15 Important Buddhism Symbols and Their Meanings

Tibet is a great country that is located in the Himalayas. Although it was a nomadic nation at first, it was greatly influenced by Indian Buddhism. From there, the religion along with Tibetan symbols and meanings have become part of its rich culture.

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Although a bit different from Indian Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism preserves the Tantric status quo of eighth-century India. Like its origin, it pursues Enlightenment. The religion spread over this vast country. The country has a rich tradition of symbolism, thus Tibetan Buddhist symbols flourished.

Tibetan buddhism symbols: 4 groups

Tibetan culture has many important symbols, and they have corresponding meanings. Amongst the crucial groups of Buddhism symbols are :

• The Eight Auspicious Symbols
  
• The Kalachakra “Tenfold Powerful” Logo
  
• Prayer Flags and Mani Wheels
  
• The Four Dignities
  

Apart from other symbols, these are the most important, because they are central to Tibetan Buddhism. The combination of these symbols encompasses the “Wheel of Life”, which symbolizes the universe. The lotus flower represents purity and enlightenment, while the eternal knot symbolizes the interconnectedness of all things. Together, they form a powerful representation of the cyclical nature of existence in Tibetan Buddhism. This spiritual symbolism of circles is central to the belief in the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the eternal flow of energy and consciousness.

Let’s go through all the groups in details.

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The Eight Auspicious Symbols

The Eight Auspicious Symbols or the Ashtamangala is the center of their beliefs. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that these symbols are printed on Tibetan prayer flags. You can also see them in their houses. And here are those Tibetan Buddhism symbols:

What does the parasol mean in Buddhism?

The Parasol or the chattri stands for “protection” and “royalty”. It protects the faithful from the “heat of defilement”. It is a protective symbol from earthly emotions such as desire and suffering. The parasol also depicts the importance of the person below it. According to Buddhist beliefs, the person or symbol under the parasol is the center of the universe. There are many pictures of Lord Buddha where he has a parasol over his head.

Golden Fish in Buddhism

The Golden Fish, also known as the suvarnamatsya, this symbol consists of two fish, standing with their heads turned inwards, towards each other. Buddhists think that the two golden fish are the holy Indian rivers of Ganga and Yamuna. These rivers depict man’s breathing pattern. They are also about happiness and fertility. They are free to live and reproduce when they are in water.

Treasure Vase Buddhism symbol meaning

The Treasure Vase – The treasure vase or kalasha is a fat vase with a short, but slim neck. It has a jewel at its mouth, which means that it’s full of treasure. The treasure vase is a symbol of abundance and wealth. Moreover, this symbol has a harmonious effect on its surroundings. It is a common Buddhist practice to bury similar treasure vases in mountains and water springs. It is also placed at altars.

What does the lotus flower mean in Buddhism?

The Lotus Flower or padma captures one of the founding beliefs of Buddhism. The symbolic plant takes root in mud, grows along the water level and blooms into a beautiful flower with a fascinating scent. Buddhists believe that the lotus flower is about the progress of a human soul. Just like a lotus is born in mud, we are born in a world of materialism. Just as the lotus flower rises through the water level, we grow with experience. And just as the lotus blooms, we ultimately attain enlightenment.

What does a conch shell symbolize in Buddhism?

The Conch Shell – This symbol is also known as the sangha. The conch shell is a respected object in Indian culture. They believe it is a ward against evil, and a symbol of authority and power. The Conch shell is also an emblem that proclaims the truth of the dharma. You’ll notice that Buddhists use of conch shell for announcing important assemblies.

What does the Buddhist Endless Knot mean?

The Endless Knot known as the shrivasta, the endless knot has never-ending loops. It has no beginning or end. Upon close inspection, you’ll see that its lines are intertwined, and all are at right angles. The endless knot is a symbol of the endless wisdom of Lord Buddha.

What does Dhvaja mean?

The Victory Banner also known as dhvaja, this stands for the victory of knowledge over ignorance. It is a symbol of Buddha’s enlightenment. It is also a symbol of overcoming hardships and abuse.

What does the wheel of Dharma symbol mean?

or dharmachakra is the most important auspicious symbol. It is the symbol of Buddha’s teachings. The wheel stands for spiritual change. His first teaching, which took place at the Deer Park in Sarnath, is said to be the “first turning” of the Wheel. The second and third turnings are about the discourses given by Buddha in Rajgir and Shravasti. The eight spokes of the Wheel of Life depict the Eightfold Path. This is the path to Zen.

The Kalachakra “Tenfold Powerful” Logo

Along with other Tibetan symbols and meanings, the Kalachakra logo can be found in Tibetan Buddhist temples. And it has many forms. The Tenfold Powerful logo stands for the teachings of the Kalachakra tantra. This is one of the most complex tantric systems. The symbol was developed in Tibet and is a symbol of Lantsa script letters. It refers to the outer world, the human body at its growth and subtle levels, and the practice of Kalachakra.

Prayer Flags and Mani Wheels

Prayer flags are typically found in temples, houses and mountain passes. Buddhists believe that they have a special blessing power that is spread all over the world by the wind. These custom symbols have a combination of mantras and special prayers. The flags are hung from one or two poles.

Prayer flags come in five different colors. Blue corresponds with the sky, green with water, red with fire, white with clouds, and yellow with earth.

One particular flag is the Wind Horse. This is a mythical Tibetan creature that stands for the speed of the wind and the strength of the horse. The Wind Horse carries prayers from earth to the heavens.

It stands for success and the space element. The Wind Horse carrying the “Wish Fulfilling Jewel of Enlightenment” is the most dominant symbol. It stands for good fortune, the uplifting life force energies and good events.

The Wind Horse prayer flag has an ancient design. The Wind Horse is at the center of the flag. The “Four Dignities” are in the corners, and the Eight Auspicious symbols are around the perimeter.

At the top center are the three main Bodhisattvas and they are symbols of compassion, power and wisdom. At the bottom center are the figures called “the union of enemies”. These figures stand for friendship. The two swastikas signify eternal life.

Mani wheels are similar to prayer flags. They stand for certain mantras, and Buddhists believe these mantras are spread when the wheel is turned. Mani wheels usually contain the mantra

The Four Dignities

The Four Dignities are mythical animals among Tibetan symbols and meanings. They stand for various aspects of Boddhisattva life.

Those are:

• Dragon
• Tiger
• Snow Lion
• Garuda

What does a dragon symbolize in Buddhism?

The Dragon is a thunderous creature with the sound of compassion. It awakens us from delusion and increases our knowledge through hearing. Dragons are related to power, dominance over the sea and the water element.

What do tigers represent in Buddhism?

This mystical creature is a symbol of confidence, disciplined awareness, modesty, and kindness. It is relaxed but is full of energy. Its resting state is a symbol of satisfaction, fulfillment, and enlightenment. The Tiger stands for dominance over the forest and the air element.

Snow lion symbolism in Buddhism

The Snow Lion stands for cheerfulness, doubtlessness, and clarity of the mind. This creature is a symbol of youth, vibrant energy and a natural sense of delight. Sometimes, the throne of Buddha has 8 snow lions on it. They depict the 8 main Bodhisattva disciples. The Snow Lion also stands for fearlessness, dominance over mountains, and the earth element.

What Garuda means?

is a very well known a bird-like creature in several mythologies, including Hindu and Jain. In Buddhism Garuda is the fourth dignity is daring and fearless. The Garuda’s strength makes it soar without holding back. Tibetan Buddhists believe the Garuda is a strong antidote to negative influences of Nagas (spirits), which cause harm and disease. Garuda means freedom from expectations and fears. It is also a symbol of wisdom, dominance over the sky, and the fire element.

Why Buddhism symbols are important?

These are the most important Tibetan symbols and meanings, and each helps us understand our existence. The symbols are connected to each other and are central to Tibetan Buddhism. Their meanings stand for their core beliefs. Through them, we can better understand and appreciate Buddha’s teachings.

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