Search:

Home / Religion and Spirituality


What Are The Commonly Used Buddhist Symbols?

By: MIKE SELVON

The spirituality Buddhism offers is one of peace and contentment. While it is true that not everyone in the Western civilization is familiar with the Buddhist teachings, it can still be a form of art that many find gives them a sense of peace and tranquility.

Buddhist symbols have become increasingly popular in the last ten years. Many decorators now incorporate some of the Buddhist materials when they are decorating. It is not meant as a sign of disrespect. Rather, they are used to bring others in touch with Buddhist art and the teachings that Buddhists practice.

One of the most prevalent Buddhist symbols is the Buddha statue. Most followers of the Buddhist practice possess one of these statues as a reminder of the Buddha. The statues may be made of stone, bronze or made of metal, and usually depict the Buddha in one of his meditation poses.

You can always find the big Buddha bellied statues at many consignment stores and shops. It seems as if the "laughing" Buddha is a novelty that many Western collectors love to have in their collections.

One symbol that has made its way into the jewelry industry is the chant "Om Mani Padme Hum." You can now find necklaces and rings with this chant inscribed in Sanskrit. So what does this chant mean? It is said to be the sound of the universe.

Buddhists use this chant to reach a higher state of meditation. They chant this saying as a way to begin concentrating on clearing the mind and spirit.

Another symbol that many Buddhists and non-Buddhists use is prayer beads. These beads are very similar to rosary beads used in the Catholic faith. Buddhists chant and pray by counting each bead and saying a prayer.

It is said to calm the nerves and reduce anxiety. These beads can be found made of bone, marble, wood or even polished stones. The number of traditional beads used by a Tibetan Buddhist is 108 and this equals the number of mantras said by the user.

If you are looking for Buddhist symbols and wish to add them to your collection, then there are a number of places to shop. One website you may want to visit is "Ebay". Ebay has many stores that sell traditional artifacts. You can buy the traditional Buddha statue, rings that bear the chant "Om Mani Padme Hum" or even find prayer beads carved from fragrant woods and bones. You can use them daily in your quest for peace and enlightenment.

Article Source: http://www.bluearticles.com


Learn more about buddhist symbols at Mike Selvon portal. While you are there leave us a comment at our teachings of buddhism blog, and receive your FREE gift.

Additional Articles From - Home / Religion and Spirituality
Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service


Free Articles
Cooks Recipes