Generally speaking, Buddhist symbols can be considered based on a particular culture and its followers. Everebody heard about Eight Auspicious Symbols, dorje and bell, mandala etc. Many of these symbols can be found in ancient India where Hinduism is the main religion. Their meaning and usage may however not be in the same light. The Buddha lived around the 6th Century B.C. However, no Buddhist art or artifacts are known to have been in existence by then. In the Buddhist holy writings, it is claimed that the Buddha would sometimes use Buddhist art or images such as the Wheel of Life to illustrate his teachings. Ornamental carvings have been found dating to the reign of Emperor Ashoka. Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism, thereby making this religion popular both in India and the countries in the vicinity.

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.

Symbols as the wheel, lotus and the stupa were found in almost any Buddhist temple. Reflecting on these symbols was regarded as part of the Buddhist meditation ritual. Let?s consider some of these symbols in the light of current Buddhist meditation and religious practices.

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.

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.

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.

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