Story behind the emblem

Below is the emblem of Sri Ramakrishna Math. I recently came across the meaning behind this emblem, and wanted to share among u all...


Designed and explained by Swami Vivekananda

The wavy waters in the picture are symbolic of work, and lotus, of devotion, and the rising sun, of knowledge. The encircling serpent is indicative of yoga and the awakened power dormant in us, while the swan in the picture stands for God. Therefore, the idea of the picture is that by the union of work, knowledge, devotion, and yoga, the vision of God is obtained.