In Zen, ensō (円相, "circular form") is a circle that is hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited brushstrokes to express a moment when the mind is free to let the body create. The ensō symbolizes absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and mu (the void). It is characterised by a minimalism born of Japanese aesthetics. The circle may be open or closed. In the former case, the circle is incomplete, allowing for movement and development as well as the perfection of all things. Zen practitioners relate the idea to wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection. When the circle is closed, it represents perfection, akin to Plato's perfect form, the reason why the circle was used for centuries in the construction of cosmological models Once the ensō is drawn, one does not change it. It evidences the character of its creator and the context of its creation in a brief, continuous period of time. Ensō exemplifies the various dimensions of the Japanese wabi-sabi perspective and aesthetic: fukinsei (asymmetry, irregularity), kanso (simplicity), koko (basic; weathered), shizen (without pretense; natural), yugen (subtly profound grace), datsuzoku (freedom), and seijaku (tranquility).

Prapod Assavavirulhakarn (1990). The Ascendency of Theravada Buddhism in Southeast Asia, p. 133. University of California, Berkeley. Why Buddhists Join Their Hands in Prayer | Myosenji Buddhist Temple". nstmyosenji.org. Archived from the original on 2018-10-28 . Retrieved 2018-10-12. Buddhist prayer beads ( mala), which originated in India as a way to count prayers or mantras and commonly have 108 beads. [86]The vajra is made up of several parts. In the center is a sphere which represents Sunyata, the primordial nature of the universe, the underlying unity of all things. Emerging from the sphere are two eight petaled lotus flowers. One represents the phenomenal world (or in Buddhist terms Samsara), the other represents the noumenal world ( Nirvana). This is one of the fundamental dichotomies which are perceived by the unenlightened. The Stamp Duty Act, No. 43 Of 1982," The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (August 07, 2009). [4] Buddhist symbolism is the use of symbols ( Sanskrit: pratīka) to represent certain aspects of the Buddha's Dharma (teaching). Early Buddhist symbols which remain important today include the Dharma wheel, the Indian lotus, the three jewels and the Bodhi tree. [1]

Mudras are a series of symbolic hand gestures in Buddhist art. There are numerous mudras with different meanings. Mudras are used to represent specific moments in the life of Gautama Buddha. [ citation needed] Other symbols [ edit ] Mandala of Vajradhatu (the vajra realm) The Isipathanaramaya temple of Vevala, Bokkaavala, Pujapitiya is making the largest Buddhist flag in the world. The flag will be 200 feet long and 100 feet wide. Presently, the largest Buddhist flag is in Thailand. It is created with 9,000 square feet of cloth. [15] Additional resources The end of a three decade old war and the forthcoming 2600 Buddha Jayanthi have presented us with a good opportunity to fulfill our duty - both laity and bhikkus alike - of developing a peace - loving and civilized society with no racial discrimination" said Prof. Ven. Iththademaliye Indrasara Thera.

Origin of the Buddhist Flag

Therefore, the overall flag represents that regardless of race, nationality, division or colour, all sentient beings possess the potential of Buddhahood. a b c d e f g h i j Choskyi, Jampa (1988). "Symbolism of Animals in Buddhism". Gakken Co. Archived from the original on 2017-04-15 . Retrieved 15 October 2021. a b "mudra | symbolic gestures | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Archived from the original on 2022-10-29 . Retrieved 2022-10-29.

Buddhism symbolism is intended to represent the key values of the Buddhist faith. The popularity of certain symbols has grown and changed over time as a result of progression in the followers ideologies. Research has shown that the aesthetic perception of the Buddhist gesture symbol positively influenced perceived happiness and life satisfaction. [2] This is an effort to be shared by the mahasangha, laity the government and the private sector as well. Generally speaking, flags are used to display a group’s excellent qualities and to express their individuality. But specifically, a flag’s utility is to express one’s identity, and to indicate victory and success. For the same purpose, the Buddhist flag was created with this intention. In 1884, the Buddhist flag was created in Sri Lanka by the American military officer, Mr Henry Steele Olcott, on Lord Śākyamuni’s birthday. Freiberger, Oliver. "The Meeting of Traditions: Inter-Buddhist and Inter-Religious Relations in the West". Archived from the original on 2004-06-26 . Retrieved 2004-07-15. The hoisting of the flag on May 28, 1885 has special significance because it was the first Vesak Day public holiday under British rule. Furthermore, the World Fellowship of Buddhists adopted the flag of Buddhism as their international symbol in 1952. As a result, Buddhists from over 60 countries have accepted the flag as a symbol of Buddhist unity. Nationality of the Buddhist FlagThe Buddha disowned the caste system and always regarded every human being alike" said Ven. Iththademaliye Indrasara Thera. He explained that the Buddha always hoped for universal peace and said that the only way to pay respect to such an amazing Being is to aspire to build a society devoid of caste, class or any other form of discrimination. Although the flag is nonsectarian, it is commonly displayed alongside national and state flags. This can be an indication that Buddhism is the national religion, or an indication that there is a large Buddhist population. The most common set of "Eight Auspicious Symbols" (used in Tibetan and East Asian Buddhism) are: [89] [90] Tibetan style aṣṭamaṅgala symbols Burmese Buddha feet The first five colours are arranged vertically as follows: blue, yellow, red, white, and orange. The sixth colour, called in Pali “Pabhassara”, which means “brilliant” or “radiant”, cannot be depicted but is symbolized by the combination of the first five colors arranged horizontally in a narrow strip on the right... Tibetan temples are often three-storied. The three can represent many aspects such as the Trikaya (three aspects) of a Buddha. The ground story may have a statue of the historical Buddha Gautama and depictions of Earth and so represent the nirmāṇakāya. The first story may have Buddha and elaborate ornamentation representing rising above the human condition and the sambhogakāya. The second story may have a primordial Adi-Buddha in Yab-Yum (sexual union with his female counterpart) and be otherwise unadorned representing a return to the absolute reality and the dharmakāya "truth body". [23] Mani stones Colour in Tibetan Buddhism [ edit ]