Buddhist Sacred Symbols

Butsudan Small household shrineIt holds representations of the Buddha and other images of reverence, such as candle, incense and offeringsTraditional offerings are fruit and flowers because these things fade and therefore emphasize impermanence

It is important to take care of the shrine’s objects, eg. Keeping the statues free of dust, reinforcing devotion and promoting peace and calmness

1. Image of Dainichi Nyorai (Picture or statue) 2. Image of Fudo Myoo (Picture or statue)3. Image of Kobo Daishi (Picture or statue)4. Water (l) & Rice (r) Offering cups5. Memorial Tablets6. Fruit/Food Offerings7. Register of Family Memorials8. Flower Offering9. Candle (Light Offering)10. Incense Burner

Butsudan Diagram

Statue of SiddharthaEarth-touching pose

A demon that tempted Siddhartha while he sat under the Bodhi tree asked Siddhartha if he was truly a World Saviour.

Since Siddhartha never says he is, he touched the earth. The earth then proclaimed that he was indeed a great world saviour

Therefore, it depicts the moment when Siddhartha became Buddha

Bodhisaattva“Bodhi” means enlightened and “sattva” means being. Thus a bodhisattva is an enlightened beingOut of compassion, a bodhisattva may postpone his own entrance into nirvana until everyone becomes enlightened

Three Offering BowlsOffering bowls are placed on a Buddhist alter or shrineEmpty bowls should not be placed on the alter, because devotees cannot make an empty offeringThe bowls are often filed with water to symbolize purity and clarityThe bowls are to be placed in an orderly manner, reflection, an orderly life and thought

IncenseBurning incense represents the importance of effortJust as incense is lit on one end, once a Buddhist begins practices to reach enlightenment they should not abandon them until they’ve reached itJust as incense lets out perfume by burning, enlightenment is attained by getting rid of attachmentThe rising smoke and perfume also serve as a connection between the sky and the earth

CandlesThe candle itself represents the impermanence because it is destroyed while burningThe flame represents the Buddha’s enlightenment nature and wisdom teachingsBurning candles also represents burning away earthy desires and sparking the flame of wisdom

Mala Beads (Prayer Beads)A meditative tool used to count the number of times a prayer or mantras are repeated.The mala can consist of 27, 54 or 108 beads.108 represents the number of earthly desires most people have.The beads are made of sandalwood, which are believed to clam the mind and enhance clarity and relaxation.When using the mala, it is held in the left hand and the recitations are started at the 1st bead after the guru bead.The beads are counted with the thumb and middle finger and are scented with eight different scents to aid in prayer.The beads are never to touch the ground, if this happens the beads need to be blessed again. This also need to be done if the string is cut.

Prayer WheelInside of the cylinder is prayer written over and over again.Each time the wheel is turned clockwise, it is believed to be equal to saying all the prayers written.The wheel is used to keep the Buddhist focused during prayer.

Prayer FlagsPrayers are written on the colourful flags.The flags may be strung across temples, homes or tree branches.As the breeze moves, the prayers are activated and carried across by the wind.Prayer flags are usually in groups of five colours: yellow, green, red, white and blue. Each colour represents a stage in the process between death and rebirth

Lotus FlowerSymbolizes all that is good and pure.A lotus starts at the bottom of a pond and rises to the surface to bloom. Likewise, a person can rise above their suffering and attain enlightenment.

The Meaning of Tibetan Buddhist Robes

There are several different types of Buddhist robes according to the particular tradition and lineage. The design of these particular robes originates with Je Tsongkhapa, a great Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist scholar and saint, at the turn of the 15th century. They are the same for nuns and monks.

The Basic Elements:1. Donkha: The upper garment

(shirt)2. Shamtab: The burgundy skirt3. Zen: The rectangular

burgundy robe4. Chogo: The rectangular saffron

robe These symbolize the path to

enlightenment to remind the wearer of their daily practice. They are not worn to show that the wearer is special or different from other people.

The Donkha – Death and Ignorance

The two holes in the two arms: Represent ignorance and elephant trunks. During the time of Buddha, elephants would sometimes get out of control and cause great destruction. This is a reminded of the need to abandon ignorance, the root of all delusions, daily problems and suffering.The ‘V’ neck: Reminds the wearer of impermanence. The she/he lives within the jaws of death and could die at any time. This helps to recall the preciousness of human life and reminds the practitioner not to waste a single moment.

The Three Higher TrainingsTrainings: to become skilled in meditation, practice is needed.Higher: because the goal is to attain permanent freedom for ourselves and others

The Shamtab: Training in higher moral disciplineThe shamtab or skirt reminds the wearer to practice moral discipline – the abandonment of negative actions that harm ourselves and others.Two extra pieces are sewn to remind the practitioner to practice conscientiousness which means guarding the mind form negativity. This is like a fence that encircles and protects the wearer from suffering

The Zen: Training in higher concentrationThe burgundy robe (a rectangular piece of burgundy cloth that goes around the upper body) is a reminder to practice meditation and develop concentration.

The Chogo: Training in higher wisdomThe saffron (yellow robe) is a reminder to develop wisdom. It is always worn when whenever teaching Dharma or listening to Dharma teachings.

Commonly asked questions:Why is one arm kept bare?

This symbolizes the practice of contentment. For example, whether hot or cold, the wearer tries to keep a peaceful, happy mind.

Why are there many patches on the chogo?Again this is a reminder of contentment and humility. During Buddha’s

time, ordained disciples used any available scraps of material and they were dyed in the most readily available and least expensive colour.