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Buddhism
Symbols
Umbrella or parasol
Embodies notions of wealth or royalty Points to the "royal ease" and power
experienced in the Buddhist life of detachment
Symbol of the activities that keep one from harm (sun) like illness, bad forces, obstacles ..., and the enjoyment of the results under its cool shade.
The Golden Fishes
Symbol of happiness and joy
Usually pictured as two upright fish facing each other.
The Golden Fishes
Originally symbolic of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna, but came to represent good fortune in general, for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists
Also symbolises that living beings who practice the dharma won’t drown in the ocean of suffering, and can freely migrate (chose their rebirth) like fish in the water
The Treasure Vase
Sign of the inexhaustible riches available in the Buddhist teachings
Also symbolises long life, wealth, prosperity and all the benefits of this world
Practice of burying or storing treasure vases at certain locations to generate wealth, eg. for monasteries or dharma centers
The Lotus Flower
Refers to the complete purification of body, speech and mind, and the blossoming of wholesome deeds in liberation
Represents many aspects of the path: it grows from the mud (samsara), up through muddy water it appears clean on the surface (purification), and finally produces a beautiful flower (enlightenment)
The Lotus Flower
Perhaps the most well known symbol
Most pictures of Buddhist gods and goddesses are either seated on a lotus or are holding one.
Different colors of the lotus symbolize different things:
White lotus- enlightenment
Red lotus- a pure heart
Blue lotus- victory Pink lotus- supreme
The Lotus Flower cont’d
An open blossom signifies full enlightenment; a closed blossom signifies the potential for enlightenment
The Conch
Symbolises the deep, far reaching and melodious sound of Buddha’s teachings
Awakens disciples from the slumber of ignorance
Also used as a horn
The Endless Knot
A geometric diagram which symbolises the nature of reality where everything is interrelated and only exists as part of a web of karma and its effect
Originated from an ancient symbol of two entwining snakes
Endless Knot Has no beginning or
end, it also represents the infinite wisdom of the Buddha, and the union of compassion and wisdom
Also, represents the illusory character of time and long life
The Victory Banner
Symbol of the victory of the Buddha's teachings over death, ignorance, disharmony and all the negativities of this world
Roofs of Tibetan monasteries are often decorated with victory banners of different shapes and sizes.
The Victory Banner
Placed on a mountain which symbolizes the Buddha’s conquest of the world.
The Dharma-Wheel
(Dharmachakra)
Represents the Buddha’s teachings It is said that after Siddharta
Gautama achieved enlightenment, Brahma came to him, offered a Dharma-Wheel and requested the Buddha to teach.
The Dharma Wheel
Divided into three parts: the spokes represent perfect wisdom, the hub stands for regulation, and the rim represents meditation.
The Buddhist Flag
A recent symbol is the Buddhist flag
Designed in 1880 by Colonel Henry Steele Olcott, an American journalist
First hoisted in 1885 in Sri Lanka
A symbol of faith and peace
Now used throughout the world to represent the Buddhism.
The Buddhist Flag cont’d
The five colours of the flag represent the colours of the aura that emanated from the body of the Buddha when he attained Enlightenment.
Loving kindness, peace and universal compassion
The Middle Path - avoiding extremes, emptiness
Blessings of practice - achievement, wisdom, virtue, fortune and dignity
Purity of Dharma - it leads to liberation, outside of time or
space
The Buddha's Teaching - wisdom
Stupas
Represent the enlightened mind of the Buddha
Stupas are often used to store relics from important teachers.
Stupas cont’d
Represent the five elements: the square base -
earththe round dome -
waterthe cone shape - firethe canopy - air the volume - space
The Lion
One of Buddhism's most potent symbols
Associated with regality, strength and power
Appropriate symbol for the Buddha who tradition has it was a royal prince.
The Lion cont’d
Buddha's teachings are sometimes referred to as the 'Lion's Roar', again indicative of their strength and power.
Sources
All symbols and information
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00157/images/budendlessknot.jpg
http://www.buddhism.kalachakranet.org/general_symbols_
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