Meditation symbols are not just visual marks, signs, or words from the spiritual world. They hold specific meanings and can be powerful tools in the meditation practice. And they may be presented in jewelry, decor, any graphic format, or even chanted and visualized.
The variety of meditation symbols can help you elevate your mindfulness, reach higher states of consciousness, balance chakras, and more!
Let’s see the essential spiritual symbols that will surely enhance your meditation practice!
Namaste
Namaste comes from Sanskrit – it’s a greeting that means, “I offer my respect to you” or “I honor you.” This hand gesture is usually used to start and conclude the meditation practice.
It’s nothing more than two palms put close to each other; thus, namaste can easily be used while meditating.
With Namaste, you can express gratitude to the practice, to yourself and use it as a personal form of meditation. If this symbol helps you focus on the present moment or feel more thankful, don’t hesitate to use it more often while meditating.
Om/Aum Symbol
Om or Aum symbol is one of the most powerful symbols of spirituality. Because of its significance, it is used extensively during meditation and sometimes yoga practices.
It is usually used as a continuous sound to represent the universe and the essence of our reality. OM is probably the most sacred symbol that is effectively used in meditation. It is like a powerful mantra, a sound of the universe that connects the mind and spirit to the essence of existence.
The three fundamental meanings of the sound “om” or “aum”:
- A (aahh): The awakened state. Represents the universe’s creation and our sense of fulfilment with existence.
- U (oohh): The dream state. Represents our spiritual life that transcend our physical body.
- M (mmm): The deep sleep state. Symbolises the spiritual powers of the cosmos and the connectivity it offers.
Best used in the beginning or at the end of the practice, this chant can take your meditation to the next level!
Chakra Signs
There is a total of 7 Chakras in your body. Each chakra sign has its particular meaning and significance for different mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects.
Meditation is one of the routes to enlightenment and peace. And chakras have to be balanced to achieve total inner harmony. Therefore, chakra signs are one of the essential meditation symbols that you can use.
There are a couple of ways to engage in chakra balancing while meditating:
- Think about the specific chakra and its color.
- Concentrate the mind on the particular chakra area in the body.
- One by one, visualize light flowing into each chakra.
Chakra symbols can also be on your jewelry, wall, or even on a meditation pillow during your practice. Besides Each chakra is associated with specific stones that help balance and align them. For more details, see our article on the Chakra Stones Chart.
Mandala
The mandala symbolizes one’s spiritual journey that goes through various layers. It’s a colorful geometric configuration first used among Buddhist monks in their artwork in the first century BC.
Mandalas are often used as a spiritual guidance tool to establish a sacred space in various spiritual traditions. From these early times, the mandala has been a significant part of meditation in Hinduism and Buddhism religions.
The hues you use in your mandala may serve as a kind of colour therapy, and you can also paint or surround yourself with certain colours to aid in your trip :
- White: Openness
- Red: Life and power
- Yellow: Modesty, joy and wisdom
- Blue: Purity, emotional balance and endless possibilities
- Black: Mystery and deep awarenes
To use this meditation symbol most effectively during the practice, sit in front of your mandala. Then gaze into your mandala and slowly close your eyes while focusing on the center of the mandala. The intricate mandala design naturally absorbs distracting thoughts, easing you into deep sleep, while incorporating crystals can further enhance your sleep pattern.