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.

Excavations of Buddhist art that have been discovered dating to the first century have mostly been symbolic by nature and their significance remained symbolic until the appearance of the Buddhist Tantra. This Buddhist used imagery and visualization as part of the Buddhist meditation. From here, Tibetan Buddhism was born and Buddhist temples began to have collections of Buddhist art and religious artifacts for Buddhist meditation purposes.

The Buddhist temples housed mostly literature and artwork associated with Buddhism. The wheel, stupa and the lotus are often used in Buddhist meditation and are therefore not missing in Buddhist temples. Let?s take a look at some of these symbols and see their significance when it comes to Buddhism.

The bell is one of the symbols used and it serves a natural function and is said to drive out evil spirits. It consists of a lotus symbol, dorje and a moondisc. In religious rituals, the bell is harmonized with the dorje, another symbol. The bell is used to represent the feminine principle of wisdom while the dorje represents the masculine principle of compassion.

The indestructible state of Buddha hood is represented by the dorje. The dorje plays an important role in Buddhism meditation. It is in fact a staff, also known by the term, the Vajra.

Offering of incense is also taken to be an important part of Buddhism. Incense burning is usually accompanied by specific requests that touch on longevity, success and personal wellbeing. During these Buddhist meditation rituals, qualities like joy, love and kindness are taken into consideration and meditated upon.

Some religious locations are also part of Buddhism. Mount Kailash is regarded as a Buddhist temple and a significant symbol of Buddhist worship. Taken to be the central point of the universe, Mount Kailash is a Himalayan peak and is considered out of bounds to climbers. Its religious attachment extends to 4 religions. These are Buddhism, Jainism, Bon and Hinduism.

To many, Buddhist art and its accompanying symbols are simply visual mantras. However, it is claimed that contemplating on the significance of these forms of art present in Buddhist temples and used in Buddhist meditation, one will build an inner connection with the represented aspect.

Related Articles