Buddhist Symbols and Icons:Buddha Images

Stupa

Lotus Flower

Buddhapada

The Wheel of Life

Mandala

Buddhism is very rich in symbols – the are a way to help clarify the abstract teachings of the Buddha.

The next few slides will outline some of the major symbols and icons used in the Buddhist tradition.

Overview

Buddha Images

The portrayal of the Buddha differs according to the part of the world where his image is found

He often appears standing, seated in the lotus position, or lying down

He is often dressed as a monk with his left shoulder covered and right shoulder bare

Buddha Images

Tibetan

Chinese

Reclined

Malaysian

Mundras

Mundras are hand gestures that Buddhists developed from the Hindu tradition

They are used in meditation or seen on Buddha images

There are many mundras which represent different states of mind

Types of Mundras

Turning of the Dharma Wheel

Meditation

Pressing the Earth

Bestowal of Supreme Accomplishment

Turning of the Dharma wheel while in

meditation

Stupas

Stupas are domed shaped mounds that were built to house the relics of the Buddha or other holy figures

Almost every Buddhist temple has one

A pilgrimage to a stupa and the construction of a small stupa are considered to be merit-gaining activities

Images of Stupas

The Lotus Flower

The Lotus Flower is one of the eight Buddhist auspicious symbols

Soon after Siddhartha’s enlightenment, he had a vision of the human race as a bed of lotus flowers. Some where stuck in the muck, others were emerging from it, while others were about to bloom. In the same way, all people have the ability to develop their potential and rise from an undesirable life (style).

Buddhapada

The representation of Buddha’s footprints are found in all Buddhist countries

They are usually carved in stone

The toes are all the same length

Usually a dharma wheel is centered on the sole of each foot print

                                                  

The Wheel of Life

The wheel of life is a complete visual representation of samsara – the endless cycle of uncontrollable rebirths

The wheel is held in the teeth of Yama, lord of death. No-one being in the wheel is outside of the control of death.

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Mandala

These designs, created with colored sand, are a representation of the center of the universe in which a fully awakened being stands

Once the mandala is completed, prayers and chants are recited before it is swept away – this represents the impermanence of the world. Tibetan Mandala