Sarira

Sarira is the Sanskrit term to relics or ashes, which are left after the cremation of a Buddha or saint. Relics are usually housed and worshipped in stupas. The white represent bones the black hair and the red, flesh. Relics are looked upon as dead by reason of obedience to discipline, meditation and wisdom. They appear in various shapes and density however, most relics found in China appeared as grains of different sizes. Sakyamuni Buddha’s relics are said to have amounted to 84 pecks, for which King Asoka is reputed for having built 84,000 stupas in one day, however, other figures are also given.

Buddhist Flag

The Buddhist flag originated in 1952 during the Second World Fellowship of Buddhists Conference held in Japan. Its striped design is rendered in the colours said to have radiated from the Buddha’s body immediately after he attained supreme enlightenment: blue signifies loving-kindness and peace yellow signifies the Middle Path red signifies achievement, wisdom, fortune, and dignity white signifies purity, emancipation, and the fact that the Dharma will exist regardless of space and time, orange signifies the nature of the Dharma which contains wisdom, strength, and dignity. Together, the colours signify that there is no substitution for the truth. They also symbolise various skin colours of people from around the world. The horizontal bars indicate harmony among all races, while the vertical bars represent eternal peace throughout the world.

Dharma Wheel

The term “Dharma” refers to the Buddha’s teachings and the essential truths of Buddhism. A person may learn of the Dharma from sutras and teachers, but most importantly it must be practiced in daily life. The eight-spoke Dharma wheel symbolises Sakyamuni Buddha’s supreme enlightenment and his subsequent teachings, which set what Buddhists call the Wheel of Law in motion.

In his first sermon, the Buddha described the Four Noble Truths as:

1. All existence is suffering.
2. The cause of suffering is greed and ignorance.
3. The end of suffering is a state free from greed and ignorance.
4. The way to end suffering is to follow the Middle Way of the Noble Eightfold Path.

Each spoke of the Dharma wheel corresponds to one element of the Noble Eightfold Path:

1. Right Understanding: Comprehending the Law of Cause and Effect.
2. Right Thought: A mind free from greed, anger and ignorance.
3. Right Speech: Speech free from deceit, malice, and idle chatter.
4. Right Action: No killing, stealing, or adultery.
5. Right Livelihood: No occupation, which causes harm.
6. Right Diligence: Sincerely striving to do one’s best.
7. Right Mindfulness: Maintaining constant awareness.
8. Right Meditation: Calming the mind to help and see the truth.

Like an ever-turning wheel, these teachings are timeless and will continue to benefit beings on into the future.

Lotus

The Lotus—whether shown as a developing bud, in full bloom, with or without a stem – is one of the most complex and prominent Buddhist symbols of purity and enlightenment. From the swampy depths it grows into an exquisite and fragrant flower. Likewise, people can emerge from ignorance, become pure, and blossom into enlightenment. The lotus is also a cosmic flower, representative of the supramundane.

The traditional meditative sitting posture is called the lotus position. Fo Guang Buddhists use a lotus hand gesture when greeting each other.

Lion

The lion is widely recognised as king of the jungle. For Buddhists, it is a symbol of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who are strong with their hearts and fearless of all evil. A lion’s roar is likened to a thunderous call walking beings up to the power of the Dharma. It is representative of the teachings of Ch’an masters and the superior strength of a mind not bound by thoughts.

Elephant

The symbol of elephant represents endurance and a character that is strong and unshakable. According to Buddhist texts. Sakyamuni’s mother, Queen Maya dreamt that a white elephant with six tusks entered her side – a sign of divine conception. Thus, a white elephant has long been synonymous with the Buddha himself.

Dragon

The Chinese dragon is an ancient auspicious symbol representing power and dignity. It is considered to be a benevolent powerful creature capable of bringing rain and good fortune. There are numerous stories of dragon kings who triumph over demons and other evils. The dragon was the official emblem of the emperor. In Chinese art, dragons are frequently shown in pairs contesting a flaming pearl of immortality.