What Sanskrit verse has been chanted daily for nearly 4,000 years and entered into pop culture by the Battlestar Galactica series and Cher? If you answered the Gayatri mantra, familiar to yogis and fans of kirtan singer Deva Premal, you’d be right. This mantra is said to contain all the knowledge of the universe, so obviously its fullest meaning and proper invocation takes time, devotion, and practice to understand and master. If you are a fan of mantra chanting, then it is worth exploring this verse in more detail to learn its meaning, benefits and history.

What is the Gayatri Mantra?

The Gayatri Mantra is a Sanskrit mantra that has been chanted for thousands of years. It was written down during the Vedic period (1500-500 BCE) and is considered to be one of the oldest known and most powerful mantras. It is said to contain all the knowledge of the universe.

The mantra is an expression of gratitude and praise to the powers of transformation, inner growth and self realization provided by the radiant light of the divine. Meditating on this spiritual light purifies the heart chakra and opens it up to receive higher vibrations of love, wisdom and bliss.

The Gayatri mantra

The Gayatri has 24 syllables, and is listed below with phonetic pronouciantion in brackets:

Om bhuh, bhuvah, swaha (Aumm Bhoor Bhoo-va Su-va-ha)

Tat savitur varenyam (Tat Sa-vee-toor Var-ayn-yam)

Bhargo devasya dhimahi (Bar-go Day-vas-ya Dhee-ma-hee)

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat (Dhee-yo Yo Nah Pra-cho-da-yaat)

The meaning of the Gayatri Mantra

A general translation of the mantra is:

O Divine mother, may your pure divine light illuminate all realms (physical, mental and spiritual) of our being. Please expel any darkness from our hearts and bestow upon us the true knowledge.

Translations vary, but Vyaas Houston’s is among the most accessible : “Earth, atmosphere, heavens. We meditate on the sacred light of the effulgent source. Let that inspire our thoughts.” Stuck on the word “effulgent”? Merriam-Webster’s defines it as “radiant splendor,” but in a yogic sense, it refers to the all-pervading light of the celestial realms.

A word for word translation is:

• Om: The primeval sound
• Bhur: The human body, earth, physical realm, existence
• Bhuvah: The vital energies, heaven, consciousness
• Suvah: The soul, inner space, spiritual realm, bliss
• Tat: That
• Savitur: The Sun, solar powers
• Varenyam: To choose, the best, adore
• Bhargo: Effulgence, self-luminous, divine light
• Devasya: The divine, radiant
• Dhimahi Dhiyo: the intellect
• Yo: Which
• Nah: Our, of us
• Prachodayat: Illuminate, inspire

A mantra of power, knowlege and light

Across cultures and throughout time, the sun symbolized spiritual light. The word “savitur” refers to Savitri, the Vedic sun deity . The mantra, considered the essence of all mantras, is personified as the resplendent Gayatri , the power behind the sun and the mother of the universe. As we chant her mantra , we tune into the frequencies of universal light and bring it down to the earth plane (bhuh) and ourselves.

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Have you been dreaming about the same person night after night?

What does it mean?

Is it a good or bad omen?

In many instances, dreams are the last thing we ponder before falling asleep. Other times, they have spiritual meanings.

They’re a way for our subconscious and superconscious minds to penetrate our conscious realm. 

So grab a drink, get comfortable, and let’s do a deep dive into reoccurring dreams about the same person. 

Why Do I Keep Dreaming About the Same Person? 

Why do they keep popping up?

Is there a spiritual or cosmic reason we repeatedly see the same people while dreaming?

The most straightforward answer is that you’ve been thinking about the individual in question and therefore dream about them.

But their presence could also be a spiritual sign.

How can you tell if it’s a prophetic or practical dream?

• How Do You Wake? When you wake from the dream, do you feel flustered or normal? Prophetic dreams stay with us for at least a few minutes after waking and make an imprint. 
• How Did the Dream Make You Feel? Did the dream make you feel protected or frightened? Besotted or restricted? It could be a sign if you have a strong feeling when waking.
• Have You Thought About or Seen the Person Lately? Did you recently bump into the person you’re dreaming about, or did they pop into your night vision out of nowhere? You’re likely looking at a supernatural intervention if it’s the latter.
• Does it Make Sense? Did the dream make perfect sense, or was it a bizarre ride punctuated with metaphors and avant-garde imagery? The weirder it is, the more meaning it may hold.
• Are Patterns Emerging? Since you’re dreaming about the same person, night after night, have you noticed any patterns emerge? Do they appear in the same color? At the same point? Do they say the same thing?

The Spiritual Meaning of Dreaming about the Same Person 

What is the spiritual meaning of dreaming about the same person? Let’s explore 20 possibilities.

1. Seeing an Acquaintance

Maybe they’re a colleague you see once a week or a cashier at the local market. Whatever the case, the person popping up in your dreams is no more than an acquaintance — someone who doesn’t play a starring role in your conscious life opera. 

But remember what they say: there’s no such thing as small roles, only small actors.

So ask yourself: Why does this particular person keep popping up? What could they possibly represent to me? Am I attracted to this person? Do I want to be romantically involved with them? Or do they represent something that’s plaguing my subconscious?

2. Seeing a Mother Who’s Passed Away

Is your deceased mother popping up at night? If she recently died, seeing her may be a byproduct of her passing.  

If she died years ago and stops in for a visit, she’s thinking of you. It’s a reminder that you have a cosmic crew that looks after you. They’re available for help. All you need to do is ask.

Seeing the spirit of your mom can also be a good omen. She’s telling you to prepare for an excellent opportunity that may fall into your lap sooner rather than later.

3. Seeing a Father Who’s Passed Away

Seeing a father who’s passed away is similar to seeing your mom. He wants to let you know you have a multidimensional support system.

However, seeing dad instead of mom may mean you must batten down the hatches and prepare for a challenging stretch.

It’s nothing to stress over. If you prepare and protect yourself, you’ll be able to weather the storm and even come out on the other side with a few invaluable lessons learned.

4. Seeing an Old Friend From Childhood (Good Terms)

Is an old friend from childhood regularly making appearances in your dreamscape?

As always, it could mean they’ve been on your mind lately, or it may be an advanced warning that they’re about to pop back into your life. Since you didn’t end on bad terms, the reunion is destined to be joyous.

However, be aware that they may be popping back into your life to teach you a hard lesson — so pay attention. Cracking the code could bring you one step closer to an enhanced cosmic connection.

5. Seeing an Old Friend From Childhood (Bad Terms)

Your nights may not go well if an old friend with whom you parted badly shows up in your dreams. It can trigger a psychodrama if they keep showing up, night after night.

But don’t necessarily take it as a bad sign. Their emergence in your subconscious or superconscious may be a clue about something you need to remember.

Or, it could symbolize your strength and ability to walk away from people who don’t vibe with your energy at a given moment.

We try not to label relationships as wholly toxic because connections can be noxious for a time and morph into something positive and supportive in the future.

You may also see an estranged friend in your night vision after realizing you were the one to blame, not them.

6. Seeing Someone You’re Dating

Is someone you’re dating making frequent appearances in your mind’s nighttime movies? Of course, their current leading role could be symptomatic of a fun, new relationship at the top of your mind. 

But if you’re not that type of person and hail from the land of Chill, seeing someone you’re casually dating in recurring dreams could signify that they’re worth more than a casual relationship. Perhaps it’s time to take it to the next level.

If, however, you dream about this person and wake up feeling frantic and fevered, consider if you’re missing glaring red flags.

7. Feeling Cosmically Attached Upon Waking

Do you ever wake up feeling cosmically attached and energized? It’s a signal that you’ve dreamt something prophetic overnight.

Try to recall everything about the dream, even if only mere glimpses. If a person keeps showing up, try to get a good look at them. Moreover, listen to what they’re saying.

After a few nights, go back and re-read what you wrote. Does anything stand out? Are patterns emerging?

8. Seeing a Colleague (Good Terms)

Are you navigating a professional maze? Maybe you’re considering another position or thinking about branching out on your own. It may be a clue if you see an old colleague with whom you got along in your dreams.

Could this person help you? Are they a role model? Did they once give you a piece of advice you should heed now? Or, maybe the Universe is telling you to reach out to the person constantly popping up in your night vision.

9. Seeing a Colleague (Bad Terms)

Seeing an old colleague with whom you had conflict can be unsettling. But if you’re dealing with a professional issue, think long and hard about potential reasons why the person you’re seeing may be significant. 

And don’t rule out the possibility that they may be an ally in some way. Just because you’ve butted heads in the past doesn’t mean you can’t let bygones be bygones.  

10. Seeing an Old Lover (Good Terms)

Were they the one that got away? Do you still catch yourself daydreaming that they’ll walk through the door?

Dreaming about a former lover with whom you parted on good terms can be downright exhilarating.

They’d likely appear in your dreams if you bumped into them recently. But it may be a spiritual sign if you haven’t seen or thought of them in a while.

Perhaps you’re destined to see them again, and your higher self is prepping you. Or maybe it’s a sign you should reach out to them. A third possibility is that your soul is urging you to think about who you were when you dated the person you’re seeing.

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11. Seeing an Old Lover (Bad Terms)

Seeing an old flame with whom you left things on bad terms may fall into the nightmare category. 

But what does it mean when it happens?

Perhaps you still need closure. Or maybe you haven’t quite gotten over them yet. Who knows, your subconscious may have seen someone who looked like your ex that day.

But sometimes, people pop up in our dreams because they’re thinking of us — and it’s for you to decide if that’s a terrible thing or a new possibility. 

12. Seeing Someone You Wronged

If you’re reading this, you’ve done something mean, wrong, and thoughtless. How do we know? 

Like the rest of us, you’re human. And there’s no such thing as a person over the age of 7 who’s perfect.

So if you’re repeatedly seeing someone you wronged in your dreams, it probably means you need to apologize.

Essentially, it’s your subconscious guilt talking. If there’s no way of getting in touch with them, send them good thoughts.

13. Seeing Someone Who Wronged You

Dream meeting someone who once wronged you can be a bewitching experience, and they represent myriad things.

You may be seeing them again and again because:

• You now realize that you were also in the wrong.
• Your subconscious is ready to forgive them and wipe the resentment from your memory database. 
• You need to stand up for yourself now as you did with this person.
• They have a lesson to teach that you still haven’t learned.

Keep a dream journal for situations like this. Make a note of everything that stands out. You should be able to figure it out within a week.

14. Seeing a Stranger (Woman)

Is a strange woman making recurring appearances in your night vision?

She may be a spiritual messenger bearing good news. Typically, if the stranger in your dreams is a woman, she’s carrying positive tidings. 

Also, pay attention to how you feel and receive her in your dream. Does she scare you, or is she a beacon of warmth and encouragement?  

15. Seeing a Stranger (Man)

Repeatedly seeing the same strange man in your dreams may also be a premonition — or it could just be a person that your subconscious remembers and you don’t.

If an unknown male keeps showing up, they may be there to warn you about something ahead.

It doesn’t mean a catastrophe lurks around the corner, but you should pay close attention to any upcoming contracts and agreements.

16. Seeing a Friend Who Passed Away

Seeing a deceased friend in your dreams can be comforting or unnerving. Sometimes, they pop around just to let you know they’re thinking of you. After all, they love you too and want to stop by and say hi — see how you’re doing. 

Pay close attention to anything they say or do. Friends are always on our side and may have some vital information to impart. Treat them as your lodestar — a benevolent being pointing you in the right direction.

17. Seeing a Sibling (Alive)

Are you close with your sibling(s)? Have you not been able to see them much lately? That’s usually why they end up hanging out in your dreams. In these situations, do your best to make time for a family gathering. It will rejuvenate you.

If you’re not close with your brother(s) or sister(s) and they visit your night vision consistently, night after night, they may need help.

If possible, put your differences aside and reach out. Healing the relationship may be exactly what you need to move on.

18. Seeing a Sibling (Deceased)

If one or more of your siblings has passed away, and they show up in your dreams a few nights in a row, it probably means they’re thinking of you and want to encourage you. 

As is the case with seeing a mother or father who passed away, your siblings are letting you know that they’re still with you and support you in everything.

19. Seeing Your Spouse

Spousal dream occupation may signal that you need to spend more time together and do things that make you both happy. Marriages fall into ruts. It’s no one’s fault — life just takes over. 

But when you realize your partner has become someone you pass in the distance and exchange shopping favors with, it’s probably time to set aside some time for two. 

20. Seeing a God or Goddess

Seeing a god or goddess in your night vision is rare. But when it happens, get ready for your spiritual socks to be knocked off. 

Connecting with deities and other cosmic forces is largely inexplicable. However, the feeling can stay with you for weeks, if not longer. 

Final Thoughts

Remember that night vision is partly anchored in avoidance and denial. So try not to ignore warnings. Moreover, don’t turn your cheek on the good omens, either.

Whether scientifically, psychologically, or spiritually speaking, dreams provide insight into our emotional lives — our worries, dreams, regrets, and joys. They may even offer a clue or two about the best course of action when you’re plagued with a tough decision. 

Pay attention to your dreams; they may contain the insight needed to move forward and grow.

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With the advent of technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR), there is increased volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity globally. People find it challenging to predict where the technology will take them to the next level. They are excited with the innumerable advantages arising from automation and artificial intelligence but they are equally concerned about the threats arising out of them. Precisely, humans are caught between peace and prosperity.

Stoicism is a way of life. It is the unofficial religion of the Roman world. It is closely connected with mindfulness. It helps you identify what you can and cannot control. It enhances your self-awareness and enlightens your life. It strengthens your self-control, increases your inner strength, and enhances your endurance. It is an amazing therapy against heartache. 

Stoicism can be defined as the ability to encounter adversaries and face failures with a cool, calm, collected, and composed demeanor. It is working under pressure with grace. Life throws several curveballs and people must be ready to face them squarely which is possible when they adopt stoic philosophy. The philosophy of stoicism was founded in the 3rd century BC in Athens by Zeno of Citium and practiced by eminent philosophers including Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Cato, Cleanthes, Hecato, and Musonius Rufus. It is practiced in the military also. 

Stoic philosophy is based on the pillars of character, courage, convictions, conscience, communication, charisma, compassion, consideration, and contribution.  There are innumerable advantages of adopting stoic philosophy. For instance, you differentiate between what you can control and what you cannot control. You make choices wisely. You don’t criticize, complain and condemn others. You become mature, remain calm, and evolve as a philosophical person.   

Myths and Truths about Stoics

There are several myths about stoicism and stoics. For instance, there is a myth that stoics are stone-hearted. The truth is that they have a heart with emotions, egos, and feelings, but can control and manage their emotions, egos, and feelings internally. They are extraordinary people who don’t exhibit their inner emotions and feelings to others. They appear calm like ducks because ducks struggle with their feet beneath the water to stay afloat but appear calm externally. 

There is a myth that stoics suppress their emotions but the fact is that they channel their emotions creatively and constructively to remain calm and composed irrespective of the outcome. There is a myth that stoicism is a religion. The truth is that stoicism is a way of life and not connected with any religion. It is a philosophy of living mindfully rather than existing in this world.  

Characteristics of Stoic Leaders 

Stoics are different, not indifferent to the sensitivities of others’ egos, emotions, feelings, and the external environment. Their attitude prepares them for failures and guards them against the arrogance of success. They are silent and resilient accepting the external realities and controlling and channeling their inner energies to turn the tide in their favor. They are emotionally intelligent and balanced and take both successes and failures equally. They know their limitations and work within the available resources without blaming external forces and factors. 

Stoic leaders have a high internal locus of control. They live in the present. They have detached themselves from the desire for an outcome. They emphasize excellence and have an attitude of gratitude. They live with the ground realities and lead simple and humble life. They expect less and embrace more. They understand that life is full of peaks and valleys and embrace change effectively. 

They know when to hold and when to fold. They suffer silently to achieve their goals and objectives. They are visionaries and optimistic and adopt different strategies to accomplish their goals. However, they are unsure about the duration of their success as they are aware that many things are beyond their control. They remain calm and collected despite encountering adversity after adversity. 

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

They internalize their education and experience to spark action with smarter and wiser decisions. They take feedback at the end of each day, journal regularly, and reflect a lot to improve themselves. They enjoy their solitude. They handle conflicts effectively and overcome crisis successfully. They lead all stakeholders mindfully. Precisely, they compare less, criticize less, and consume less. They create more, learn more, and live more.

Some of the Stoic philosophers such as Cato the Younger influenced leaders including George Washington, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. Eminent American leaders including Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt, political thinker John Stuart Mill, and economist Adam Smith followed stoicism. The leaders who remained stoic in the face of adversity include Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War, James Stockdale during the Vietnam war, and Lieutenant Michael Murphy during the Afghanistan war.  Here is a blueprint to be stoic in adversity. Understand and appreciate the fact that there is increased volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) across the world. Have an internal locus of control. Improve your attitude, personality, and behavior. Leverage your uniqueness. Treat your failures as lessons. Convert your negative thoughts into positive thoughts. Convert your threats into opportunities. Convert your scars into stars. 

Remember that troubles of the past and anxieties of the future are the thieves of present-day happiness. Hence, live in the present mindfully to lead your life with purpose and meaning. Observe the following nuggets to lead your life mindfully. Decrease your computer screen time. Avoid excessive viewing of TV. Avoid thinking too much about your unpleasant experiences. Avoid shopping addiction. Overcome relationship issues. Don’t procrastinate. Avoid clutter physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you view it negatively, life looks full of pain, problems, and challenges. If you view it positively, life looks full of harmony, happiness, and beauty. Hence, view life positively to overcome the challenges successfully and add value to others. 

Explore Stoic Philosophy 

Entrepreneurs and leaders encounter unprecedented challenges regularly. Adopting stoicism helps them greatly to overcome their challenges. To summarize, stoicism is a neglected field in ancient philosophy. Stoic philosophy is relevant in today’s world. It is time to understand and adopt it in the current complex world.  You cannot change everything in the world but you can change your attitude by acting towards them proactively to lead a happy and peaceful life. To conclude, explore stoic philosophy to achieve inner harmony, peace, and happiness. 

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Yoga and meditation are rich in mystical symbolism. Yet modern yoga has both commercialized and overlooked many of the deeper meanings of these ancient sacred symbols. Many practitioners use symbols as a way to express their dedication and love of yoga by using them on clothing, jewelry, or even tattoos. But these symbols are not just decoration–knowing and understanding yogic symbols is an integral path to obtaining a deeper knowledge of the yogic philosophies, teachings, and mythologies. Yoga symbols are a powerful tool to create insight and a deeper understanding of the practice of yoga. They visually convey a concept, teaching, or spiritual idea that can be used in your yoga or meditation practice to focus the mind and induce a state of contemplation and absorption.

What Are Yoga Symbols

A symbol is a graphical representation of an idea, concept, or relationship. Symbols can create potent links between very different concepts and experiences to enable us to move from the unknown to the known. Mystics from India created yoga symbols to elevate consciousness and bring deeper insight into one’s spiritual path and yoga practice. They, therefore, are important in communicating deeper truths and to guide one toward achieving inner peace and enlightenment.

How to Use Yoga Symbols

There are several ways you can use yoga symbols to enrich and deepen your yoga and meditation practice. Having one or more of these symbols around one’s living and practice space can help you obtain high levels of inspiration and spiritual energy. You can incorporate yoga symbols into your wardrobe, you can wear jewelry with the symbols on it, or you can even find decorative pieces with the symbols, to place in your home. Just having the symbols close by you will elevate your yoga practices and boost your concentration, inner peace, and connection with the Devine. You may wish to place one or more yoga symbols in your practice space with specific intentions for utilizing them. They can serve as a visual reminder to return to your intention whenever you see them. You can also place one of these images in front of you to gaze at while practicing meditation or yoga poses.

Common Symbols in Yoga

Many of the following common symbols are not limited to just yoga. The power of symbols is their universal appeal, so these icons may also be found in many other cultures, religions, and spiritual practices. The mystery of the symbols can contain several layers of meaning that require the use of contemplation and study to unlock.

The Om/Aum Symbol

The Om or Aum symbol is the most common symbol in Yoga and you will often encounter this image in at your local yoga studio. It is often chanted at the beginning and end of a yoga or meditation class. Yogis believe that the sound or vibration of Om unifies everything in the universe. It is believed that the chanting Om and meditating on the Om symbol can open your third eye and connect to the divine force of the universe. This image represents the primary goal of yoga to unite the mind, body, and spirit.

The three different sounds of Om (A-U-M) represent the three aspects of the Hindu Trimurti: Brahma the creator (A), Vishnu the sustainer (U) and the Shiva the transformer (M). The representation and sound of Aum can also be broken down into four meanings.

1. The bottom left curve represents the sound of A (aahh) and the first or waking state of consciousness. This is our conscious mind and where we experience the world through the 5 senses.
2. The bottom right curve represents the sound of U (oohh) and the second or dreaming state of consciousness. We experience this beyond our physical bodies in our active unconsciousness and energetic realms.
3. The top left curve represents the sound of M (mmm) and the third or deep sleeping state of consciousness. Represents the spiritual forces of the universe and the connectivity it provides
4. The dot located on the top character represents the silence after chanting Aum and the fourth or samadhi state of pure consciousness. This is the highest state of consciousness where you experience absolute stillness and oneness with all creation.

The 7 Chakra Symbols

The Chakras represent 7 energy centers in our bodies and are described as whirling disks of light. Yogis believe that if all of these 7 energies are in perfect harmony you will be at peace, spiritually, mentally, and physically. One method of balancing the chakras is to meditate on the meanings used in each of the chakras symbols. The chakra icons are composed of lotus petals, triangles, colors, circles, Sanskrit letters, and other symbols located along the spinal column.

1. The Muladhara or Root Chakra, which is red in color and looks a bit like an upside-down triangle, represents stability and grounding.
2. The Svadhishthana or Sacral Chakra, which is orange in color and looks like a crescent moon within a flower, represents the center of your creativity.
3. The Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra, which is yellow and looks a little like an upside-down funnel, affects your confidence. It represents your energy and vibrancy that you put out into the world.
4. The Anahata or Heart Chakra, which is green and looks like a star within a lotus, is said to fuel your compassion and empathy.
5. The Vishuddha or Throat Chakra, which is blue and looks like a circle and a triangle within a flower, represents your ability to speak up and share your knowledge with others around you.
6. The Ajna or Third Eye Chakra, which is an indigo color that looks a bit like a triangle within an eye, represents your connection to the divinity. It is also known as ‘the third eye Chakra.’
7. Lastly, the Sahasrara or Crown Chakra, which is purple which looks like a fully blossomed lotus flower, is your divine connection to the entire universe.

There are many more details and knowledge surrounding the 7 Chakras available to explore in your spiritual practice. You can discover how to keep their flow of energy balanced and to unlock any blocked Chakras by exploring their symbolism in greater detail.

The Gyan Mudra Symbol

This is the most common hand mudra used in yoga and meditation. This symbol looks like the “ok” gesture we make with our hands by touching the tip of the index finger to the tip or the base of the thumb.The index finger symbolizes the heart chakra and the air element and the thumb represents the solar plexus and the fire element.

Using this mudra while meditating brings peace and calm, thus the illustration of the mudra symbolizes the state of meditation and the attainment of inner peace. This symbol is also known as jnana mudra or chin mudra.

The Lotus Flower

The open lotus flower represents purity, enlightenment, and new beginnings. The beautiful lotus blooms on the surface of stagnant muddy water and its roots grow deep in the muddy bottom. A water lily also symbolizes our ability to transform great struggles and difficulties into powerful life lessons. A closed lotus flower represents an unenlightened yogi on the path of enlightenment. A blue lotus flower symbolizes mindfulness and wisdom. A white lotus represents purity of thought and spirit. A purple lotus represents mysticism and a pink lotus is known as the sacred lotus of the Buddha.

The Mandala

The Sanskrit word Mandala translates to “circle” and these symmetrical geometric patterned shapes represent wholeness, unity, and harmony. The outer circles symbolize the oneness of the universe, and the circle of life. The inner layers represent the different levels of human existence. Mandalas are used in visual meditation to focus the mind, promote contemplation and create inner peace.

The Ganesh Symbol

Ganesha is a very popular Hindu deity with an elephant head and a human body who represents good luck, knowledge, and learning. He is invoked at the beginning of new endeavors and is known as the remover of obstacles. Ganesh’s body parts also hold different symbolic meanings. For example, his large elephant head represents knowledge and his trunk stands for wisdom.

The Hamsa (Evil Eye) Symbol

Although it looks like a daunting evil eye, this symbol isn’t as awful as it sounds. This symbol is used to bring protection and repel harm and bad energy. Hamsa is a popular symbol in many cultures and religions to represent luck, good fortune, health, wealth, and fertility.

The Buddha

The image of the Buddha is one of the most popular symbols in Buddhism and is also used in yoga. This symbol signifies our ability to become awakened or enlightened through meditation. The Buddha liberated himself from worldly suffering and spiritual ignorance and seeing his image reminds us that we can do the same.

The Shri Yantra

A yantra is a geometric pattern used in meditation to focus the mind. The Shri Yantra is a sacred geometry symbol that has been used for thousands of years to represent the energy, power, and creativity of the divine mother. It is also known as Sri Chakra and is considered the mother or queen of all the other yantras. It is believed to protect against negative energies and to attract positive ones.

The Crescent Moon

The Hindu god Shiva is often represented with a crescent moon on his head which symbolizes timelessness and the mastery over time. In Hinduism, the crescent moon is known as Chandra, an ancient lunar deity that represents fertility. The image of a crescent moon is used in yoga to represent decay, impermanence, and rebirth.

The Trident

The trident or Trishula is a weapon of Shiva and Durga made of three prongs. This representing the holy number three—the three states of creation, sustenance, and destruction; past, present, and future; body, mind and spirit; and the energy of the three gunas  (satva, rajas and tamas). In the stories of Hinduism, the trident is used to kill evil demons and is a symbol of power and authority.

The Coiled Snake

The primordial energy of Kundalini is said to lie dormant in the muladhara chakara is represented as a coiled snake. In Hinduism, Anantha Shesha is represented  as a coiled snake symbolizing infinity and the immeasurable number of cycles of creation, dissolution, and recreation of the universe. The image of a snake symbolizes wisdom, healing, transformation, and regeneration. Snakes have always had a special place in Eastern culture because they are considered a symbol of longevity and immortality.

The Dharma Wheel

The dharma wheel, or Dharmachakra, is one of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism known as Ashtamangala. The circle rim of the wheel symbolizes the perfection of the Buddha’s teaching and meditative actions of concentration, focus, and mindfulness. Its eight spokes represent the eightfold path leading to enlightenment.

The Shiva Linga

The Shiva Linga is a phallic-shaped symbol that is used in Tantric yoga rituals to represent the unity of the masculine and feminine forces within each person. It also represents the creation of the universe, and the union of Prakriti and Purusha—yogic philosophy’s two main energetic polarities.

The Conch Shell

The Shankha or conch shell is traditionally blown before the start of many Indian ceremonies to announce and welcome in the powers of divine energy. Its sound represents the cosmic music of the Universe and it is among the four sacred objects that Vishnu holds in his hands. It is believed that the sound of the conch shell keeps away evil spirits and protects humans from harm. In Buddhism, the Conch shell is also one of the eight Ashtamangala symbols. It represents the power and potency of the sound of the Buddha’s teachings.

Other Symbols in Yoga

There are many other symbols of yoga that you can experience and explore. These symbols all have rich and potent histories so please use these with respect and understanding when decorating your home studio or seeing these in yoga class. Hopefully, this quick lesson will inspire you to learn and experience the deeper meanings of symbols in your practice of yoga. Please let us know if there are any more symbols that you’d like us to explain and add to the list above!

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If you have ever taken a yoga class, you have probably heard the instructor end by bowing and saying “Namaste.” In India, this Sanskrit word and gesture is common and understood. In the West, this divine salutation is often used without fully knowing and understanding its meaning and proper usage. Yet in India, this is a common greating used in daily life. Knowledge, devotion, and respect are all key components to empowering the meaning behind a yogi’s favorite way to end their yoga practice.

What does Namaste mean?

To understand the meaning of Namaste, we need to break the word down into three parts. In the first part, the root word Namah is translated as “bow,” “adoration,” or “respectful salutation.” The middle As translates to “I” and the ending Te means “to you.” Thus, the literal translation is “I humbly bow to you.” In yogic philosophy, it is believed that each individual contains a tiny spark of the divine oneness called Atman or Brahman. So in this yogic context, the true meaning of Namaste becomes “the divine spark in me bows to the divine in you.”

How to say Namaste

Namaste is pronounced “Nah-mah-stey,” and is usually spoken with a slight bow and with hands pressed together in Anjali Mudra or prayer position. Your eyes can be open, gazing at the eyes of the other person or your eyes can be closed. At the end of a yoga class, the teacher will usually end with a Namaste. It is expected for the students to say Namaste back to the teacher and to all the other students. When saying Namaste to someone, feel your heart full of love, kindness, gratitude, and respect towards them.

What is the namaste gesture?

The hand gesture associated with the bow of namaste is called Anjali Mudra. This gesture is used in yoga traditions as a sign of respect and as a simple greeting of peace. Bringing our hands together at the heart chakra increases the flow of divine love, kindness and compassion. Bowing the heads and closing the eyes helps us surrender to the divine within. When we do this, we show our gratitude for being alive and honoring the divine soul in each other.

Why say Namaste?

Saying Namaste is a sweet and humble way to show respect towards another person. It allows you to express kindness, purity of heart, and well wishes for the other person. Saying Namaste provides a powerful opportunity to see and identify the good and virtue in others. Namaste is also used as an affirmation of the unity, equality, and oneness among people in the yoga community and in other Asian spiritual practices.

Should you say Namaste?

Just like chanting Om, you may or may not feel comfortable bowing and saying Namaste at the end of a yoga class. If you are not comfortable saying Namaste, know that it is perfectly okay to be silent and just bow. You can alternatively whisper or say in your head a different word that has a similar meaning to you.

There are many reasons why saying Namaste may not feel right to you:

• You don’t understand the meaning and intent of the word.
• It feels culturally insensitive or inappropriate to use.
• It does not align with your religious beliefs.
• You don’t feel right speaking Sanskrit words.
• You do not feel you have enough experience in yoga to fully embody the essence of the word.

Not all teachers say Namaste

Some yoga instructors are uncomfortable ending their classes with Namaste. Instead, they say “thank you” or use another similar word to signal the end of the practice. Some teachers will also ring a bell, chime, or singing bowl. Bikram yoga teachers often leave the room without saying anything. Kundalini yogis end their practice by saying the Gurmukhi mantra Sat Nam, which translates to “I am truth” or “My essence is truth.” Kripalu yoga instructors will often use Jai Bhagwan, which means “may the Divine in you be victorious.”

What does saying Namaste mean to you?

We asked several yoga experts and instructors what saying Namaste at the end of their classes signified for them. They also included some stories on when they first began using Namaste and some tips and advice for students who encounter this word for the first time.

Yoga Teacher Anne Marie Herring recounts how her feelings went from cheesy to deep respect when using Namaste in yoga class.

Kino MacGregor, international yoga teacher and host of the Yoga Inspiration podcast, believes you should only use the word Namaste with the utmost respect and devotion.

Registered Yoga Teacher and Certified Life Coach Mary Kearns uses the word Namaste to recognize the light in each and every one of us.

Leslie Kiel is a writer for QuickQuote and is an RYT 200 teacher who explains how the meaning of Namaste changed during her yoga teacher training course.

Chair yoga teacher Rachel Baer uses Namaste to connect students to something greater than themselves.

Rosie Araujo of Mint Body Studio describes how saying Namaste creates a safe space for her yoga students to let go and experience a sense of oneness.

Bestselling author Mark Stephens describes which “you” one bows to in the spirit of Namaste.

What does saying Namaste mean to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts on using or not using this sacred word in the comments below!

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