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Buddhist Symbols: Prayer Wheel (Mani Wheel, Chokor)
Buddhist Symbols: Prayer Wheel (Mani Wheel, Chokor)
Buddhist Symbols: Prayer Wheel (Mani Wheel, Chokor)
Related Symbols:
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Tomoe (Mitsu tomoe, Futatsu tomoe, Tomoe-mon, Fire-wheel)
Pronunciation: toh-moh-ay
Related Symbols:
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Kalachakra (Wheel of Time, Tenfold Powerful One, Ten-fold Seed
Syllable)
Related Symbols:
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Daruma Doll (Daruman)
Daruman dolls are usually made of paper mache, weighted on the bottom so
they always stand up, even when pushed- symbolic of Bodhidharmas
persistence in meditation. Daruman figures are a common New Year tradition
in Japan, where they are used to aid one in achieving goals. Daruman
figures are sold without eyes- when a new doll is brought home, it is
customary to color an eye with a black marker. When ones goal is reached,
or a resolution fulfilled, the other eye is colored in, and the figure is usually
returned to a shrine and burnt. Some buy a larger doll with each fulfilled
wish, beginning with a very small doll and working up.
Related Symbols:
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Juzu are used for prayers in much the same way as a Catholic rosary, or may
simply be held during meditation or contemplation. *A Bodhisattva (Sanskrit,
essence of enlightenment) is a highly spiritually developed being who stops
short of Buddhahood in order to aid others in attaining enlightenment.
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ENSO
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and his continued (symbolic) presence on earth. Paradoxically, they are also
viewed as reminders of the Buddhas absence, and the Buddhist ideal of
detachment. The emblem is most likely modeled on the Vedic tradition of
venerating the feet of deities; similar emblems exist honoring Vishnu and
other Hindu gods. In many places, the Buddhapada marks a place where
the Buddha is believed to have visited in his lifetime; these are venerated as
holy places.
Related Symbols:
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Related Symbols:
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A ritual gesture is performed crossing the tools over the chest, representing
union of the male and female principals. As ritual tools, they are similar in
symbolism to the chalice and dagger used in Wicca and ritual magick. A
double Dorje, or vishvavajra, is two dorjes crossed, as pictured above, the
emblem of Amoghshiddhi, the fifth Dhyani Buddha. It represents stability
and impenetrability, and is often used on the doorways of temples, or placed
under meditation cushions. Both the Dorje and the Vishvavajra are forged
from meteorite metal. This is likely due to the emblems early (pre-Buddhist)
associations with lightning deities.
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Yab-Yum (Father-Mother)
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Endless Knot (Shrivatsa)
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CONCH
The shankha or conch-shell is a traditional Vedic instrument. Like the shofar
of Judaism, it is used originally as a war-horn, and later, as a ritual
sounding-instrument. Its sound is believed to banish fear and evil spirits,
and causes enemies to tremble. In Vedic belief, it is an attribute of Vishnu
and a number of other deities.
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Lotus (Padme)
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Phurba (Phurbha, Phurpa, Kila)
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The golden fishes are one of the eight auspicious signs in Buddhist
iconography, wherein they represent joy, freedom, and fearlessness. In Vedic
(Hindu) tradition, the fish is the first incarnation of the god Vishnu, two
fishes together symbolized the sacred Ganges and Yamuna rivers, and later,
the twin channels of ida and pingala, through which pranic energy moves
through the body. In Chinese folk belief, a pair of fish are considered a lucky
gift for married couples.
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Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra, Wheel of Law)
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STUPA
Earth
Air
Fire
Water
Spirit/Aethyr
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Triratna, (Tiratana, Tisarana, Triple Gem, Three Treasures, Threefold
Refuge)
The three Refuges are: the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings of the
Buddha), and the Sangha (the community of believers), as well as additional
layers of symbolism, such as:
The three parts of the Pali Canon, or Tripitaka (three collections, the
earliest Buddhist canon), which includes the Vinaya, guidelines for behavior,
Sutra, discourses and stories of the Buddha, and Abhidharma, Metaphysical
teachings.
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The Pa Kua are the eight trigrams described in the I Ching; the
combinations of whole and broken lines represent the constantly fluctuating
elemental forces of the universe: Pa Kua also refers to a wooden hexagram
containing the eight trigrams with a mirrored center, which is hung over doorways
as a protective charm. This device is popular with practitioners of Feng Shui. The
Ba-gua is also used as the logo of the Dharma initiative on the television drama
Lost.
There are various stories about the origin of Maneke Neko. The most popular
tales involve a cat who belongs to a poor but generous Monk. In the story,
the cat variously welcomes a wealthy man in from the rain, or saves his life;
the grateful rich man bequeaths his fortune to the temple. Eventually, the
cat dies, and the grateful monk creates the Maneki Neko as a memorial
statue.
I Ching
The circular shape and square hole of the antique chines coins are said to
represent heaven and earth, respectively. The coins are used in a variety of
ways in the practice of feng shui to promote wealth and prosperity, and are
often bound together to create intricate amulets.
The remaining four elements in the ancient Chinese alchemical system are:
Double Happiness
Double Happiness
Shinto Symbols: