Out of the broad sweep of the spiritual landscape of Hinduism emerged Buddhism, an entirely new creed, not concerned with the question of the existence of God, but with salvation from the misery of human earthly experience.
It blazed a completely new path, with a new goal attainable by new but practical means. Although completely at variance with its matrix of evolution — Hinduism — it was only natural that it borrowed sacred symbols, ritual artefacts and religious signs. Other paraphernalia of worship, along with the Hindu Gods & deities and their attributes, were assimilated mainly because they had already become institutionalized, were traditional and deeply rooted in the cultural psyche of the land.
Everything, except for the philosophy, but not the metaphysical basis, was taken up and assimilated into the new religious ideology. This remained unaltered for a long time, retaining the original names, purpose and significance. Small changes occurred but with only slight variations in significance and meaning. In the course of time new paraphernalia began to appear; they were different, but they remained in concept analogous to the central original religious cultural paraphernalia of Hinduism.
Buddha Mudras give meanings to the five fingers as well. Each finger, starting from the thumb, represents elements that surround us: sky, wind, fire, water, and earth. Humans can appeal to the deities by using any combination of finger poses.
The esoteric symbols for Buddhism therefore remain shrouded with the essence of the ancient prehistoric creed: the aura, which evokes the mystical aspects bestowed on them from the very beginning of their evolution.
Without a background in Hinduism they spring up as not merely exoteric but esoteric, they are numerous and pervasive: they are almost everywhere, in temples, houses, shops, the streets, the forests, hills, rocks and river banks. Most of them are covered with a patina of age, coming as they do from the primal mists of time, and are therefore mostly unintelligible.
The purpose of this page is to explain the significance and Buddhism symbol meanings in a nutshell, to try to make them comprehensible. To make it easier to understand the evolution of a new creed — a new human experience. Like a bud evolving and blossoming into a flower, which began to waft its scent around the world about two thousand years ago.
MYSTICAL SYMBOLS FOR BUDDHISM
Like the Vajrayana Vehicle the mystical symbols have been adopted from Hinduism, almost practically unaltered, except for a slight variation to suit the new creed.
MANDALA
In Tantric Buddhism the mandala represents the ‘Palace of Purity,’ where all obstacles and impurities are removed.
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YANTRA
Yantra is an instrument in which the psychophysical energies of a worshipper is regulated and protected, this regulation is protection.
SRI YANTRA
Sri Yantra represents the inner and outer world — the unity of both the microcosm and the macrocosm.
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KALACHAKRA
Kalachakra in Buddhism this is known as the Wheel of Time, usually illustrated in a thangka or sacred Tibetan painting, which is regarded as activating the internal as well as the external forces, like a yantra.
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Buddhist Symbol "OM"
OM
Om is the most sacred mantra in Hinduism as well as Buddhism it is regarded as the primal sound in the birth of the cosmos.
Buddhist Mantra
MANTRA
‘Man’ meaning the mind and ‘tra’ means guidance or protection.
Triangle
TRIANGLE
The triangle, the male principle, represents the unmanifested power of resurgence.
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Chakras
CHAKRAS
The Chakras are contact points for the psychic and the physical body and are considered to be the centers of energy.
Kundalini
KUNDALINI
Kundalini is known as the Serpent Power it is another name for Shakti.
Read more on Religious Symbol Kundalini
YOGIC ASANAS
The asanas are physical exercises of stretching and limbering to make the body flexible, supple and youthful.
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PRANAM
This is a symbol of spiritualism. It is an obeisance, but at the same time is used as a greeting. On meeting a friend one says, “Namaskar” or “Namaste.” In Tibetan they say “Tashi Delek” which means “I wish you well.”
SACRED ELEMENTS OF NATURE (Buddhism Symbol of Religion)
Elements of nature sacred to Hindus were also adopted and assimilated in Buddhism with some slight changes in their significance as symbols, attributes, or as ritual objects of worship.
There were of course quite a few entirely new forms of symbols, which nevertheless had their origin in concept and purpose or meaning in Hinduism.
CHAITYA (Buddhist Sanctuary)
A chaitya is also commonly known as "Stupa or Chorten", a religious structure which is one of the most important symbols of Buddhism.
DAIJI (Yub-yam)
Daiji commonly called Yin-Yang or Yub-yam in Tibetan Buddhism the union symbolizes a balanced proportion of the female and male or the negative and positive energy.
CHANDRA
Whether it is in the shape of a new or full moon, it symbolizes the complementariness of opposites; also altruistic aspirations to attain Buddhahood for the sake of others; and represents the desire to acquire a method or a spiritual path and follow it. In Buddhism it is often depicted above the images of deities.
SURYA
Among Hindus it stands for the sun god. Among Buddhists, as a ritual sign in association with the moon, it represents the unity between relative and absolute truth. Surya or Sun symbolizes the ultimate wisdom of Bodhisattva, true mode of existence and the recognition of nothingness. It usually appears on the upper part of a thangka painting. It is an attribute of Akashgarbha.
SIX-POINTED STAR
The symbol of six-pointed star in Buddhism represents the union of the female and male principles. It is also used in preparing an Buddhist astrological chart.
Swastika
SWASTIKA (Yung-Drung)
Buddhist religious symbol swastika is usually located in the sole of the foot representing the esoteric doctrine of the Buddha.
Agni
AGNI
Originally in ancient times it was used as a war weapon. Both among the Hindus and the Buddhists, it is a sacrificial offering, or makes up the main element in a sacrificial ritual.
Chakra
CHAKRA (Wheel of the Law)
Chakra (Khor-Io) in Tibetan Buddhism stand for the Eightfold Paths of salvation.
Dharmachakra
DHARMACHAKRA
This dharmachakra stands also for the Wheel of the Law, but it signifies completion and salvation attained through the Buddha’s teachings. It therefore represents the teachings of the Buddha. It is transmitted from the Buddha to his disciples, and from teachers to bhikus or monks, who are instructed on how to prepare to receive the Dharma. The Dharma is not just given to anyone who is ignorant and not ready to receive it. The giving and the acceptance is the wheeling motion of the Dharma —The Law.
Mayurapiccha
MAYURAPICCHA
This is the peacock that thrives in a poisonous environment and produces lustre in its feathers. Among Hindus it is an attribute of Hindu deities like Krishna. In Buddhism it's a symbol of being immune from all kinds of poisons, and from worldly temptations.
Padma
PADMA
The lotus, which grows in muddy swamps, symbolizes the purity of the Bodhisattva, who rises above the bonds of cyclic existence, uncontaminated by the confusion of the world. It represents discriminating wisdom and penetrating insight into emptiness or the void. It is the pedestal of the Lord Buddha. It is where the scriptures of the Perfect Wisdom — the Dharma — symbolically rest, along with the flaming sword of total awareness that severs the root of ignorance.
Nilotpala
NILOTPALA
This is the open lotus flower regarded as the Day or White Lotus. As a symbol it could be any color except blue, which is the color of the Night Lotus. It symbolizes purity of descent. It is an attribute of Manjushree and the Green Tara, the consort of the Dhyani Buddha. It is an ornament of Avalokiteswar and Padmapani, the ‘all- observing lord with the lotus in his.
Utpala
UTPALA
This is the half-open lotus flower, which stands for the Night Lotus. Its color is blue and symbolizes the self created — Swayambhu — and the female principle in the Vajrayana tradition.
Pink Lotus
PINK LOUTS
In Tibetan Buddhism the pink lotus flower is a solar symbol.
Naga
NAGA
In TIbetan Buddhism Nagas are the guardian of the Buddhist Dharma and protector of the Buddha.
Nakula
NAKULA (Jambala)
Among the Hindus it is the Keeper of all jewels or wealth for the deity Kubera, the god of wealth. Among the Buddhists it has the same significance, except that the name of the Nakula is Jambala.
Mriga
MRIGA
The antelope symbolizes kindness and consideration for others; it also represents enlightened motives and the cultivation of a kind and compassionate attitude towards others.
SACRED WEAPONS (Buddhism religious signs)
The divine weapons in the Hindu pantheon were also taken up and adopted by Buddhism.
Structurally and in form they remained unchanged, except for their purpose or significance as symbols, attributes or ritual artefacts in worship, to suit the new creed.
VAJRAKILA (Phurbu)
Vajrakila symbolizes the penetration or breaking through of insight.
Read more on Vajrakila
Parashu
PARASHU
This is a battle-axe, a heavy weapon for cutting or chopping. As a ritual object it stands for the power to sever all worldly ties or attachments. This is a knife, a sharp blade with a vajra as handle. As a ritual artefact it symbolizes disintegration of all matter, also the severance of all worldly bonds, and their transformation into positive forces. In Tibetan this is a ritual instrument for cutting up corpses, in what is known as ‘sky burial’ to feed the vultures in the mountains.
Trishul
TRISHUL
This trident among Hindus is the symbol of Shiva. Among Buddhists it is known as the Tri Ratna, the threefold jewel: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha: the Lord Buddha, the Dharma or The Law, and the Community of monks.
GHANTA (Bell)
Ghanta is a symbol for ‘path and purpose’ represents wisdom or impermanence.
Khetaka
KHETAKA
This is a battle shield, employed to ward off the blows of the enemy. It later became a ritual artefact and came to symbolize the Dharma as the protector from evil.
VAJRA
Vajra meaning thunderbolt represents lightning it is Buddhist symbol of the imperturbable male principle, which stands for the method or path.
VISVAVAJRA (Wheel of the Good Law)
Double thunderbolt, symbolizing the conclusion of all actions and represents the Absolute as being everywhere, omnipresent.
Khadga
KHADGA
This is a ritual ‘flaming sword’ which symbolizes the destroyer of all ignorance, and is regarded as representing enlightenment. It is also called Prajna Khaga or the sword of wisdom, and has luminous rays issuing out of it, which destroy ignorance. It is a special symbol of Manjushree.
Gada
GADA
This is a club; a war weapon employed in close combat. As a ritual object it stands for the symbol of office.
Chapa Shara
CHAPA-SHARA
The shara, or arrow, is the symbol of alertness and consciousness. Like the sword and spear, it symbolizes the ultimate Boddhicitta, which severs the roots of cyclic existence. The chapa, or bow, in combination with the arrow, symbolizes purpose, method or path and wisdom; also firm and accurate determination.
Danda
DANDA
Danda symbolizes dominance.
Khatvanga
KHATVANGA
Khatvanga is regarded to possess magical powers,so it is the symbol of supernatural power - siddhi.
Ankusha
ANKUSHA
Ankusha is a Buddhist ritual object it symbolizes the hook which can lift anyone from doubts or Doctrine of the Buddha.
BUDDHIST RITUAL ARTEFACTS
Hindu ritual artefacts adopted by Buddhism remained unchanged even in their original purpose and significance, with the symbols, however, ascribed now to the Buddha or emerging Boddhisattvas as attributes.
There are quite a few Buddhist ritual items developed and introduced by Tibetan lamas, which are unique in their inspiration.
DHAR-DJUK
Dhar-Djuk means Tibetan prayer flag.
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MONK'S ROBES
Buddhist Monk's Robes symbolizes the Sangha.
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AKSHAMALA (Prayer Beads)
When a Prayer Beads or a Buddhist Mala is turned it means he is drawing the people out of cyclic existence and leading them to Nirvana.
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MANE
Mane is a large prayer-wheel.
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MANE LARO
Mane Laro is a hand prayer wheel
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Prasad
PRASAD
Ritual sacrifice or ritual offering is universal. In Buddhism it has changed greatly from the Hindu practice; food, mainly fruits, are offered for the Divine to bless. It also acknowledges divine munificence in the abundance of the offering. In Tibetan this is known as Tormo —food for the gods. Only after the prayers have been said does the food offering become prasad. Some of it is given to the people and animals, even ghosts or unseen spirits, but most of it goes to the lamas or monks.
DAMARU
Tibetan Damaru has a very strong cultural association in Buddhism and also in the religion of Hinduism.
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SANKHA (Ritual conch shell)
Shankha is used as a sound offering to the gods during rituals
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Kangling
KANGLING
The sound Kangling drives away evil spirits.
Khakkara
KHAKKARA
This is a rattle attached to the top end of a staff. It is used by monks to announce their arrival or presence.
PARAPHERNALIA OF WORSHIP
Except for a few, most of the ritual paraphernalia used in Buddhism has been borrowed from Hinduism. In form and meaning they remain basically the same, except that they have been transformed in significance or purpose to ascribe them to Buddhist philosophy or principles, or the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas.
Vanaspati
VANASPATI (Mask)
Vanaspati displays the illusion but hides the real.
Adarsha
ADARSHA
This is a mirror. As a ritual artefact it symbolizes emptiness or lack of substance in the phenomenal world.
THANGKAS
Thangka paintings are not only used in decoration but also used for meditation & Puja
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KHATA
This is a Tibetan white sacred scarf, usually four yards long and one yard wide, a symbol of welcome or of offering. When offered but given back, it becomes a talisman, a token of protection. It is given to one going on a long journey for his safe return. It is usually draped around portraits of the Buddha or the Dalai Lama, and on prayer-flags.
Mukha
MUKHA
Mukha is a ritual crown worn by a Monk from vajrayana discipline during a religious ritual.
Gau
GAU
Gau is a tiny altar having a figurine of the owner’s God — lshtadevata.
Chamara
CHAMARA
This is a fly-whisk. Usually it is made from the end section of a yak’s tail. It is a sign of dignity.
Pasha
PASHA
The pasha is a rope or a noose. As a ritual object, its purpose is the trapping or ensnaring of demons; it also represents the power to lift up those who have strayed from the Dharma - The Law.
PUSTAKA
The pustaka is a book, which contains the text on the ‘Perfect Insight’, the Prajnaparamita. It is the symbol of transcendental wisdom, of learning and the arts, and is supposed to have been entrusted to the Nagas to guard and protect mankind until they have acquired enough wisdom to be able to accept the Dharma. It is often depicted resting on a lotus.
Ratna Mani
RATNA MANI
This is a jewel, an oval stone. As ritual paraphernalia it stands for the ‘jewel of the Doctrine’. If it is small but with an incubus it is regarded as a magic stone, Cintamani, the wish fulfilling jewel.
Tri Ratna
TRI RATNA
This represents the three jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. It also symbolizes the sanctuary where one can take refuge from the world. It also signifies the ‘Enlightened’ or the ‘Awakened’.
Pattra
PATTRA
Ordinarily it is a begging bowl of wandering monks. As a ritual object or sign, a seated monk holding a bowl on his lap signifies his high office, as head of a monastic order.
Kapalapattra
KAPALAPATTRA
Kapala Pattra is a bowl offered as a sacrifice to propitiate protective deities.
Khartwanga
KHARTWANGA
This is a magic wand made of human forearm or leg bone, but an ordinary one is made of wood or metal. The special one made of human bone is surmounted by a vajra — thunderbolt, a skull or a trident, or all of them together. The skull is the most important symbol, which makes it magical, even without the other elements, such as the vajra or trishul. It is an attribute of tantric deities like the dakinis and vajrayana saints, followers of the tantric — Yb Diamond Scepter discipline.
Sukunda
SUKUNDA
Sukunda means oil lamp.
DIPA
This is actually a ritual lamp in which butter or purified ghee is used as sacrificial offering. The light itself is worshipped.
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Bhumba
BHUMBA
This is a water jug. As a ritual object it serves as a sacrificial jug. It usually has no handle but is rather richly decorated with precious stones and metal. Also known as kamandalu it is used in pouring water or nectar on the hands of a deity to whom sacrifice is offered. Nectar is the elixir of immortality and water is the source of life. Among the Hindus and Buddhists it is regarded as an important ritual artefact and is always placed on the altar.
Ashtamangalas
ASHTAMANGALAS
The ashtamangalas are attributes of Ashtamangaladevi, the goddess of Good Fortune. In Hinduism this is Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
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This is a brief explanation and meaning of the symbols of Buddhism. The evolution and development of Buddhism flowed from the vast spiritual landscape of India. Its form and concepts slowly evolved from the sacred symbols of Hinduism, nurtured in its growth, like a lotus in the matrix of India.
The Buddhist sacred symbols and attributes have not diverged completely, in connotation or meaning, from their counterparts in Hinduism. There is only a slight variation in purpose, but when perceived they reveal their origin in the great past of the Hindu creed.
Like the Hindu sacred symbols, the Buddhist symbols remain unique and fascinating in their exotic form and esoteric significance. They provide a deeper insight into the religious phenomena of the subcontinent, the Himalayas and Tibet, the mysterious land on the roof of the world.
Like any other spiritual symbols, they do not merely explain or resolve seemingly contradictory spiritual concepts, but instruct on the way of attaining enlightenment.
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