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Top 15 Symbols of Inner Peace With Meanings

Top 15 Symbols of Inner Peace With Meanings

When you’re feeling stressed, taking a few minutes to focus on your inner peace can be helpful. One way to do this is by using symbols to represent your calm and centered state.

There are many different symbols for inner peace, and each person’s list will be different. We took a deep dive into the web and came up with a list of widely used symbols that represent inner peace and tranquility.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular symbols of inner peace. We’ll also provide tips on how you can use them to create a sense of calmness and relaxation.

Symbols of Inner Peace are: The Tree of Life, Unalome, Anchor, Om, Yin Yang, Djed, The Lotus Flower, Triple Moon, Meditating Buddha, Ganesha, The Bodhi Leaf, Enso Circle, Reiki Shanti, Hopi Hand, and The Mandala.

1. The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life.
The Tree of Life
Image by Brooke Hoyer from flicker (CC BY 2.0)

The tree of life[2] is an ancient symbol used by different cultures to symbolize many things. Among many cultures, the tree of life is a symbol of inner peace, ancestry, family, interconnectedness, immortality, strength, and individuality. 

Moreover, the tree of life symbol reminds us that we’re all connected and part of one universe. Moreover, the tree of life has various meanings in religions. 

For instance, in Christianity, it symbolizes the tree in the garden of Eden and the source of eternal life. It’s also known as a symbol of immortality in Islam.

Trees always stand tall and still, no matter how tough the weather is. That’s why trees always give us a sense of calmness and inner peace.

2. The Unalome 

The Unalome.
The Unalome
Internet, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Unalome[3] is a Buddhist symbol and a popular one in the world of yoga and meditation. It represents enlightenment and our purpose to overcome all the obstacles we face. On top of that, the Unalome reminds us of three essential truths:

  • Even though everyone is chasing their dreams and future, we’re all on the same path.
  • All the challenges, ups, and downs in our lives make us understand what it means to be alive.
  • Suffering is part of our lives, we can’t avoid it, but it’s temporary and makes us stronger.

For many, the Unalome represents inner peace—the idea that we can find peace even in the most winding paths. In addition, the Unalome represents the journey of the soul. It explains that all the twists and turns our soul takes, the more knowledge and experience we gain.

3. The Anchor 

The anchor is a symbol of hope, stability, and peace. Plus, it’s a reminder that you can always find refuge no matter what you face in life. 

The anchor can also represent the idea of home, for instance, immigrants usually wear an anchor bracelet or necklace to remind them of their roots.

The anchor symbol is often used in nautical settings. Plus, it can also be a beautiful and personal way to bring a sense of peace into your home. You could use an anchor-themed decor item, or wear an anchor charm as a necklace or bracelet.

4. The Om

The Om.
The Om
KumariKandamReal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the popular symbols of inner peace is the Om[5]. You might see it on someone’s t-shirt, or in a yoga studio. The Om is a sacred sound and symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

The Om symbolizes the eternal, infinite, and universal nature of Brahman. Brahman is the supreme reality in Hinduism.

Furthermore, the Om sound is thought to be the universe’s vibration. Chanting Om can help you still your mind, feel more connected to the world, and find inner peace. When you chant it, you connect with that infinite energy 

5. The Yin Yang

The Yin Yang[6] is a symbol that has been around for centuries to represent balance.

The Yin Yang consists of two halves; black and white. The black half represents the moon, femininity, night, and yin energy. While the white half represents the sun, masculinity, day, and yang energy.

The two halves are connected, which represents how everything in the universe is in harmony and balance. The yin and yang energies are always in flux, but they always remain together in balance.

6. The Djed 

The Djed.
The Djed 
Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Djed is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents stability and strength. It’s often associated with the god Osiris; the god of the afterlife, regeneration, and resurrection.

For many, the Djed is a symbol of inner peace and strength. It reminds us that we can find stability even amid the chaos and that we have the power to rise again after we’ve been down. 

Besides, for ancient Egyptians, it represented that death isn’t the end. Instead, it’s the beginning of a new journey in the afterlife.

7. The Lotus Flower

The Lotus Flower.
The Lotus Flower
Hong Zhang (jennyzhh2008), CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another powerful symbol of inner peace is the lotus flower[8]. Because the lotus grows in muddy water, and yet, remains clean and unstained.

Moreover, the colors of lotus flowers have different meanings. For example, the white lotus resembles the purity of the soul and mind. While the pink lotus symbolizes the legend of Buddha. 

Generally speaking, seeing a lotus flower while meditating indicates progress. That’s why it helps you find inner peace.

The lotus flower is also a symbol of wisdom because it represents the ability to grow and thrive in difficult circumstances. When you see a lotus flower, it’ll remind you to remain calm and focused during the chaos.

8. The Triple Moon

The Triple Moon.
The Triple Moon
RuhrgurCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The triple moon represents many things, but at its core, it symbolizes the Maiden, Mother, and Crone—the three stages of a woman’s life. It can also represent the three phases of the moon: new, full, and waning.

This symbol is also a reminder to embrace all aspects of yourself and to stay connected to your intuition and inner peace.

9. The Meditating Buddha

The Meditating Buddha.
The Meditating Buddha
Ethan Doyle White at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Meditating Buddha[10] is one of the most popular and well-known Buddha statues. It represents the Buddha in his natural state of deep meditation.

The statue usually depicts the Buddha with his eyes closed, resting on his knees with his hands in a mudra (a symbolic hand gesture). Mudras represent different aspects of the Buddha’s teachings, such as compassion, wisdom, or peace.

Therefore, the Meditating Buddha symbolizes inner peace, serenity, and relaxation.

10. The Ganesha

The Ganesha.
The Ganesha
Image by Swaminathan from flicker
(CC BY 2.0)

Ganesha[11] is the Hindu god of wisdom and success. Ganesha has a human body with an elephant head. He’s also known as the Remover of Obstacles. According to Hindu, he removes all the obstacles that face us in our lives to make it much easier.

That’s why the Ganesha symbol represents new beginnings, good luck, inner peace, and protection from harm.

11. The Bodhi Leaf

The Bodhi Leaf.
The Bodhi Leaf
Image by Jnzl’s Photos from flicker
(CC BY 2.0)

The Bodhi leaf[12] is a sacred symbol in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In Buddhism, the Bodhi leaf symbolizes Buddha’s enlightenment. For Hindus, the Bodhi leaf is a symbol of Vishnu, the protector of the universe.

The Bodhi tree is also known as the tree of life, and its leaves are said to have healing properties. In both Buddhism and Hinduism, the Bodhi leaf is a symbol of deep inner peace and wisdom.

12. The Enso Circle

The Ensō.
The Ensō
Ensō by Nick Raleigh from the Noun Project

The Enso circle, also known as the circle of togetherness, is a symbol often used in Zen Buddhism. It represents the moment when the mind is free to let the body create.

The Enso circle is usually drawn in one continuous line without lifting the pen or brush from the paper. This symbolizes the flow of life and the interconnection of all things. 

The circle is either opened or closed. An open circle represents the beauty of imperfections. Conversely, a closed circle symbolizes the desire for perfection.

13. The Reiki Shanti

Karuna Reiki. Energy healing.
Karuna Reiki

The word Shanti[14] is a Sanskrit word that means “peace,” “calm,” or “quiet.” So it’s no surprise the Reiki Shanti symbol is valuable in Reiki healing techniques. It helps relieve stress, soothe worries and heal the pain of the past and the present.

According to Reiki healing, drawing the Reiki Shanti symbol on your palm and specific energy centers is beneficial. It improves your sleeping pattern. In addition, it helps remove all the negative energy from your body.

14. The Hopi Hand

The Hopi Hand.
The Hopi Hand
Depiction of healer’s hand created in pebbles
Photo 69161726 / Hand © Gary Hanvy | Dreamstime.com

Also known as the Healer’s Hand[15], the Hopi Hand symbol is widely used to represent peace, healing, and protection. The spiral shape in the symbol represents the universe, and the whole symbol is said to have therapeutic power. 

Furthermore, the symbol is significant among the Hopi tribe in Arizona. The Hopis see themselves as nothing more than stewards of the land, seeking to live in harmony with nature to respect its gifts.

15. The Mandala

The Mandala.
The Mandala
Image by Clint Budd from flicker
(CC BY 2.0)

The last symbol of inner peace on our list is the Mandala[16]. The word Mandala means circle in Sanskrit and the symbol is chiefly used in Buddhism and Hinduism to help in meditation. 

Furthermore, it gained the attention of meditators as a spiritual guidance tool to aid in meditation.

The symbol resembles unity and balance. It also symbolizes that life is never ending and that everything is connected to the universe.

To Sum Up

There are various symbols of inner peace. What matters most is finding a symbol that has personal meaning for you. 

No matter what brings you peace, it’s important to take the time to connect with yourself and your innermost desires. So take a few minutes to look over this list of symbols for inner peace, and see which ones resonate with you.

Header image courtesy: Photo by form PxHere