Skip to main content

Buddhist Symbols


Buddhist symbols remind us of Buddha's remarkable sermonizing. Inside a Buddha’s Temple- the sanctum-sanctorum is termed as a shrine or a Buddha Hall. Just opposite to this divine room, an altar is placed. There are many beautiful things on the altar. Here we are mentioning some of them. 
Buddha Images
Peep surmise that Buddhists worship idols and the deities. However, this is untrue; they offer flowers and bow to Buddha in veneration and never worship the idols and the images. By doing so, they pay reverence towards his moralities and are inspired to become like him. Buddha images are not necessary, but they are helpful. The most important thing is to follow the Buddha's teachings. 
There are many different kinds of Bodhisattva images that are formulated which showcase different Buddhas' traits.
An idol of the Buddha with his hand resting in his lap reminds us to develop calmness within ourselves. However, a statue with the Buddha's right hand touching the ground shows determination.

Traditional Offerings

Traditional offerings are basically for paying homage and cherishing Buddha’s deeds. These Traditional oblations are offered to accord respect to Buddha.
• Flowers- are offered as reminders of how quickly things change
• Light from lamps or candles- symbolizes wisdom
• Incense- reminds one to be peaceful
• Water- represents purity
• Food- reminds us to give our best to the Buddhas.

Dharma Instruments

Dharma Instruments are used in traditional ceremonies and meditation. Each instrument has a specific use and meaning. 
• Drums-announces ceremonies and keeps rhythm
• Bells- gives signals in ceremonies and meditation
• Gongs- announces ceremonies and activities
• Wooden fish-keeps rhythm while chanting

Lotus Flower
The lotus flower represents enlightenment narrated in the poem.
The lotus has its roots in the mud, 
Grows up in the deep water, 
And rises to the surface. 
It blooms into perfect beauty and purity in the sunlight. 
It is like the mind unfolding to perfect joy and wisdom.
Read More - Buddhist Symbols

You may Like -
Rituals and Celebrations
Early Life Of Gautam Budhha
The spread of Buddhism in Kosala
The Noble Eightfold Path
Buddhist Symbols
Incredible Facts About Buddha
A Story of a Deer King
Buddhist Festivals

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Akshaya Tritiya (Akha Teej) 2018 Puja Date and Time

Akshaya Tritiya which is also known as Akha Teej is one of the major festivals in the month of Baisakhi. It is highly auspicious for  Hindus  as well as  Jains . It falls during Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Vaishakha. The word Akshaya itself means ‘Never diminishing’. This day is considered to be very auspicious as the Sun and the Moon are at the height of their brightness on this day. It is also believed that any task done on this day gives highly positive results. On 2018 it will be observed on  18 th  April  (Wednesday) and this year it is even more auspicious as it falls in conjunction with Rohini Nakshatra. The auspiciousness of this day advises people to start new ventures, invest in something significant like buying real estate or gold, and most importantly rituals like marriage. This day is said to bring in a lot of good luck and prosperity. Akshaya Tritiya Puja Muhurat  = 05:56 to 12:20 Duration  = 6 Hours 23 Mins...

A Story of a Deer King

Once upon a time in a dense forest, there lived a deer whose name was- Banyan. He was so prepossessing and as large as a young uncastrated male horse. He was golden like the sun and his horns glimmered just like silver. His big eyes flickered out with sagacity. He was famed as a King of Deer in the forest and looked over a herd of 500 deer. In the same forest, another flock of deer was watched over by another king of deer- named Branch. He was also sharp and golden in color.  Although, in mammoth grass of the deep forest, the two herds lived in tranquillity. One day, the emperor of the city of Ghats- Varanasi (Benaras) went for a hunt and to explore the picturesque green forest where the throng of deer resided. After taking a look, the king murmured: This is an absolute beguiling place for the hunting. He also declared that along with his thousands of hunters, he stopped himself upon the two herds of deer. Without giving a second thought he notched an arrow in his bow and n...