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Buddhist Symbols

Buddhist Symbols. Camera Shy…. It is said that the Buddha was reluctant to accept images of himself, as he did not like to be venerated as a person.

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Buddhist Symbols

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  1. Buddhist Symbols

  2. Camera Shy… • It is said that the Buddha was reluctant to accept images of himself, as he did not like to be venerated as a person. To symbolise the Buddha in the very early art, one used mainly the Eight Spoked Wheel andthe Bodhi Tree, but also the Buddha's Footprints, an Empty Throne, a Begging Bowl and a Lion are used to represent him.

  3. The Dharmachakra • has eight spokes, symbolising theEight-fold Noble Path. • The3 swirling segmentsin centre represent theBuddha, Dharma (the teachings) and Sangha(the spiritual community). • The wheel can also be divided into three parts, each representing an aspect ofBuddhist practice;the hub (discipline), the spokes (wisdom), and the rim (concentration).

  4. Bodhi Tree • Refers to the tree under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment • Tree worship was already part of the existing culture in India, so the development of the bodhi tree and leaf as a devotional symbol was a natural one. • A Bodhi Tree is grown in Buddhist centres

  5. Buddha’s footprints • The story goes that prior to his death the Buddha left an imprint of his foot on a stone near Kusinara, a reminder of his presence on earth.

  6. The Begging-bowl • shortly before the Buddha reached enlightenment, a young woman named Sujata offered him a bowl of milk-rice. • Monks go into the street with their bowl and eat only what is placed in there by others

  7. The Lion • one of Buddhism's most potent symbols. • associated with regality, strength and power. • Buddha who tradition has it was a royal prince. • The Buddha's teachings are sometimes referred to as the 'Lion's Roar', indicating their strength and power.

  8. The Lotus • Grows up from the mud through muddy water to blossom • Purification and enlightenment • the stem stands for the practice of Buddhist teachings which raise the mind above the (mud of) worldly existence, and gives rise to purity of mind. • Open blossom enlightenment • Closed blossom potential for enlightenment

  9. The white elephant • The white elephant here symbolizes perfect wisdom and royal power • In India, an elephant is accounted the most sacred animal on earth.

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