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WORLD RELIGIONS SYMBOLS
The dharma wheel
The dharma wheel, or dharmachakra in Sanskrit, is one of the oldest symbols of Buddhism. Around the globe it is used to
represent Buddhism in the same way that a cross represents Christianity or a Star of David represents Judaism.
A dharma wheel has three basic parts -- the hub, the rim, and the spokes.
The circle, the round shape of the wheel, represents the perfection of the dharma, the Buddha's teaching.
The rim of the wheel represents meditative concentration and mindfulness, which hold practice together.
The hub represents moral discipline. The three swirls often seen on the hub are sometimes said to represent the Three
Treasures or Three Jewels -- buddha, dharma, sangha. They may also represent joy.
When a wheel has eight spokes, the spokes represent the Eightfold Path and is most commonly used to represent Buddhism.
"Turning the dharma wheel" is a metaphor for the Buddha's teaching of the dharma in the world. In Mahayana Buddhism, it
is said the Buddha turned the dharma wheel three times.
The first turning was the sermon in the deer park, after the Buddha's enlightenment when he explained the Four Noble Truths.
The second turning was the introduction of the perfection of wisdom teachings on the nature of sunyata, emptiness.
The third turning was the introduction of the doctrine of Buddha Nature.
The ideogram of total harmony
This is a symbol often used in wedding ceremonies within the Chinese culture. It is also sometimes used to represent
Confucianism. It means total harmony, righteousness, in your own life and in your relationships with others.
The water symbol - Though this worldview [confucianism] is recognized as one of the eleven main living religions, it
has no standard symbol or icon representing its belief system. Quite often, though, this Chinese ideogram for water is utilized. It
represents the 'source of life' in Chinese philosophy.
AUM or OM
According to 'Sri Vinoba Bhave, the Latin word 'Omne' and the Sanskrit word 'Aum' are both derived from the same root meaning
'all' and both words convey the concepts of omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence. Another word for Aum is
'pranava', which is derived from the root 'nu' meaning 'to praise', to which is added the prefix 'pra' denoting superiority. The
word, therefore, means the best praise or the best prayer.
The symbol AUM is composed of three syllables, namely the letters A, U, M, and when written has a crescent and dot on its top.
“This syllable Om is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the
highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma." Katha Upanishad I.
The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the
beginning of examination papers and so on. Many Hindus, wear the sign of Om as a pendant.
It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. It can resonate
throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being, the atman or soul.
The Ottoman Crescent and Star
The early Muslim community did not have a symbol. During the time of Muhammad, Islamic armies and caravans flew simple solidcolored flags. During the 19th century, it represented the Ottoman Empire, figuring on the Ottoman flag from 1793.
Based on this history, many Muslims reject using the crescent moon as a symbol of Islam and refuse to accept what is essentially
an ancient pagan icon. It is certainly not in uniform use among Muslims.
The Magen David
The shield of David, or as it is more commonly known, the Star of David, is the symbol most commonly associated with Judaism
today, but it is actually a relatively new Jewish symbol. It is supposed to represent the shape of King David's
shield (or perhaps the emblem on it), but there is really no support for that claim in any early rabbinic literature. In fact, the symbol
is so rare in early Jewish literature and artwork that art dealers suspect forgery if they find the symbol in early works.
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Yin-Yang
"Yin and yang", literally meaning "shadow and light", is used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces
are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn in relation to each
other. Yin and yang are not opposing forces (dualities), but complementary forces, unseen (hidden, feminine) and seen
(manifest, masculine), that interact to form a greater whole, as part of a dynamic system. Everything has both yin and yang aspects
as light could not be understood if darkness didn't exist, and shadow cannot exist without light.
In terms of Taoist cosmology, the circle represents Tao - the undifferentiated Unity out of which all of existence arises. The
black and white halves within the circle represent Yin-qi and Yang-qi - the primordial feminine and masculine energies whose
interplay gives birth to the manifest world: to the Five Elements and Ten-Thousand Things.
The curves and circles of the Yin-Yang symbol imply a kaleidoscope-like movement. This implied movement represents the
ways in which Yin and Yang are mutually-arising, interdependent, and continuously transforming, one into the other. One could
not exist without the other, for each contains the essence of the other. Night becomes day, and day becomes night. Birth
becomes death, and death becomes birth (think: composting). Friends become enemies, and enemies become friends. Such is the
nature - Taoism teaches - of everything in the relative world.
What's great about the Yin-Yang symbol is that the smaller circles nested within each half of the symbol serve as a constant
reminder of the interdependent nature of the black/white "opposites." It reminds the Taoist practitioner that all of
relative existence is in constant flux and change. And while the creation of pairs-of-opposites would seem to be an aspect of
our human software, we can maintain a relaxed attitude around this, knowing that each side always contains the other, as
night contains day, or as a mother “contains" the infant that she will, in time, give birth to.
Torii Gate
The Torii, or Gateway, at Miyajima Island is a classic and beloved icon of Japan, as well as a condensed essence of traditional
Japanese architectural expression. This grand wooden gateway, both sturdy and graceful, sits in the tidal flats before the historic
Buddist temple complex of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island, in the same region as the city of Hiroshima in Japan.
Built on axis with the sea-facing shrine, the gate serves to welcome spirits of the departed as they come in across the water of
Japan's Inland Sea. At low tide, visitors walk around the great columns of the structure, measuring its great size against the human
body. At high tide, the rugged vermillion gateway seems to float in the waves around it, a gateway for boats, or for spirits indeed.
The Zoroastrian ‘Faravahar’
The word "faravahar" actually is Pahlavi, or Middle Persian. It derives from ancient Iranian (Avestan) word fravarane which
means "I choose." The choice is that of the Good, or the Good Religion of Zarathushtra. Another related word is fravarti or
fravashi, which may derive from an alternative meaning of "protect," implying the divine protection of the guardian spirit, the
fravashi.
The Chi Rho
The Chi Rho is one of the earliest forms of christogram. It is formed by superimposing the first two (capital) letters chi and rho
(ΧΡ) of the Greek word "ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ" = Christ in such a way to produce the monogram. Although not technically a Christian cross,
the Chi-Rho invokes the crucifixion of Jesus, as well as his status as the Christ.
The Chi-Rho symbol was used by the Roman emperor Constantine.
Alpha and Omega, alpha (α or Α) and omega (ω or Ω), are the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet and are an
appellation of Christ or of God in the Book of Revelation. These couple of letters are used as Christian symbols, and are often
combined with the Cross, Chi rho, or other Christian symbols.
The Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi Tree, also known as Bo was a large and very old Sacred Fig tree located in Bodh Gaya (about 100 km (62 mi) from
Patna in the Indian state of Bihar), under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher later known as Gautama Buddha, is
said to have achieved enlightenment, or Bodhi. In religious iconography, the Bodhi tree is recognizable by its heart-shaped
leaves, which are usually prominently displayed.
The menorah
One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple. The
kohanim lit the menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh
olive oil into the cups. Instructions for construction of the menorah are found in Exodus 25:31-40.
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It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and our mission to be "a light unto the nations." (Isaiah
42:6). This idea is highlighted in the vision in Zechariah 4:1-6. Zechariah sees a menorah, and G-d explains: "Not by might, nor
by power, but by My spirit."
The lamp stand in today's synagogues, called the ner tamid (lit. the continual lamp; usually translated as the eternal flame),
symbolizes the menorah.
The nine-branched menorah used on Chanukah is commonly patterned after this menorah, because Chanukah commemorates the
miracle that a day's worth of oil for this menorah lasted eight days.
The menorah in the First and Second Temples had seven branches. After the Temples were destroyed, a tradition developed not to
duplicate anything from the Temple and therefore menorah's no longer had seven branches. The use of six-branched menoras
became popular, but, in modern times, some rabbis have gone back to the seven-branched menoras, arguing that they are not the
same as those used in the Temple because today's are electrified.
The swastika
The four arms of the swastika remind us that during the cycles of birth and death we may be born into any one of the four destinies: heavenly
beings, human beings, animal beings, (including birds, bugs, and plants) and hellish beings. Our aim should be the liberation and not the rebirth.
To show how we can do this, the swastika reminds us that we should become the pillars of the four fold Jain Sangh, then only can we achieve
liberation. The four pillars of the Jain Sangh are sädhus, sädhvis, shrävaks, and shrävikäs. This means that first, we should strive to be a
true shrävaks or shrävikäs, and when we can overcome our social attachments, we should renounce the worldly life and follow the path of a sädhu
or sädhvi to be liberated.
The Ahimsa hand
The raised hand means stop. The word in the center of the wheel is "Ahimsa". Ahimsa means non-violence. Between these two, they remind us
to stop for a minute and think twice before doing anything. This gives us a chance to scrutinize our activities to be sure that they will not hurt
anyone by our words, thoughts, or actions. We are also not supposed to ask or encourage others to take part in any harmful activity. The wheel in
the hand shows that if we are not careful and ignore these warnings and carry on violent activities, then just as the wheel goes round and round,
we will go round and round through the cycles of birth and death.
The Triple Gem
The Triple Gem, or “Pra Ratanatrai” in Thai (Pra refers to “high” or “sacred” things, Ratana means gem,and Trai means triple) is
the term used to refer to the three objects of Refuge taken by all Buddhists. The three objects of Refuge are these The
Buddha, The Dharma, The Sangha.
These three objects are seen as the essential core elements which keep the Buddhist faith in existence, and are thus considered to
be the source of inspiration in the practice which leads us to Enlightenment and release from further suffering in the Realm
of Causal Existence (Becoming and Passing away – all things are impermanent, have a beginning and an End, which leads to
dissatisfaction).
For this reason, a Buddhist takes refuge in the Triple Gem until reaching Enlightenment. This is normally chanted to oneself whilst
bowing three times before the image of the Buddha in the Shrine, or even mornings before beginning the day and night times
before sleeping at home.
The Khanda
The Khanda is the symbol of the Sikhs, as the Cross is to Christians or the Star of David is to Jews. It reflects some of the
fundamental concepts of Sikhism.
The symbol derives its name from the double-edged sword (also called a Khanda) which appears at the center of the logo. This
double-edged sword is a metaphor of Divine Knowledge, its sharp edges cleaving Truth from Falsehood.
The circle around the Khanda is the Chakar. The Chakar being a circle without a beginning or and end symbolizes the perfection
of God who is eternal. The Chakar is surrounded by two curved swords called Kirpans.
These two swords symbolize the twin concepts of Meeri and Peeri - Temporal and Spiritual authority introduced by Guru
Hargobind. They emphasize the equal emphasis that a Sikh must place on spiritual aspirations as well as obligations to society.
The nine-pointed star
"A simple nine-pointed star is generally used by Bahá'ís as a symbol of their Faith. The number nine has significance in
the Bahá'í Revelation. Nine years after the announcement of the Báb in Shiraz, Bahá'u'lláh received the intimation of
His mission in the dungeon in Teheran. Nine, as the highest single-digit number, symbolizes completeness. Since the
Bahá'í Faith claims to be the fulfillment of the expectations of all prior religions, this symbol, as used for example in
nine-sided Bahá'í temples, reflects that sense of fulfillment and completeness."
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The lotus flower
The lotus flower goes through much in its growth before emerging from dirty water to become a beautiful flower, the
individual consciousness does the same on its path to enlightenment as the so-called impurities of unenlightened thinking
gradually fade.
The Mahayana sect of Buddhism maintains that all souls emerge from a lotus.
The eight petals of the white lotus correspond to the Noble Eightfold Path of the Good Law.
As a holy symbol in Indian culture and a sacred symbol of Hinduism, the lotus is found throughout the Hindu scriptures. Lord
Brahma, the creator of the universe in these scriptures, and Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in these scriptures, are
depicted sitting in a lotus.
Lord Brahma is said to have been born from the lotus that was growing out of the navel of Lord Vishnu.
In Vedic scripture, the body of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is described as being like a bluish new-grown lotus
flower.
The Hamsa or Hand of Miriam
The word “hamsa” or “hamesh” means five. There are five digits on the hamsa hand, but the number five has additional symbolic
meaning in the Jewish and Islamic traditions. Five or Hamesh in hebrew represents the five books of the Torah for Jews. It
also symbolizes the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, "Heh", which represents one of God’s holy names.
Hamsa hand is also known as the hand of Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron.
The Hamsa Hand itself has been used for centuries as a symbol of protection against evil and is known in Jewish lore as the
“Hand of Miriam”. Of ancient Middle Eastern origin, the Hamsa represents God's protective hand.
For centuries the Hamsa has been used as a symbol of Good luck. The Hamsa's positive energy draws happiness, riches and
health. Many believers place the Hamsa hand in their homes and at their work place to ward off the "evil eye".
The Deer Park deer
Deer, by nature, are extremely shy creatures, and their serene presence in a landscape represents a pure realm absent fear.
There are Tibetan tales that tell of deer species so compassionate that they would come and try to resolve any conflict that arose.
When two deer are shown, it is usually the male and female and refers to the first teaching which Buddha gave in the Sarnath
Deer Park near Varanasi, where he set in motion the "first turning of the wheel of dharma." Two deer facing a Dharma Wheel, is
a scene that one could expect to see and does see on the roofs of prayer or assembly halls in monasteries through out Tibet.
The Muslim or Tuareg Cross
The term Muslim Cross begs qualification. It is a cross used by some Muslims but does not represent Islam nor the crucifixion of
Jesus. It is one of several different geometric cross patterns used by the Sunni Muslim Tuareg people of Saharan Africa.
The centre of the cross represents God and since Muslims believe we are one with God, mankind shares that central spot. The
four arms of the cross are to keep evil at bay and this cross is worn as a protective amulet. Muslims also believe, of course,
that a few grams of shaped metal cannot protect anyone from evil.
Tasbih or Subha
Tasbih involves the repetitive utterances of short sentences glorifying God, in Islam. The tasbih is similar to the prayer rope
of the Eastern Church and the rosary in the Roman Catholic Church.
Called subha, from the Arabic to praise, the Muslim rosary has 99 beads, one for each name of Allah found in the Koran. It is
believed that whoever recites these 99 names—as well as the phrase Glory to Allah on the long bead known as the Imam or leader
bead—will get into heaven.
Called subha, meaning 'to exalt,' the Islamic rosary has ninety-nine counting beads in addition to an elongated terminal one, known
as the Iman or 'Leader,' 'pillar,' or 'minaret.'
Canonical form "Tasbih of Fatima"
1.
2.
3.
Allahuakbar (Allah is the Greatest) – repeated 33 times.
Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) – repeated 33 times.
Subhan'Allah (Glory be to Allah) – repeated 33 times.
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The prayer wheel
It is said that prayer wheels are used to accumulate wisdom and merit or good karma and to purify negativities such as bad
karma. The idea of spinning mantras comes from numerous Tantric practices.
Tibetan Prayer Wheels are a visual aid for developing one's capacity for these types of Tantric visualizations.
Before, during and after the practitioner turns the wheel, it is best to focus the mind and repeat the Om Mani Padme Hum
mantra, as this increases the merit earned by the wheel's use. Each revolution is as meritorious as reading the inscription aloud as
many times as it is written on the scroll, and this means that the more Om Mani Padme Hum mantras that are inside a prayer wheel
then the more powerful it is.
Tao in Chinese
The Trigrams
The Trigrams are a series of combinations of three lines. Some of the lines are Yin (broken) lines and Yang (solid) lines. The
above eight combinations are all of the possible combinations (in threes) of two different lines.
The reason three lines are used for the formation of the Trigrams, as opposed to two lines or
perhaps even four, relates to another all important concept in Chinese philosophy.
This is the concept of SKY MAN EARTH. (See below for an explanation).
Tibetan letter 'A'
Tibetan letter 'A' the symbol for a body made, not of flesh, but of pure light. It’s also a symbol of the Primordial Wisdom.