Tibetan Buddhism and its Symbols
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.
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.
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.
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. - 13731
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.
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.
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.
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. - 13731
About the Author:
Marta Wallet-Raji lived more than 20 years in Nepal, studying Tibetan Medicine. She wrote several books about Buddhism, Buddhist Symbols and Tibetan Medicine.
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