Buddhist Symbols and Icons:
Buddha Images
Stupa
Lotus Flower
Buddhapada
The Wheel of Life
Mandala
Overview
Buddhism is very rich in symbols – the are
a way to help clarify the abstract teachings
of the Buddha.
The next few slides will outline some of the
major symbols and icons used in the
Buddhist tradition.
Buddha Images
The portrayal of the Buddha differs
according to the part of the world where
his image is found
He often appears standing, seated in the
lotus position, or lying down
He is often dressed as a monk with his left
shoulder covered and right shoulder bare
Buddha Images
Malaysian
Tibetan
Chinese
Reclined
Mundras
Mundras are hand gestures that Buddhists
developed from the Hindu tradition
They are used in meditation or seen on
Buddha images
There are many mundras which represent
different states of mind
Types of Mundras
Meditation
Turning of the
Dharma Wheel
Pressing the
Earth
Bestowal of Supreme
Accomplishment
Turning of the Dharma
wheel while in
meditation
Stupas
Stupas are domed shaped mounds that
were built to house the relics of the
Buddha or other holy figures
Almost every Buddhist temple has one
A pilgrimage to a stupa and the
construction of a small stupa are
considered to be merit-gaining activities
Images of Stupas
The Lotus Flower
 The Lotus Flower is one of the
eight Buddhist auspicious
symbols
Soon after Siddhartha’s enlightenment, he had a
vision of the human race as a bed of lotus
flowers. Some where stuck in the muck, others
were emerging from it, while others were about to
bloom. In the same way, all people have the
ability to develop their potential and rise from an
undesirable life (style).
Buddhapada
 The representation of Buddha’s
footprints are found in all Buddhist
countries
 They are usually carved in stone
 The toes are all the same
length
 Usually a dharma wheel is
centered on the sole of
each foot print
The Wheel of Life
 The wheel of life is a
complete visual
representation of samsara
– the endless cycle of
uncontrollable rebirths
 The wheel is held in the
teeth of Yama, lord of
death. No-one being in
the wheel is outside of the
control of death.
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Mandala
 These designs, created with
colored sand, are a
representation of the center
of the universe in which a
fully awakened being stands
 Once the mandala is
completed, prayers and
chants are recited before it is
swept away – this represents
the impermanence of the
world.
Tibetan Mandala