Sarira

Sarira är en term på Sanskrit som betyder relik eller aska som är återstoden av en kremerad Buddha eller helgon. Reliker förvaras och tillbeds vanligen i stupor. Det vita representerar ben, det svarta hår och det röda kött. 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.

Buddhistflaggan

Den Buddhistiska flaggan tillkom vid den Andra Internationella Buddhistiska Broderskapskonferensen i Japan 1952. Den randiga designen är gjord i de färger som sägs ha utgått från Buddhans kropp omedelbart efter uppnått den högsta upplysningen. Blått syftar på kärleksfull vänlighet och fred, gult syfter på Medelvägen, rött syftar till framgång, visdom, rikedom och värdighet och Vitt syftar till renhet, frigörelse och att Dharma kommer att finnas oberoende av tid och rum, orange symboliserar Dharmas natur som omfattar visdom, styrka och värdighet. Tillsammans representerar färgerna att det inte finns någon ersättning till sanningen. De symboliserar också all världens hudfärger. De horisontella färgfälten visar på fred och harmoni mellan folk och raser. De vertikala färgfälten visar på den oändliga freden i världen.

Dharmas Hjul

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.

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.

Lejon

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.

Elefant

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.

Drake

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.