms.
The cosmic order is symbolized by the flower of life.
