1. World Religions

8. Hindu Symbols Aum – 3 sounds, 3 worlds (earth, atmosphere, heaven), 3 gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Siva), 3 scriptures (Rg, Yajur, Sama) Lotus – rooted but floating represented lack of attachment to surroundings, symbol of centre of consciousness (chakras) in the body Swastika – symbol of good luck, right hand linked to sun and Vishnu, left hand linked to night and Kali Trisula – symbol of Shiva (creator, preserver, destroyer) (will, action, wisdom Pratik – symbol of path of bliss movement, upward triangle for social service, downward triangle for meditation, rising sun for balance, swastika for fulfillment of spiritual goals

9. Jewish Symbols Star of David – linked to Shield of David and Seal of Solomon Mezuzah – box and parchment with Hebrew letter ‘shin’ for divine – placed on doorposts of house Menorah – 7 branched candle in synagogues representing light Chai – symbol of life often worn around the neck Yarmulke – worn by Jewish men as a reverent act to cover their heads Hamesh Hand – protection against the evil eye

10. Buddhist Symbols Dharmachakra – wheel of law representing the teachings of Buddha, 8 spokes for the Eightfold Path, cycle of rebirth Buddhapada – footprints of Buddha show grounding of transcendent, wheel in centre and often swastika Buddha Eyes – wisdom eyes, look 4 directions, ‘nose’ is sign for 1 or unity, 3 rd eye above is Buddha’s wisdom Eight Auspicious Symbols: Parasol – royalty and spiritual power Golden Fishes – good fortune and fertility Treasure Vase – spiritual and material abundance Lotus – mental and spiritual purity Conch Shell – fame of Buddha’s teachings Endless Knot – infinite wisdom of Buddha Victory Banner – victory of Buddha’s wisdom over ignorance Wheel – teachings of Buddha

11. Christian Symbols Latin Cross – empty cross reminds Protestants of the resurrection while crucifix (with body of Jesus) is more common for Catholics Fish – used as a symbol during persecution, linked to Jesus as a ‘fisher of men’ Alpha and Omega – first and last letters of Greek alphabet symbolizing that God is the beginning and the end Dove – symbol of purity in baptism of Jesus, linked to God’s forgiveness through Noah’s ark Sheep & Shepherd – God as the shepherd protecting the people who are obedient sheep Crown of Thorns – symbolic of Jesus’ death

12. Islamic Symbols There are no official symbols of Islam, but there are several images with a special place in Islam. Star and Crescent – originally symbolic of the Ottoman Empire through which Islam spread; on several national flags Arabic script for Allah Shahadatain – Shahda is Muslim statement of faith Khatim – 8 pointed star, seal of the prophets Shi’a double pointed sword – sword given by Muhammad to his son-in-law Ali