Buddhist symbols are generally considered in relation to a particular culture or religious affiliation. Everebody heard about Eight Auspicious Symbols, dorje (vajra) and bell, stupa etc. In India, it is not surprising to find some commonly used Buddhist symbols, despite the fact that Hinduism is the main religion there. However, their representation and role serve totally different purposes. The Buddha lived about the 6th century but there has not been found any Buddhist art or symbols from this time. According to the Buddhist holy writings, the Buddha used such images and forms of art like the Wheel of Life in his teachings as symbolic representations to explain or elaborate a particular Buddhist teaching. Some artifacts dating to the time of Emperor Ashoka have been found and his conversion to Buddhism is believed was the first step to the spread of Buddhism around India and its neighboring 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.

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.

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 symbol used in Buddha to represent its indivisible and indestructible nature. It is a scepter that is used in Buddhist meditation as part of the religious practices. It is sometimes referred to as the Vajra.

Incense burning is also taken to be a significant part of Buddhism worship. During the incense offering, this is the time to offer specific requests of success, longevity and any personal need. After this, Buddhist meditation is performed and such qualities as love, joy and compassion are reflected upon during these meditation periods.

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.

Buddhist art forms are seen by many as visual mantras. The large assortments are usually located in the Buddhist temples. By contemplating on these religious Buddhist art forms, it is generally accepted that one will build an inner contact with the facet being represented.

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