The role of Symbols, rituals and customs
Symbols
Symbols have the ability to culturally unify a group of people through their representation and
meaning. Symbols such as places, actions, words, people and rituals are layered with meaning and
valuable information for different groups in society.
Buddhism is a tradition rich in symbolism and every symbol has a meaning. Such tradition has been
expressed countless times over the centuries, throughout Asia, in the continuing evolution of the
presentation of Buddhist images in sculpture, painting and ritual objects.
In the earliest centuries of Buddhism, statues of the Buddha were not used. Instead, Buddhist art
consisted of images symbolizing the Buddha and his teachings, such as the lotus, the Wheel of the
Law, the Bodhi tree and the Buddha's footprints.
Eventually, the Buddha image became one of the most popular representations in Buddhism, but
these early symbols remain important and are frequently used to this day. They are especially
important in Theravada Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand.
As Buddhism spread, Buddhist symbolism was enriched by the cultures it came into contact with.
This is especially true of Buddhism in Tibet, which has developed a rich symbolic tradition. The
central symbols of Tibetan Buddhism are the Eight Auspicious Symbols, known in Sanskrit as
Ashtamangala (ashta meaning eight and mangala meaning auspicious).
The Eight Auspicious Symbols are printed on Tibetan prayer flags, incorporated into mandalas and
thangkas, and used in other forms of ritual art. Another important symbol is the Wheel of Life, a
symbolic representation of the universe as understood by Tibetan Buddhists. Other important types
of symbolism in Buddhism include colors, especially the five colors of white, yellow, red, blue and
green, and symbolic hand gestures called mudras
Symbol
Bodhi Leaves
Significance/Meaning
The Buddha attained enlightenment while sitting under a banyan tree, also known as the bo,
pipal, or peepul tree. That tree was then called a “bodhi tree” (“bodhi” means “awake”), in honor
of the Buddha’s liberation, and the leaves of that tree are called “bodhi leaves.”
Buddha
The image of the Buddha, usually teaching or meditating, is a common subject of Buddhist
paintings and sculptures.
Buddha Eye
(Wisdom Eye)
These are Buddha Eyes (also known as Wisdom Eyes), and they look out in the four directions to
symbolize the omniscience (all-seeing) of a Buddha. The Buddha eyes are so prevalent
throughout the country that they have become a symbol of Nepal itself.
Between the Buddha's eyes where the nose would be is a curly symbol that looks like question
mark. This is the Nepali character for the number 1, which symbolizes unity of all the things as
well as the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings. Above this is a
third eye, symbolizing the all-seeing wisdom of the Buddha.
Buddha Feet
The Buddha specifically requested that likenesses of him not be created. For a number of
centuries after his death, this wish was respected, and so other symbols were used to represent
him. These footprints are meant to remind that Buddha was present on earth and left a spiritual
‘path’ to be followed. They are special as they are the only monuments which give Buddha a
physical presence on earth as they are actual depression in the earth. Often have the suspicious
signs of Buddha painted on the sole.
DHARMACHAKRA
WHEEL
The Dharma Wheel is the symbol of Buddhist life, the endless circle of birth and rebirth, and also
represent the Buddhist teaching or Dharma. The Buddha's first sermon is called "Turning the
Wheel of the Dharma." The wheel often has eight spokes, which stand for the noble Eightfold
Path of Buddhism.
Endless Knot
In Buddhism, the endless knot is a closed, graphic ornament composed of right-angled,
intertwined lines. It overlaps without a beginning or an end, symbolising the Buddha's endless
wisdom and compassion. It indicates continuity as the underlying reality of existence.
The entwined lines of the Endless Knot can be said to exemplify the ways in which all of reality is
intertwined and interdependent. The intertwining of lines represents how all phenomena are
conjoined and yoked together as a closed cycle of cause and effect. Thus the whole composition
is a pattern that is closed on in itself with no gaps, leading to a representational form of great
simplicity and fully balanced harmony.
The dictionary defines a parasol as an umbrella used for protection from the sun. Thus its
function is to protect exclusively from the heat rather than the rain - as the word 'parasol,'
meaning 'to hold off the sun,' and 'umbrella,' meaning 'little shade,' similarly imply. The Sanskrit
term 'chattra,' also means 'mushroom,' in an obvious reference to its shape.
The parasol or umbrella is a traditional Indian symbol of both protection and royalty. The ability
to protect oneself against inclement weather has always, in all cultures, been a status symbol.
Parasol
1.
Lotus
The lotus flower was frequently used by the Buddha as an example in his teaching to represent
our true nature, which symbolically grows out of the mud of the world and toward the light and
purity of enlightenment.Though there are other water plants that bloom above the water, it is
only the lotus which, owing to the strength of its stem, regularly rises eight to twelve inches
above the surface.
Every important Buddhist deity is associated in some manner with the lotus, either being seated
upon a lotus in full bloom or holding one in their hands.
The color of the lotus has an important bearing on the symbolism associated with it:
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White Lotus: This represents the state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity (bodhi).
It is associated with the White Tara and proclaims her perfect nature, a quality which is
reinforced by the color of her body.
Pink Lotus: This the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity. Thus naturally it
is associated with the Great Buddha himself.
Red Lotus: This signifies the original nature and purity of the heart (hrdya). It is the lotus of
love, compassion, passion and all other qualities of the heart. It is the flower of
Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Blue Lotus: This is a symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, and signifies the
wisdom of knowledge. Not surprisingly, it is the preferred flower of Manjushri, the
bodhisattva of wisdom.
KUAN YIN
"She who hears the cries of the world,” is a bodhisattva who is much beloved throughout Asia as
well as among Western Buddhists, especially women.
Conch Shell
In Buddhism, the conch shell has survived as the original horn trumpet. Ancient Indian epics
describe how each hero of mythical warfare carried a mighty white conch shell, which often bore
a personal name.
It is an emblem of power, authority and sovereignty whose blast is believed to banish evil spirits,
avert natural disasters, and scare away poisonous creatures.
Today, in its greatly tamed avatar, the conch is used in Tibetan Buddhism to call together
religious assemblies. During the actual practice of rituals, it is used both as a musical instrument
and as a container for holy water.
Golden Fishes
In Buddhism, the golden fishes symbolize happiness, as they have complete freedom in water.
They represent fertility and abundance as they multiply very rapidly. Fish often swim in pairs, and
in China they represented conjugal unity and fidelity, where a pair of fishes would often be given
as a wedding present.
Mandala
A specifically detailed diagram representing a deity and his forces, or groups of divinities,
depicting the invisible universe of the forces that govern the cosmos.
Treasure Vase
The vase is a fat-bellied vessel with a short, slim neck. On top, at the opening, there is a large
jewel indicating that it is a treasure vase.
Its symbolic meaning was almost always associated with the ideas of storage and the satisfaction
of material desires. In the sagas and fairytales of many different cultures, for example, there is
the recurring idea of an inexhaustible vessel.
Victory Banner
The victory banner was adopted by early Buddhism as an emblem of the Buddha's
enlightenment, heralding the triumph of knowledge over ignorance.
Swastika
Signifies auspiciousness and good fortune as well as the Buddha’s footprints and the Buddha’s
heart. The swastika is said to contain the whole mind of the Buddha and can often be found
imprinted on the chest, feet or palms of Buddha images.
Mudras
Symbolic gestures, used symbolically in Buddha images and in practice to evoke particular ideas
or buddhas in the mind during Buddhist meditation or ritual. Buddhist mudras indicate the
identity of a Buddha or a particular scene being depicted.
Mudras are also used in ritual meditation, especially in Tibetan Buddhism, to generate forces that
invoke a particular Buddha or deity. While there are a large number of esoteric mudras, there are
ten main ones, of which five are most commonly used in Buddha images. Each of the Five Dhyani
Buddhas is assigned one of the five mudras, with which they are invariably depicted in art.
For example: Bhumisparsha means ‘touching the earth’. It is more commonly known as the
‘earth witness’ mudra. This mudra, formed with all five fingers of the right hand extended to
touch the ground, symbolizes the Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree, when he
summoned the earth goddess, Sthavara, to bear witness to his attainment of enlightenment
Zen Circle
In Buddhism, the Zen circle, a popular motif in Zen art, represents the entire universe in a single,
perfect stroke. Although simple, images like this are difficult to paint successfully and thus must
be done with a clear mind focused on the task.
Colours
In Buddhism, color symbolism is used in a wide variety of fascinating ways in Buddhist art and
ritual. In Buddhism, especially in Tibetan Buddhism, each of five colors (pancha-varna) symbolizes
a state of mind, a celestial buddha, a part of the body, a part of the mantra word Hum, or a
natural element. (Blue and black are sometimes interchangeable.)
It is believed that by meditating on the individual colors, which contain their respective essences
and are associated with a particular buddha or bodhisattva, spiritual transformations can be
achieved.
In addition, there is the Buddhist concept of the "rainbow body," the penultimate transitional
state of meditation in which matter begins to be transformed into pure light. It is said to be the
highest state attainable in the realm of samsara before the "clear light" of Nirvana.
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Black - black signifies the primordial darkness. In the realm where it is dark, because
there is no light reflected, there is also a sound which we cannot hear as it is so high on
the scale of harmonics that it is inaccessible to the hearing capacity of any physical being.
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Blue - both light and dark aspects of the color blue are important. The significance of the
light shade of blue is reflected in the importance of the semi-precious stone turquoise in
the daily spiritual and religious life of the devout Buddhist, who holds various beliefs
about this stone. In general terms turquoise is a symbol of the blue of the sea and the
sky. Infinity in the sky speaks of the limitless heights of ascension. The stone is opaque as
the earth, yet it lifts the spirit high, laying bare to us the wisdom of both the earth and
the sky. When worn in a ring, turquoise is believed to assure a safe journey; worn in the
ear it prevents reincarnation as a donkey; appearing in a dream, it is auspicious; when
found, it brings the best of luck and gives new life.
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Red - red throughout the development of civilization has had connotations with life and
those things considered sacred in some way. It has developed as synonymous with the
preservation of our life force. Signs and signals are also often surrounded in red to
indicate warning or threat to life. Similarly, fire has two facets. It can be a warming
lifesaver or an uncontrollable destroyer. The color red is auspicious in Tibetan culture. It
is a sacred color, one of the colors of the five Buddhas and the color of the monk's
garments. It is believed to have protective qualities and is therefore often used to paint
sacred buildings. In neighboring China, coral is a symbol of longevity, and in India it is
thought to prevent hemorrhages.
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Yellow - In Buddhism, yellow is has the highest symbolic value in Buddhism through its
link with the saffron robes of monks. This color, previously worn by criminals, was chosen
by Gautam Buddha as a symbol of his humility and separation from materialist society. It
thus signifies renunciation, desirelessness, and humility. Yellow is the color of earth, and
thus a symbol of rootedness and the equanimity of the earth.
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White - white is not really a color. It occurs when the whole spectrum of light is seen
together or when red, yellow and blue colors are mixed. Everything is present in white;
nothing is hidden, secret or undifferentiated. Thus Saraswati, the goddess of learning and
knowledge, is shown white in color. Indeed knowledge and learning should not be
hidden, but be open and available to all.
Eight Auspicious Symbols:
Definition: Auspicious - promising success; propitious; opportune; favourable
In Buddhism, the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala in Sanskrit) are a group of lucky symbols
that appear on many Buddhist textiles, objects and paintings. Each symbol represents an aspect of
Buddhist teaching and when they appear together, their powers are multiplied. The symbols derive
from Indian iconography and have become especially popular in Tibetan Buddhism. Clink a link
below for a full article and illustration of each Auspicious Symbol.
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Parasol (chattra) - royalty and spiritual power
Golden Fishes (suvarnamatsya) - good fortune, fertility and salvation
Treasure Vase (kalasha) - spiritual and material abundance
Lotus (padma) - mental and spiritual purity
Conch Shell (sankha) - the fame of Buddha's teachings
Endless Knot (shrivasta) - infinite wisdom of the Buddha
Victory Banner (dhvaja) - victory of the Buddha's teachings and wisdom over ignorance
Wheel (dharmachakra) - the teachings of the Buddha
Reference: http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/symbols
Buddhist Rituals and Practices
Rituals
A series of actions or rites performed according to a prescribed order. Rituals range in significance.
Some are sacred to institutions and others can be important to people for maintaining tradition and
cultural heritage. Some rituals can be referred to as part of an established routine.
Customs
Established ways of acting or cultural practices that are unique to groups in society. Customs have
important links to the heritage, values and traditions of people.
Buddhism incorporates a variety of rituals and practices, which are intended to aid in the journey to
enlightenment and bring blessings on oneself and others. While some activities are unique to
certain expressions of Buddhism, there are others that are found in most of the popular forms of the
belief system.
For example, the practice of meditation is central to nearly all forms of Buddhism, and it derives
directly from the Buddha’s experiences and teachings. Meditation is the central focus of Zen
Buddhism and the only way to liberation in Theravada Buddhism.
In addition to meditation, the Mahayana schools of Buddhism have developed a variety of other
ritual and devotional practices, many of which were inspired or influenced by the existing religious
cultures of India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Tibet.
Ritual
Meditation
Details
Buddhist meditation is a form of mental concentration that leads ultimately to enlightenment and
spiritual freedom. Meditation occupies a central place in all forms of Buddhism, but has developed
characteristic variations in different Buddhist traditions.
There are two main types of Buddhist meditation: vipassana (insight) and samatha (tranquility). The
two are often combined or used one after the other (usually vipissana follows samatha). In China and
Japan, an entire school of Buddhism developed around the practice of sitting meditation: Ch’an or Zen
Buddhism.
The basic purpose of samatha or tranquility meditation is to still the mind and train it to concentrate.
The object of concentration (kammatthana) is less important than the skill of concentration itself, and
varies by individual and situation. Detachment from the external world and a consciousness of joy and
tranquility;
Insight Meditation (Vipassana)
Many of the skills learned in tranquility meditation can be applied to insight meditation, but the end
goal is different. As its name suggests, the purpose of insight meditation is the realization of important
truths. Specifically, one who practices vipassana hopes to realize the truths of impermanence, suffering
and "no-self." Of course, these doctrines are already known to any Buddhist. After all, they are the
central teachings of the Buddha. But in order to attain liberation, he or she must personally apprehend
and truly understand these important truths. Simple knowledge of the Buddhist doctrines is not
sufficient.
Because vipassana meditation alone produces the understanding through which liberation takes place,
it is considered superior to tranquility meditation. It is the primary form of meditation practiced in
Theravada Buddhism.
The practice of insight meditation centers around the notion of mindfulness. Mindfulness is related to,
but different than, concentration. When one is concentrating, one’s entire focus is on the object of
concentration in an almost trancelike manner - whether the object is a lotus, one’s own breathing, or a
television program. But to be mindful of something is to think about it and observe it carefully. It is not
only to focus on a television program, but to comprehend its content. It is not only to block out
everything but breathing; it is to observe what the breathing is like and attempt to learn something
about it.
Gaining the skill of mindfulness is the first step of insight meditation. The most common methods
prescribed to develop mindfulness are: walking mindfulness, sitting mindfulness, and mindfulness of
daily activities.
Walking mindfulness is regularly practiced in monasteries and retreats, especially in the Theravada
tradition. Sitting meditation is very similar to walking meditation, except now the focus is on the breath
instead of the walking. The sitting meditator attempts to focus entirely on his or her own breath as it
moves in and out, and the abdomen as it moves up and down. This practice certainly brings about
tranquility, but again, the ultimate goal is to begin to realize for oneself the Buddhist truths of no-self,
suffering and impermanence.
Finally, the practice of mindfulness in everyday activities applies the skills learned in walking and sitting
meditation to everything one does: eating, washing dishes, washing, etc. As this skill is developed, one
lives increasinly in the present moment and participates more fully in everything he or she does. One
Buddhist master who was accomplished in the practice of mindfulness said simply, "When I eat, I eat.
When I sleep, I sleep."
Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta Bhavana)
Loving-kindness is a central virtue of Buddhism, and loving-kindness meditation (metta bhavana) is a
way of developing this virtue. It is a practice that is seen as supplemental or complementary to other
forms of meditation. The purpose of loving-kindness meditation is to develop the mental habit of
altruistic love for the self and others. It is said to "sweeten the mind."
Mantras
A mantra, a Sanskrit word which means “that which protects the mind,” is a sacred sound that is
believed to invoke deities, garner supernatural protection and generate personal power. Tibetan
Buddhism is focused more on mantras than most other types of Buddhism, and mantras are often
chanted during meditation practice.
A well-known Tibetan Buddhism mantra is “Om mani padme hum,” which is intended to invoke the
deity Avalokiteshvara (a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas), and translates
roughly to “Praise to the Jewel in the Lotus.” Mantras may be chanted privately or in large groups,
depending on the strength of protection desired.
In addition to invoking deities and providing supernatural power, mantras are often used for protection
from evil and misfortune. They are chanted during large public rituals to avert collective danger and in
private rituals to protect individuals against illness or other misfortune. For example, every summer in
Kyoto, Japan, children sit in a circle and pass around a large rosary to invoke the protection of the
bodhisattva Kshitigarbha, guardian of children.
In Mahayana Buddhism
Protective rites play an even greater role in the Mahayana Buddhist traditions, found primarily in East
Asia and Tibet. In these regions, especially in Tibet mantras and Dharanis are widely used in protective
rites. Dharanis are statements of doctrine or adoration believed to have spiritual power when
chanted.Mantras are shorter statements, often just single words, that are believed to contain the same
power. In both cases, their power derives not as much from their content as from their invocation of
the gods and the frequent exclamations, which are believed to frighten away evil spirits.
Mudras
Less commonly known than mantras, mudras are a Buddhist ritual that involves the use of symbolic
hand gestures in order to evoke specific ideas, Buddhas, deities, or scenes. They may be used in
practice or be depicted in artistic renderings, and are intended to aid in Buddhist meditation. The five
main esoteric mudras found in Buddhist art depict the five Dhyani Buddhas.
Prayer
Wheel
In Buddhism, a prayer wheel is of a hollow metal cylinder, often beautifully embossed, mounted on a
rod handle and containing a tightly wound scroll printed with a mantra. According the Tibetan Buddhist
belief, spinning such a wheel is just as effective as reciting them orally.
Prayer wheels come in many sizes: they may be small, attached to a stick (left), and spun around by
hand, medium-sized and set up at monasteries or temples (right), or very large and continuously spun
by a wind or water mill.
In Tibetan prayer wheels, the mantra printed on the inside scroll reads Om mani padme hum in Tibetan
script. "Om mani padme hum" is the most important mantra of Buddhism. It is the six syllable mantra
of the Bodhisattva of compassion Avalokiteshvara. The Dalai Lama is said to be an incarnation of
Avalokiteshvara, so the mantra is especially revered by his devotees.
Meaning of Om Mani Padme Hum
The basic English translation of Om mani padme hum is "Om Jewel in the Lotus Hum." However, the
meaning and significance of the six Tibetan syllables have been interpreted in a variety of ways. One
common interpretation is that each syllable corresponds to one of the six realms of existence and
purifies the vice associated with that realm:
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Om purifies bliss and pride (realm of the gods)
Ma purifies jealousy and need for entertainment (realm of the jealous gods)
Ni purifies passion and desire (human realm)
Pad purifies ignorance and prejudice (animal realm)
Me purifies poverty and possessiveness (realm of the hungry ghosts)
Hum purifies aggression and hatred (hell realm)
It has also been said that recitation of each of the syllables prevents rebirth in the corresponding realm.
Pilgrimage
Buddhist pilgrimage is a ritual of great significance. The most important destinations for Buddhist
pilgrims are in Northern India and Southern Nepal’s Gangetic plains, between New Delhi and Rajgir,
where Gautama Buddha lived and taught. The four main sites of pilgrimage are Lumbini (Buddha’s
birthplace), Bodh Gaya (Buddha’s place of enlightenment), Sarnath (where Buddha first preached), and
Kusinagara (where Buddha achieved Parinirvana).
Activity:
Think about your visit to the Nan Tien Temple. What other rituals and customs can you think
of? For example: What do Buddhists do to follow the Noble Eightfold Path (right view, right
intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right
concentration)