In general, Buddhist symbols and their significance depend on the culture and the people. Everebody heard at least something about Eight Auspicious Symbols, dorje and bell, Mandala etc. In India, where Hinduism is mostly practiced, some of these symbols can be found and their significance or use differs from that of Buddhists. Around the 6th century, when the Buddha is known have lived, there is no trace of any Buddhist art that has been collected. To illustrate or explain a religious teaching, it is accepted that the Buddha used these symbols and forms of art, as depicted in the Buddhist scriptures. The Wheel of Life is one such example. Some carvings have however been discovered dating to Emperor Ashoka?s reign. It is claimed he converted to practicing Buddhism and made Buddhism popular around India and the surrounding countries.
Buddhist art that was excavated around the first century was in most cases symbolic by nature and it was not until the 6th century with the appearance of Buddhist Tantra that Buddhist art took on a whole new meaning. With visualization and imagination being used in Buddhist meditation, Tibetan Buddhism was born. From here, a large number of deities appeared and with it came a vast collection of Buddhist art and symbols that was used in Buddhist meditation as well as kept in Buddhist temples.
Common symbols found in almost all Buddhist temples are the Lotus, wheel and the stupa. These symbols are commonly used in Buddhist meditation rituals. Looking at some of these symbols will help us have a better understanding of the both Buddhist meditation and the accompanying religious practices.
One of the Buddhist art symbols is the bell. This symbol has a natural function and is believed to dispel wicked spirits. It consists of the moondisc, dorje and the lotus symbols. The bell complements the dorje in the religious light. While the bell has a feminine representation to it of wisdom, the dorje represents compassion in the masculine gender.
The dorje is a substantive symbol that represents the invincible state of Buddha hood. The dorje is actually a scepter and is regarded as a very important ritual item in Buddhism meditation practices.
Incense offering is considered to be an important aspect of Buddhism. During the time of offering the incense, specific requests that touch on such areas as success, longevity and health are offered. During the Buddhist meditation that follows the incense burning, qualities like joy, love and compassion are meditated upon, and the one meditating takes refuge in such reflections.
One location that is important in Buddhist worship is Mount Kailash. This mountain peak is located on the Himalayan Mountains and is regarded as the central point of our vast universe. It is an important location for Buddhist meditation and has a religious connection to the 4 main religions of the region. These religions are Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Bon.
While one may interpret Buddhist art and symbols as visual mantras, contemplating on this artwork that is found in Buddhist temples and trying to understand how it is so much a part of Buddhist meditation is claimed this will build inner contact with the element being represented.
JohnStewart-Raji
Author Bio
Author of several well-known books about Buddhism, Buddhist Symbols and Tibetan Medicine, John Stewart-Raji wrote this short introductional article for The Tibet Post Magazine.
