Answer: The significance of the emblem of the Ramakrishna Math is as follows: The wavy waters in the picture are symbolic of Karma Yoga (Yoga, i.e., the communion with God through Action), the lotus of Bhakti Yoga (Yoga through Divine Love), and the rising-sun of Jnana Yoga (Yoga through Reasoning). The encircling serpent is indicative of Raja Yoga (Yoga through Mind Control) and awakened Kundalini Shakti (Coiled-up Energy), while the swan in the picture stands for the Paramatman (the Supreme Soul). Therefore, the idea of the picture is that by the union of Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga & Raja Yoga, the vision of Paramatman is obtained.