Material: Buddhist Symbols Buddha Footprint Representations of the Buddha’s footprint The footprint of the Buddha is an imprint of Gautama Buddha's one or both feet. Considered Buddha relic, but none relate to the historic Buddha They often bear distinguishing marks, such as a Dharmachakra at the centre of the sole, or the 32, 108 or 132 auspicious signs of the Buddha, engraved or painted on the sole. The Lion – Symbol of royalty and part of the Buddha’s life before enlightenment It is also the power of the Buddha's teaching and is quiet often compared with the roar of a lion. Buddha Eyes Also called Wisdom Eyes, ususally found on all four sides of a Stupa, a Buddhist shrine The symbol denotes the all-seeing and omniscient eyes of Buddha and is representative of the Lord’s presence all around. The curly line below the eyes in the middle (where the nose is on a face) is the Sanskrit numeral one that symbolizes the unity of everything and also signifies that the only way to attain enlightenment is through Buddha’s teachings. The dot between the eyes is indicative of the third eye, which represents spiritual awakening.

Material: Buddhist Symbols The Eight Auspicious Symbols - or (Ashtamangala) All of the sacred suite of Eight Auspicious Signs endemic to a number of Dharmic Traditions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. In Buddhism, these eight symbols of good fortune represent the offerings made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha immediately after he gained enlightenment. Four Guardian Kings For Tibeten Buddhists, the Four Heavenly Kings are four guardian gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world. Vajra The Vajra is a Buddhist tantric symbol representative of great spiritual power and firmness of spirit. The Vajra is symbolic of the attributes of a diamond (purity and indestructibility) as well as the properties of a thunderbolt (irresistible energy). It also represents endless creativity, skilful activity and potency. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Vajra is also a ritual tool and is known as Dorje.

Material: Buddhist Symbols Traditional offerings are to show respect to the Buddha. Flowers- are offered as reminders of how quickly things change Light from lamps or candles- symbolizes wisdom Incense- reminds one to be peaceful Water- represents purity Food- reminds us to give our best to the Buddhas.

Material: Buddhist Symbols Dharma Instruments The instruments used in ceremonies and meditation are called Dharma instruments. Each instrument has a specific use. For instance, the wooden fish is hit to keep rhythm Bells- gives signals in ceremonies and meditation Drums-announces ceremonies and keeps rhythm Gongs- announces ceremonies and activities Wooden fish-keeps rhythm while chanting Lotus Flower The lotus flower represents enlightenment described in the poem. The lotus has its roots in the mud, Grows up through the deep water, And rises to the surface. It blooms into perfect beauty and purity in the sunlight. It is like the mind unfolding to perfect joy and wisdom. The lotus has been used in many teachings of Buddhism to impart the true nature of all mankind. The roots of the lotus plant are stuck deep in the mud, but it still grows above murky water and blossoms into a beautiful, sweet- smelling flower. Different-colored lotus plants mean different things in Buddhism White means spiritual and mental purity, Pink means the traditional Buddha, Purple is for mysticism, Red means love and compassion, Blue means wisdom

Material: Buddhist Symbols Prayer Wheel A prayer wheel is a cylindrical wheel on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel. Also sometimes depicted are Dakinis, Protectors and very often the 8 auspicious symbols Ashtamangala. At the core of the cylinder is a "Life Tree" often made of wood or metal with certain mantras written on or wrapped around it. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers. Beads The structure of prayer beads can vary depending on the religion. Buddhist beads use the Japa Mala which usually has 108 beads, or 27 beads counted four. Traditional Buddhist thought believes that people have 108 afflictions. There are six senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and consciousness) multiplied by three reactions (positive, negative, or indifference) making 18 "feelings.“ Each of these feelings can be either "attached to pleasure or detached from pleasure" making 36 "passions", each of which may be manifested in the past, present, or future. All the combinations of all these things makes a total of 108, which are represented in the prayer beads.

Material: Buddhist Symbols The Bodhi Tree The Bodhi Tree is a pipal tree, a kind of fig tree found in India. After the Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree, it became known as the Bodhi Tree, the Tree of Enlightenment. It is located in Bodhgaya, where people visit to pay their respects to the Buddha. Although the parent tree is no longer alive, its grandchildren are still there. The Buddhist Flag As the Buddha sat beneath the Bodhi Tree after his enlightenment, six rays of light came out from his body and spread for miles around. The colors were yellow, blue, white, red, orange and a mixture of all the colors. The Buddhist flag was designed after these colors. Stupas and Pagodas Stupas and pagodas are monuments where the relics of the Buddha and high monks and nuns are kept so that people can show their respects. These relics are jewels that remain after cremation..

Material: Buddhist Symbols The Mandala Visualization of Vajrayana teachings It is used in Vajrayana teachings. It shows the mind as a microcosm representing various divine powers at work in the universe A mandala can also represent the entire universe The mandala also represents wisdom and impermanence The ring of eight charnel grounds represents the Buddhist exhortation to be always mindful of death, and the impermanence with which samsara is suffused Inside these rings lie the walls of the mandala palace itself, specifically a place populated by deities and Buddhas..