Buddhist symbols run from ritual object symbols to plants like lotus flowers and animals such as elephants. They tend to represent either the obstacles (pig = ignorance) or virtues (tiger = humbleness).
Buddhist symbols are used to represent the Buddha’s virtues, but also to inspire people to attain those virtues. By meditating and contemplating the symbols, by visualizing them, they can manifest in the life of the practitioner. This expedites progress toward enlightenment.
The following post contains a table of the primary Buddhist symbols with associated meaning.
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Table of Contents
Buddhist Symbols
Early Buddhist Symbols
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa) | The tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. |
| Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma) | Represents the Buddha’s teachings, with the eight spokes symbolizing the Eightfold Path. |
| Stupa (Chorten) | A dome-shaped structure containing relics of the Buddha or other revered figures. |
| Footprints (Buddhapad) | Represent the Buddha’s presence and his journey on the path to enlightenment. |
Vajrayana Buddhist Symbols
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| Vajra (Dorje) | A diamond scepter symbolizing indestructibility, power, and wisdom. |
| Bell (Ghanta) | Represents wisdom and dispelling negativity. |
| Sun disk | Wisdom |
| Moon disk | Compassion |
| Kalachakra | Wheel of Time, First Buddha Tantra |
| Sword (sometimes flaming) | Prajna, intellect, wisdom |
| Wrathful Deities | Fierce figures embodying powerful energies used for transformation and protection. |
| Mandala | A complex geometric diagram representing the universe, enlightened mind, or specific deities. |
| Double Dorje (Visvavajra) | Represents the union of method and wisdom. |
| Kila / Phurba | 3-bladed dagger, wrathful compassionate activity. Vajrakilyaa. |
| hooked knife | Cutting through to primordial wisdom. Held by many female (wisdom) deities. |
| skull cup | holds amrita (wisdom liquor) or rakta (blood of ego) |
| Trident | Pierces passion, aggression and, ignorance instantly |
| Whip (held by Gesar) | Accomplishing all wishes |
| Crystal ball | Clear light nature of mind |
| Flower necklace | Boundless compassion |
| Skull necklace | 51 samaskaras (conceptual formations) worn as adornment. |
| Lotus Flower | Represents purity, awakening, and spiritual growth. |
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Other Notable Buddhist Symbols
| Symbol | Description |
| tri-ratna, 3 jewels | Buddha, dharma, and sangha |
| Saffron Robe | Worn by monks and nuns, it signifies renunciation of worldly possessions. |
| Alms Bowl | Used by monastics to collect food offerings, symbolizing humility and dependence on generosity. |
| Prayer Flags | Rectangular cloths with printed mantras or prayers, believed to carry blessings on the wind. |
| Prayer Wheel | A cylindrical device inscribed with mantras, spun to accumulate merit and blessings. |
| Eternal Knot (Endless Knot) | Represents the endless cycle of rebirth and the interconnectedness of all things. |
| Eight Auspicious Symbols | A group of symbols representing good fortune and qualities like prosperity, victory, and the dharma. Click the link for full explanation. |
Animals as Buddhist Symbols
| Symbol | Description |
| Elephant | Represents strength, wisdom, and dignity. |
| Dragon | Pinnacle of profound wisdom |
| Garuda | Endless space of mind |
| Horse, windhorse | Stability and power of mind, vitality, energy |
| Lion | Symbolizes courage, royalty, and the Buddha’s teachings. Attainment of virtuous discipline. |
| Tiger | Simplicity, humbleness. |
| Deer | Represents peace, gentleness, and the Buddha’s first sermon. |
| Naga (Serpent) | Represents power, protection, and transformation. |
| Peacock | Wisdom – ingests poison, transforming it into beauty |
| Rooster, Snake, Pig | 3 Poisons of Passion, Aggression, Ignorance |
Colors as Buddhist Symbols
| Symbol | Description |
| Gold | Represents enlightenment, wisdom, and purity. |
| Red | Represents compassion, love, and active energy. |
| Blue | Represents wisdom, peace, and vastness. |
| White | Represents purity, liberation, and emptiness. |
| Green | Represents accomplishment, growth, harmony, and nature. |
Other Buddhist Symbols
| Symbol | Description |
| Mantras | Sacred syllables or phrases chanted to cultivate focus, invoke deities, and awaken inner wisdom. |
| Mudras | Hand gestures used in Buddhist practices to symbolize specific qualities or aspects of enlightenment. |
Buddhist Symbols: Related Terms
General Terms:
- Buddhist iconography
- Sacred art (Buddhist)
- Buddhist meaning
- Symbolism in Buddhism
- Tibetan Buddhist symbols
- Mudra meaning (Buddhist context)
Specific Symbols:
- Bodhi tree significance
- Dharmachakra meaning
- Stupa symbolism
- Vajra symbolism
- Mandala interpretation
- Lotus flower meaning (Buddhism)
- Eight Auspicious Symbols (Buddhism)
- Meaning of colors in Buddhism
Practices and Concepts:
- Buddhist meditation practices
- Vajrayana rituals
- Theravada Buddhist practices
- Buddhist enlightenment
- Merit-making in Buddhism
- Buddhist pilgrimage sites
People:
- Buddha statues
- Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche)
- Yshe Tsogyal
Additional Terms:
- Thangka paintings (Tibetan Buddhist art)
- Buddhist symbolism in art
- Esoteric Buddhist practices
- Buddhist symbolism and psychology
May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature
May all beings be free
May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature
May all beings be free
May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature
May all beings be free
