There were also more elaborate symbols, like Buddhist mandalas and complex images of Buddhas and bodhisattva figures. During the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) Buddhist symbolism became widespread, and symbols like the swastika and the Dharma wheel (Chinese: 法輪 pinyin: fălún, "wheel of life") became well known in China. Garuda and Nagas, Wat Phra Kaeo, Bangkok, Thailand.Įast Asian Buddhist symbols Statue of Guanyin with various attributes (cintamani, chakra, lotus, prayer beads)Įast Asian Buddhism adopted many of the classic Buddhist symbolism outlined above. Contemporary Buddhist art contains numerous symbols, including unique symbols not found in early Buddhism. Several animals are also widely depicted, such as elephants, lions, nāga and deer. Īmong the earliest and most common Buddhist symbols found in these early Buddhist sites are the stupa (and the relics therein), the Dharma wheel, the Bodhi Tree, the triratna (three jewels), the vajra seat, the lotus flower, and the Buddha footprint. According to Karlsson, three specific signs, the Bodhi tree, the Dharma wheel, and the stupa, occur frequently at all these major sites and thus "the earliest Buddhist cult practice focused on these three objects". The best examples of this aniconic period symbolism can be found at sites like Sanchi, Amaravati, Bharhut, Bodhgaya and Sarnath. lacking an anthropomorphic image), and instead used various symbols to depict the Buddha. Early Buddhist art (circa 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE) is commonly (but not exclusively) aniconic (i.e. The earliest Buddhist art is from the Mauryan era (322 BCE – 184 BCE), there is little archeological evidence for pre-Mauryan period symbolism. These were a traditional eight-spoked Dharma wheel and the five-colored flag. According to Karlsson, Buddhists adopted these signs because "they were meaningful, important and well-known to the majority of the people in India." They also may have had apotropaic uses, and thus they "must have been a way for Buddhists to protect themselves, but also a way of popularizing and strengthening the Buddhist movement." Īt its founding in 1952, the World Fellowship of Buddhists adopted two symbols to represent Buddhism. Many of these are ancient, pre-Buddhist and pan-Indian symbols of auspiciousness (mangala). Symbols are depicted in early Buddhist art. In the modern era, new symbols like the Buddhist flag were also adopted. New symbols continued to develop into the medieval period, with Vajrayana Buddhism adopting further symbols such as the stylized double vajra. Īnthropomorphic symbolism depicting the Buddha (as well as other figures) became very popular around the first century CE with the arts of Mathura and the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara. Research has shown that the aesthetic perception of the Buddhist gesture symbol positively influenced perceived happiness and life satisfaction. The popularity of certain symbols has grown and changed over time as a result of progression in the followers ideologies. īuddhism symbolism is intended to represent the key values of the Buddhist faith. Early Buddhist symbols which remain important today include the Dharma wheel, the Indian lotus, the three jewels and the Bodhi tree. Religious symbols in Buddhism Lotus motif from Sanchi complex An "Indra Post" at Sanchiīuddhist symbolism is the use of symbols ( Sanskrit: pratīka) to represent certain aspects of the Buddha's Dharma (teaching).
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