The Significance of the Centre’s Logo

A reminder of the significance of the Centre’s Logo first published in our magazine in July 1983.
It is believed to have been written by the then editor, Dennis Benton.

The primary symbol of Yoga is of course the Pranava – the symbol of the sacred syllable AUM. This is the symbol, which every true Yoga aspirant carries in his heart.

But the lotus blossom too has significance in Yoga.

Rooted in the slime and mud, the flower rises pure, unsullied and unaffected by the waters. So is it with the Yogi. One of the loveliest covers, which Michael Munday designed for our Newsletters, depicted a full-blown lotus blossom.

The logo Michael has now designed for us is a stylised lotus. Its simplicity of line and classical proportions reflect our classical approach to Yoga. The two leaves at the base represent the fundamental ethical and moral stages (Yamas and Niyamas) of the eightfold path of Patanjali Yoga Sutras. The lower petals symbolise the next three stages – the steady pose (Asana), the breath control (Pranayama) and the steadying of the mind through the practise of Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses). These are the five preliminary stages the so-called external steps. The three upper petals represent the Antaranga – the internal steps of Patanjali Yoga. These three stages are Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation, contemplation), and finally, at the apex, the heights of Samadhi. These are the progressive stages of true meditation, culminating in the Realisation of the Self.

May we reach towards those heights through diligent application of the true teachings of Yoga!