International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017

Significance of Buddhist Symbols in ______Thinles Dorje Research Scholar Department of Chinese and Tibetan Languages Punjab University, Chandigarh ______

Abstract 10th century. The practice of different

Symbols are found in each and every symbols by Ladakhi people in their religious tradition. The symbols help to day-to-day life represents their religion create the humankind in the formation such as wheel and Prayer flag, of solidarity within society. Though in which are very important and had been most of the cases, people use the practicing since ancient times. These positive aspects of symbols but symbols represent the living heritage sometimes it provokes havoc in the of wisdom and compassionate attitudes society. The emergences of these towards all sentient beings. Buddhist symbols came up along the philosophy values and symbols have a great hold of all the religions in the world. The on the lives of people living in Ladakh

Tibetan religious symbolism is mostly in modern times. All aspect of their connected with the teaching of Buddha lives revolves around Buddhist values

Shakyamuni. The ancient Nalanda and symbols from birth to death. In monastic education system has Ladakh Buddhist societies, there is not influenced the people of dates such a wide gap between spiritual and back to 7th century. Similarly, in material things, as there seems to exist

Ladakh, the peoples are practicing in the western civilization of today.

Tibetan form of since the Symbols are a sign that we used to

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International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017 remind ourselves of the inter-relation wheel of life, eight auspicious signs between inward and outward, between and represents the doctrine mental activities and material of Buddhism. appearances. Symbols give society a sense of

Keywords: Religious Symbolism, worth and purpose, allowing it to

Prayer Flags, , Buddhism distinguish the special from the in Ladakh, Religion, Culture, Torma ordinary. It plays a significant role in

culture as well as in religion. There is

Introduction hardly any religion where there is no significance of symbols. Symbols are Generally, a symbol is an object that very central to every religion. In fact, represents, stands for, or suggests an many anthropologists view religion as idea, belief, and action. Every symbol a series of symbols that people in a is an outcome of the psychic body of a given community believe and explain man and his mind (Kumar, 2013). In the order of the universe and their Hinduism concepts like ‘sacred cow’, place in the world. Religious tulsi pooja, Shivling pooja etc, in symbolism can also extend into social Sikhism, there are five symbols Kesh, and political interactions, becoming an Kirpan, kara, kanga, and kashera, in integral part of cultural identity. Muslim religion green flag with French Sociologist Emile Durkheim crescent moon and star and ‘burkha’ called religion as “symbolic for women are symbols, which representation of society”. Religious represents their respective religions. symbols maintain, reinforce and Likewise, in Buddhism symbol of perpetuate religious belief system. The Chakra, prayer flag and prayer wheel,

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International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017 peak experiences in the wakeful state, Research Methodology dream state, deep sleep state and super The sources used for the study are conscious state are all expressed comprised of secondary sources like through symbols in art, religion, and books, journals, newspapers, philosophy. In order to interpret any magazines, report, articles, and symbol in totality, one should try to websites. relive those experiences. The symbols Study Area cannot be understood merely by Historically, Ladakh was an applying the intellect. Though born out independent kingdom which during the of the terrestrial sphere, they do not medieval era was integrated into Tibet belong to it. They have their roots in and later was brought into Jammu in the higher dimensions of spiritual life the late 18th century. Since then, (Dauglas, 2002). Ladakh was constantly brought into the

politics of its neighbors. The region Objectives: also came under the colonial influence

The main objectives of our study are: during the British rule in India. In spite

To develop an understanding the of these, people of Ladakh have meaning of symbols succeeded in developing their own

To understand the importance of the distinct culture (Tsering, 2010). In practicing symbols in day-to-day life in area, Ladakh is almost the same size as

Ladakh. England that supports a population of

To know the role of symbols in nearly 10 million. As per the latest

Buddhist religion in Ladakh. national census, the proportion of

Buddhist population in the region is

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International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017

45.87 percent (India 2014). The vast some animal dung formed an important majority of who live as farmers in input to the soil (Ball, 1995). small villages. Since the rainfall is very Buddhism penetrated Ladakh less, the people here have to rely on during Emperor Asoka’s time in 204 glacial melt water, which is brought to B.C. However, the form of Buddhism the field through an elaborate channel popularly called Buddhism system. Culture, tradition and limited came to Ladakh with the blessing of population growth has helped to ensure the land by the great Buddhist saint the natural carrying capacity of the in the 8th century land is not exceeding. (Nordberg, A.D. There is at least one monastery in

2000). Most of the Ladakhi families almost every village. The most family own land and a number of animals. has one of its members as a monk in

Land holdings are neither sold nor the monastery and there is constant divided but passed in an intact form interaction between villagers and the from one generation to next. Growing monks. The teachings of Buddha season is for only four months in permeate in almost all aspects of life. summer. However, local varieties like The long-standing knowledge of wheat, barley produce plentiful yields. integrating environmental knowledge

In lower altitude, there grows apples, with social and religious understanding apricots, and few vegetables. clearly reflects the close relationship

Agricultural inputs have been simple in between people and the mother earth. the form of non-mechanized tools. The Buddhist here believes that all the

Ploughing is done using animal power. things on the earth are interconnected.

Manure made mainly of night soil and There is nothing in existence and exist

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International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017 as a separate fix isolated entity and as excavate Buddhist monasteries in rock, such human existence is dependent on creating a large amount of artwork to the diverse organisms within the withstand the ages. Probably the natural world each playing a role in the earliest typical Buddhist monument is natural economy of the Biosphere. the ‘’, which was often specially

This view is also found at the heart of decorated. The first actual Buddha the ecological perspective particularly images appeared around the first as influenced by system theory which century BCE, so until then the artwork recognizes that everything in this was largely symbolic in nature with the world is woven into a subtle and appearance of Buddhist around intricate web of relationships. the 6th century, a wealth of new

artwork and symbolism appeared, as

Buddhist Symbol: Origin and imagination and visualization form a

Development major technique in meditation practices. From this moment on, a Buddhist symbols are the use of art to pantheon of deities and protectors represent certain aspects of Buddha appeared, together with a vast , which began in the 4th collection of symbolic items, such as century BCE. Anthropomorphic the Vajra and bell, mandalas etc. symbolism appeared from around the (viewonbuddhism.org, 2011) With the 1st century CE with the arts of passage of time various symbolic Mathura and the Greco- of innovations were later introduced, Gandhara and was combined with the especially through . previous symbols. In the second All ancient religions have in the course century BCE, people started to

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International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017 of time developed many symbols to many of which later on incorporated express various doctrinal concepts into Tibetan Buddhism. In Ladakh, visually. Buddhism does not lag Buddhist symbol is commonly seen in behind in this sphere but in fact, has a Buddhist monastery and around the given rise to many new symbols in villages, which are no different than addition to what it has derived from the Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist symbol common Indian heritage. To symbols, since Ladakhi Buddhism is descendant which were adopted from pre-Buddhist of Tibetan Buddhism.

India, Buddhism has given new Buddhist Wheel of Life: Symbol interpretations to suit its own purpose. of Samsara Of these, the dharma-chakra, the ever- Usually, there are different diagrams to moving Wheel of Law, is the most understand the concept clear. prominent symbol of the Buddhists. Likewise, wheel of life is also to Wheel of Law symbolizes Buddha’s comprehend the idea of whole turning the wheel of universal law at Samsara. It is commonly seen on wall , Varanasi. The Bodhi tree painting of Buddhist monastery and symbolizes the Buddha’s “full scroll painting. According to Tibetan awakened state” at . In the sources wheel of life is depicted by Buddhist scriptures, it is written that Buddha himself to understand the Buddha himself depicted the “wheel of suffering of Samsara and generating life” to illustrate his doctrine easily. the renunciation to the world and With the advent of Buddhist Tantra finally to achieve . That is around the 6th century, a wealth of why; Buddha started his first sermon new artwork and symbolism appeared

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International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017 from the suffering at Sarnath, Varanasi on the wheel of life represents the after his enlightenment (, 200). hungry ghost, animal being, hell being.

Samsara is divided into six In the superior part of being god parts namely God, demi-god, human represents suffering from death and being, Hungry ghost, animal being and hatred, demi-god represents suffering hell being. According to Buddhism from death and suffering, and human whole sentient beings repeatedly beings are suffering from aging, dying encircles in six causes by three and birth. In the lower part of being afflictive emotions. To symbolize the hungry ghost represents suffering from three negative emotions there are three hunger, animal beings represent killing depictions of a pig, bird and a snake. one another and hell beings represents

The pig signifies ignorance; bird extreme heat and cold. signifies attachment and snake signify anger. According to Buddha, these Eight Auspicious: Symbol of afflictive emotions are the mandatory Good Fortune subject of purifying to achieve Groupings of eight auspicious symbols Nirvana. Otherwise, every being has to were originally used in India at encircle in six parts and suffer a lot. ceremonies such as an investiture or The Wheel of Life is divided coronation of a king. In Buddhism, into two parts namely superior and these eight symbols of good fortune lower part where superior parts of represent the offerings made by the being on the wheel of life (figure) gods to Shakyamuni Buddha represent god, demi-god, human being immediately after he gained and three lower parts of being shown enlightenment” (Beer, 1999). Today

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International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017 these symbols are largely used in beings in a state of fearlessness,

Buddhist region of Himalaya. without the danger of drawing in the

The eight auspicious sign ocean of sufferings and migrating from divided into eight symbols namely place to place freely and spontaneously right-coiled white conch which just as a fish swim freely without fear symbolizes the deep, far-reaching and through water, dharma wheel melodious sound of the dharma symbolizes the auspiciousness of the teaching which being appropriate to turning of the precious wheel of different nature predispositions and Buddha’s doctrine, auspicious drawing aspiration of disciplines awakens them symbolizes mutual dependence of from the deep slumber of ignorance religious doctrine and secular affairs. and urges them to accomplish their Similarly, it represents the union of own and others welfare, precious wisdom and method, lotus flower umbrella symbolizes the wholesome symbolizes the complete purification activity of preserving beings from of the defilements of the body, speech, illness, harmful forces, obstacles and and mind and the full blossoming of so forth in this life and in future lives. wholesome deeds in blissful liberation

It also represents the enjoyment of a and vase of treasure symbolizes an feast of benefit under its cool shade, endless rain of long life, wealth and victory Banner symbolizes the victory prosperity and all the benefits of this of the activities of one’s own and world and liberation. others body, speech, and mind over obstacles and negativities, golden Fish symbolizes the auspicious of all living

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Torma: Symbol of God, every Buddhist monastery, in family

Goddess, and settings and on special social occasions in culturally Tibetan areas including Torma sculpture is usually made of Bhutan, Mongolia and and the roasted barley (Tib.Tsampa) with Himalayan regions of Ladakh, Sikkim, different size, shapes, and colors, use Arunachal Pradesh, Lhahoul-Spiti, in Buddhist ritual for different Kinnaur and so forth. It symbolizes the purposes. It is also equal to the art of different gods, protectors, bodhisattvas Tibetan scroll painting (Tib.) etc. and is mainly use in birth, new and art of statue making and essential building, marriages, death ceremony, part of the ritual for both Tibetan meditation, Buddhist monastic festival, Buddhist and the indigenous world peace, good harvest, untimely tradition. death and exterminate misfortunate of Torma is a combination of two evil etc. Likewise, another purpose of Tibetan words: ‘tor’ means to torma is accumulation meritorious dispense, referring to non-attachment action and illuminating defilements to phenomenon especially in regards to that is known as secret torma. benefiting others, and ‘ma’ is a sound The Prayer Wheel: Symbol of of affection and refers to giving and having a fondness for giving equally. Accumulating Good Karma

The significance of torma (cake- Many Buddhist symbols exhibit ideals ) is important to Tibetan like compassion and wisdom. For

Buddhist ritual and practicing inner example, the prayer wheels, which are qualities for liberating and other omnipresent in the Tibetan spiritual purposes. This can be seen easily in community such as monasteries and

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International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017 almost on every street, corner in that "each spin of a in the

Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan, wheel invokes an emanation of and Tibet. The Prayer Wheel is the Avalokitesvara. It is said that the wheel of the mantra Om Mani Padme power of the will spread when

Hum, the essence mantra of the wheel is turned. The prayer wheel's compassion Buddha Arya Chenrezig cylinder is turned clockwise during received from the Buddha’s upon meditation or prayer, "each turn request, and which represents the sending a mantra out to the world’’ essence of all the qualities of body, The Tibetan Buddhist believes that speech, mind and actions of the each individual is connected to, and a

Buddha’s. By spinning this prayer part of, the cosmic energy, and, wheel in a clock wise direction with therefore, as one turns the prayer wheel good intention will benefit to all the one sends positive force into our sentient beings and helps to liberate universe and through this positive from the cyclic existence. actions accumulation of positive

There are varieties of prayer karma. wheel that we see today such as, hand Prayer Flag: Symbol of Protector prayer wheel, and water prayer wheel Commonly found in Tibetan areas and etc. Almost all the prayer wheels trans-Himalayan region are the many contain parchment on which a mantra Prayer Flags that decorate monasteries, or sacred text is inscribed. These houses, and even mountain passes. The invocations are usually in the form of Prayer flag is one of the most the Compassion Buddha's mantra, Om important symbols in Tibetan

Mani Padme Hum, and it is believed Buddhism.

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It is believed that the special blessing are the "Four Dignities": the power of the mantras printed on them (wisdom), the (gentle power) is spread all over the world by the win the (fearless joy), and the and to protect from misfortunes. (confidence). They represent the

Traditionally, prayer flags have a qualities and attitudes necessary for the combination of mantras, special spiritual path to enlightenment. and auspicious symbols printed Sometimes The Eight Auspicious on them. For example, the Symbols are depicted around the symbol (symbolizing the idea of well- perimeter of prayer flag. Occasionally, being or good fortune or luck) is often at the top center are inscribed with the inscribed on the center of prayer flag. three main Bodhisattvas:

The Wind Horse (Tib. -ta), a Avalokiteshvara (Compassion), mythical Tibetan creature from pre- (Wisdom) and Vajrapani

Buddhist times, combines the speed of (Power). the wind and the strength of the horse Usually, the flags come in five to carry prayers from earth to the different colors: blue corresponds with heavens. It is believed that when one’s the sky, white with clouds, red with lung-ta is low obstacles constantly fire, green with water and yellow with arise. When lung-ta is high good earth. (This is different from the usual opportunities abound. It is believed general symbolism of colors, which is that raising Wind Horse prayer flags is related to the elements: black/blue for one of the best ways to raise one’s air, red for fire, white for water and lung-ta energy. Similarly, in the yellow for earth. Most of the Prayer corners of the traditional prayer flag Flag also consist of the Vajra (dorje),

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International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017 which is the symbol of Conclusion indestructibility. In Buddhism, it Symbols provide the means whereby represents true reality, the being or man can interact meaningfully with his essence of everything existing. natural and social environment.

Prayer flags are not only strung on Without symbols, there would be no ropes to hang between two poles, they human interactions and no human can also be hung like a flag from one society. Social life can only proceed if pole In ancient times the prayer flags members of society largely share the would have been made of cotton, dyed meanings of symbols. If this were not with natural inks, and hand printed. the case meaningful communication

However, the introduction of Wooden would be impossible. However printing blocks from China in the 15th common symbols provide only the century made the process of producing means by which human interaction can them easier. This tradition of printing be accomplished. In order for the on the wooden blocks passed from interaction to proceed each person generation to generation, and even now involved must interpret the meanings. it is used in the Trans-Himalayan This is made possible by the existence region as well as in Tibet for printing of common symbols. In Blumer’s prayer flag. Most prayer flags imported view, human beings act on the basis of to the West today are woodblock meanings that they give to objects and printed. In a nutshell, the main events rather than simply reacting objective of prayer flag is to prevent either to external stimuli such as social the hindrance and to purify the forces or internal stimuli such as negative emotions. organic drives.

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The religious symbolism plays or overt, the purpose of dance is to a pivotal role in each and every society produce rain; the latent function is to and every religion whether, it is reaffirmed group identity, solidarity or ancient times, medieval or in the cohesion. (p.2008). modern age. The usage of symbols In Buddhism, the objective of Buddhist sometimes differs because of the symbols signifies to eliminate the cultural difference but their goal is the hindrances and obstacles. Moreover, same. Symbolism in broader not only it eliminates the obstacles but perspective has manifest and latent also helps to attain Nirvana. The functions, social scientific concepts manifest functions of Buddhist first clarified for sociology by Robert symbols are to understand the teaching

K. Merton. For Merton manifest of Buddha in a comprehensive way. function refers to the overt or intended Latent functions of Buddhist symbols purpose of the action. Latent function are varied. Havin on the other hands refers to implicit or g believed on these symbols, their unintended purpose. Merton argues attitude towards life transforms. It also social action sometimes have latent allays anxiety and makes for a functions far more significant than happiness world and perpetuates their more manifest purpose. Consider particular social order as well as for example Merton’s classic example support morality. Further, with the of The Hopi Rain Dance. (Kumar, proper motivation and practice, it

2013) (Edles, Classical and liberates human beings from the contemporary sociological theory: Text ignorance to enlighten, sorrow to and reading, 2008) While the manifest happiness and finally towards the

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International Journal of Research p-I SSN: 2348-6848 e-I SSN: 2348-795X Available at Volume 04 Issue 03 https://edupediapublications.org/journals Ma rch 2017 achievement of Nirvana, where nirvana Beer, Robert. (2003). Tibetan Buddhist is the ultimate manifest functions. Symbols.Chicago: Serindia.

Hodge, H.Norberg. (1991). Ancient

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