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BUDDHISM SYMBOLS & ICONS BUDDHA IMAGES After his death, the absence of the Buddha, created a need to represent him in human form as a focus of devotion. First images did not appear until 500 years after the parinirvana (“final nirvana”) Often appears standing, seating in lotus position or reclining. Often dressed as monk with his left shoulder covered and right shoulder bare. Representations of the Buddha vary greatly in size. Contrary to the general impression of Westerners, Buddha figures are not always fat. MUDRAS Important Buddhist icons. Often used in meditation or seen in Buddha images. They symbolize different states of the mind. The underlying idea of mudras is that we can often tell someone’s state of mind by looking at their stance or gestures. STUPA Domed-shaped mounds that were built to house the relics of the Buddha or other holy figures. Almost every Buddhist temple has one, and monks and lay people walk around them 3 times when making their devotions. The pilgrimage to a stupa and the construction of small stupas are considered merit-gaining activities for some Buddhists. LOTUS FLOWER After his enlightenment, the Buddha had a vision of the human race as a bed of lotus flowers. Some were bogged in the mud, some were emerging from it, and others were about to bloom. All people have the ability to develop their potential and rise from an undesirable life. BUDDHAPADA Representations of Buddha’s footprints which are revered in all Buddhist countries Carved in stone and feature signs of the Buddha, for example, Buddha figures and sacred wheels, on the soles. THE WHEEL OF LIFE Complete visual representation of samsara, or the endless cycle of uncontrolled rebirths Visual aid to show the environments of samsara and all the beings who inhabit them. Composed of 4 concentric circles and is thought to have been designed by the Buddha The inner circle features the 3 basic human vices that keep the wheel turning: greed, ignorance, and hatred. The next ring shows the forms we take when we are reborn. The third ring shows the various regions into which one can be born The outer circle represents the 12 causes of endless rebirths The wheel is held in the teeth of Yama, the Lord of Death There is no single being in the wheel who is outside the control of death Only Buddha is outside the wheel pointing at the moon, which symbolizes nirvana. MANDALA Means “circle” A visual aid for concentration and a device for meditation May be temporary (sand mandalas) or permanent (wall hangings) Pictorial representations of the architectural ground floor plans for the heavenly mansion of a particular deity or divine persons The viewing of the mandala generates healing energy and brings the viewer closer to enlightenment.