Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Tattoo designs - B >> Buddhist

Buddhist Tattoo Meanings - Many of the symbols we now know as 'Buddhist' originated from the Hindu tradition, since it was into the Hindu culture and religion that Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, was born. Not until several centuries after his death did symbols relating specifically to the Buddha, and the religion he inspired, come into being.

It was not until around 100 BC that any actual images of the Buddha himself appeared. In his lifetime, Buddha - a term that simply means one who has attained enlightenment - had discouraged any attempts by his disciples to venerate him personally. Buddhism, unlike Hinduism into which he was born, includes no references to gods, goddesses, or mono-theism. It was the teachings that were important, not his physical incarnation. All of us, on the path to enlightenment, has the potential to become a Buddha.

The earliest symbols of those teachings were the Eight Spoked Dharma Wheel and the Bodhi Tree. Other representations of the Buddha appeared as the Buddha's Footprints, the Lotus, an Empty Throne, a Begging Bowl, and a Lion.

Lotus Flower Padma - Symbol of Purity. Can be of any colour except blue.		Dharmachakra The wheel of the law. The eight spokes represent the eightfold path.		Stupa The stupa is a symbolic grave monument where relics or the ashes of a holy monk are kept. It also symbolises the universe.		Triratana The three jewels - the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.
Chattra A parasol - protection against all evil; high rank.		Dhvaja Banner - the victory of the Buddha's teachings.		Deer The deer -usually in pairs- symbolises the first sermon of the Buddha which was held in the deer park of Benares.		Naga The snake king. Vestige of pre-Buddhist fertility rituals and protector of the Buddha and the Dhamma.

Around 600 AD there appeared an abundance of new imagery and artwork associated with the Buddha and his teachings. This was due to the spiritual practice of 'imagination and visualization' as a technique for self-realization - achieving Nirvana - which had become popular at that time. This tradition is preserved mainly in Tibetan Buddhism and the Japanese Shingon tradition.

The Buddha image eventually became very popular in Buddhism, although to this day, those early symbols have remained in use, especially in Theravada Buddhism which is practiced in countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand.

As Buddhism spread out from India into neighbouring countries like Tibet, the symbolism became further enriched and elaborated upon. In places like Tibet, the 'Eight Auspicious Symbols' became central to their religious practice, most commonly appearing on prayer flags and incorporated into mandalas for meditative contemplation. Tibetan Buddhism also established the Wheel of Life as a meditation on the universe and its karmic laws.

Buddha Tattoos, Designs and Stencils

See also: Buddha, Religious Tattoo Index, Bodhi Tree, Buddha's Eyes, Buddhist Knot, Parasol Tattoos, Conch Shell Tattoos, Buddha's Footprint Tattoos, Begging Bowl, The Empty Throne, Three Jewels, Buddhist Victory Banner, Buddhist Treasure Vase, Wheel of Life Tattoos, Buddhist Tattoo Index

Tattoo designs - B >> Buddhist

Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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