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.
Around the first century, all the Buddhist art excavations discovered have been purely symbolic in nature. The coming of the Buddha Tantra brought with it the art of Buddhist meditation by use of imagination and visualization techniques, a form of Buddhist meditation known as Tibetan Buddhism. A large collection of Buddhist art representing deities that was used in these forms of Buddhist meditation rituals can now be found in Buddhist temples throughout the region. Most of these collections were Buddhist literature and artwork.
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.
The bell symbol serves to dispel evil spirits and has a natural function. It consists of the dorje, lotus and the moondisc symbols. Together with the dorje, the bell stands for wisdom in a feminine way while the dorje is used to complement the bell as compassion in a masculine way.
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 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.
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.
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. - 14130
Around the first century, all the Buddhist art excavations discovered have been purely symbolic in nature. The coming of the Buddha Tantra brought with it the art of Buddhist meditation by use of imagination and visualization techniques, a form of Buddhist meditation known as Tibetan Buddhism. A large collection of Buddhist art representing deities that was used in these forms of Buddhist meditation rituals can now be found in Buddhist temples throughout the region. Most of these collections were Buddhist literature and artwork.
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.
The bell symbol serves to dispel evil spirits and has a natural function. It consists of the dorje, lotus and the moondisc symbols. Together with the dorje, the bell stands for wisdom in a feminine way while the dorje is used to complement the bell as compassion in a masculine way.
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 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.
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.
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. - 14130
About the Author:
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.
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