Most meditational practices require you to focus on something. It can be your breath, an object, and of course, a symbol of meditation.
Many symbols carry a deep spiritual meaning that helps you to direct your energy in a particular direction and achieve the most out of your meditation session. Some even help you connect with the divine power and enhance your spiritual awareness.
Remember, the effectiveness of the symbols will depend on your personal connection to them. In this article, I’ve added the popular symbols of meditation with their meanings.
You don’t have to get confused with so many images! Just read the meaning, and if you can connect with it – use it while you meditate.
Eastern symbols of meditation
Eastern philosophies are renowned for using various meditation techniques and symbols. These symbols have been used for centuries and helped many people in their spiritual growth.
1. Om (ॐ)
Meaning: It represents reality, consciousness, or Atman (the soul). When you speak OM, it’s the sound of the universe. It helps to balance energies and connect with the divine.
Additionally, “Scientific studies on Om suggest that the mental repetition of Om results in physiological alertness, and increased sensitivity”
2. The Lotus Flower
Meaning: The Lotus rises from muddy and dirty water to bloom and becomes one of the most beautiful flowers on Earth. It symbolizes spiritual growth and how meditation helps you bloom.
3. The Mandala
Meaning: A Mandala is a symbolic geometrical design. It has a focus point with layer after layer. It symbolizes the whole universe. Each part has a different meaning but the center represents the essence or core of existence
4. The Yin-Yang
Meaning: Yin is the darker part that represents darkness, femininity, passivity, and the moon. Yang is the lighter part represents light, masculinity, activity, and the sun.
You’ll notice a black circle in white while a white circle in black. It represents interconnectedness and that each force contains the seed of its opposite.
5. Mudras (Hand Gestures)
There are various types of mudras – each represents the flow of energy within the body. While there are a total of 399 mudras, the most popular ones are
1. Anjali Mudra: It is the gesture of prayer with palms pressed together at the heart, symbolizes respect and unity.
2. Gyan Mudra: Gyan means knowledge. In meditation, the gyan mudra is used to enhance concentration and wisdom.
3. Chin Mudra: Chin means consciousness. Basically without chin, the meditation is incomplete. It represents a connection with inner peace and grounding. The symbol is similar to gyan mudra but with the palm facing down.
4. Abhaya Mudra: Abhaya means fearlessness. It symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear.
5. Dhyana Mudra: Dhyana means focus. It’s an integral part of meditation that represents deep concentration and inner stability.
6. The Buddha
Meaning: Buddha is a position given to the awakened being. Like Siddharth Gautama was a saint but once awakening happened, he was called Buddha.
Buddha is calm and serene, representing inner peace, mindfulness, self-awareness, and spiritual awakening.
7. The Tree of Life
Meaning: It represents interconnectedness and growth. The branches of a tree are for growth and spiritual ascent, while the roots symbolize a strong foundation of life. It’s like the ongoing cycle of birth, growth, death, and renewal.
8. The Swastika
Meaning: An ancient symbol that’s commonly used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, the cyclical nature of life, auspiciousness, and well-being.
9. The Hamsa
Meaning: It’s a well-known symbol of protection. The Hamsa is believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune, health, and happiness.
10. The Dharma Wheel
Meaning: Also called Dharamchakra – used to spread Buddhist teachings across the world. Each of the eight spokes has a different meaning. Collectively, the rotation of the wheel represents the ongoing cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth (samsara).
11. The Enso
Meaning: The Enso is a sacred symbol of meditation primarily originated from Zen Buddhism in Japan. It symbolizes emptiness, wholeness, and the universe. The circle represents the infinite nature of the mind and the interconnectedness of all things.
Western Symbols of Meditation
Like the rich history of symbols in Eastern traditions, western cultures often lack their use. It’s likely because the roots of Western culture lie in rationalism and empiricism instead of philosophies. However, there are still some famous symbols of meditation in the West.
1. Labyrinth
Meaning: While an ancient symbol, it’s widely accepted in Western societies. It shows that life is full of dead ends, but you must be strong enough to confront challenges and find your way to spiritual awakening.
2. The Anchor
Meaning: It is a Christian symbol associated with faith and hope. Also, symbolizes stability, grounding, and hope. It provides you with a sense of safety and support during challenging times.
3. The Cross
Meaning: It’s of course one of the most popular and central symbols in Christianity. It represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his sacrifices for humans. It’s often seen as a reminder of love, forgiveness, and selflessness.
4. The Dove
Meaning: The dove represents the holy spirit, signifying divine presence and guidance. It’s also a well-known sign of hope, tranquility, peace, and spiritual renewal.
5. The Eye
Meaning: This symbol of meditation has various meanings across cultures but in Christianity, it represents inner vision, insight, and divine watchfulness.
More on Mediation
Meditation Verses to Meditate on the Word of God
30 Free Meditation Scripts pdf of Various Techniques
How long should you meditate? Beginner to Pro!
How to Reach New Limits While Meditating?
FAQs
1. What is a symbol for meditation?
There are numerous symbols for meditation like OM, Hamsa, Lotus, Buddha, and more. You’ve got to select the one that resonates with you well.
2. What is the symbol of meditation in India?
OM and Swastika are the two most popular symbols of meditation in India followed by various Mudras (hand gestures)
3. What is the flower symbol for meditation?
The lotus is the most common flower symbol. It grows in mud and blooms to be beautiful, representing a spiritual journey.
4. What is the hand symbol for meditation?
There are various hand symbols called mudras like Anjali mudra, gyan mudra, chin mudra, abhaya mudra, and dhyana mudra.
5. What is the gesture of meditation?
There are a total of 399 gestures (hand symbol) of meditation. Each represents a different view. Most popular is the Dhayana Mudra.