Sacred+Symbols

=SYMBOLS OF BUDDHISM. =

The roots of the locus are in mud and the stems grows up through the water where the flower lies on above it, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the **progress of the soul** from the mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.
 * [[image:lotus-white-dc-cc-angels-lens-200.jpg width="88" height="91" align="left"]]Lotus:** //represents mental and spiritual purity.//

The **Bodhi Tree** refers to the tree under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment (See image on the right.). Tree worship was already part of the existing culture in India, so the development of the bodhi tree and leaf as a devotional symbol was a natural one.

The **Begging-bowl** refers to the the story that shortly before the Buddha reached enlightenment, a young woman named Sujata offered him a bowl of milk-rice. At that moment, he was practicing austerity by eating extremely little. But he realised at that moment that he would need to have more strength for the final steps to enlightenment, and further fasting would only reduce his energy. After he reached enlightenment, he is said to have thrown away what little was left in the bowl to signify his renunciation of all material possessions. Finding the middle way between extreme austerity and complete attachment to life is an important principle of Buddhism. The bowl also points to the monk's way of life; going from the monastery into the village each morning and living off what is put into it by lay people.

A much more recent symbol is the **Buddhist flag.** It was in designed in 1880 by Colonel Henry Steele Olcott an American journalist. It was first hoisted in 1885 in Sri Lanka and is a symbol of faith and peace, and is now used throughout the world to represent the Buddhism. The five colours of the flag represent the colours of the aura that emanated from the body of the Buddha when he attained Enlightenment. Blue  = Loving kindness, peace and universal compassions . Yellow  = The middle path - avoiding extremes, emptiness. Red= Blessings of practise - achievement, virtue, fortune and dignity.  White = Purity of Dharma - it leads to liberation, outside of time or space.
 * Orange = Buddha's teaching - wisdom. **

 They also represent fertility and abundance as they multiply very rapidly. It consists of two fishes, which usually appear standing vertically with heads turned inwards towards each other.
 * [[image:the_two_fishes_tib_gsernya_skt_suvarnamatsya_lp69.jpg width="145" height="220" align="left"]]Golden Fishes** //symbolises happiness, as they have complete freedom in water.//

=//T////HE FOUR GUARDIAN KINGS// = The Four Guardian Kings are the protectors of the four cardinal directions and are almost always found at the entrance to monasteries and temples. They each have two hands and are dressed in the ornate armour and clothing of a warrior king. They may be depicted either sitting or standing. Dhritarashtra, the King of the East, white in color and plays a lute.

Virudhaka, the King of the South, blue in color and carries a sword and scabbard.

Virupaksha, the King of the West, red in color and holds a small stupa in his right hand and a serpent in his left.

Vaishravana, the King of the North yellow in color and carries a banner of victory in his right hand and a mongoose that vomits jewels in his left.