Showing posts with label buddhist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buddhist. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Triple Spiral (Triskelion)

The Celtic triple spiral, or triskelion, is a symbol of the Triple goddess (maiden, mother, crone) also, waxing waning and full moon.
The triskelion is believed to be an ancient symbol of pre-Celtic and Celtic beliefs.
It is typically considered a Celtic design, but also has been found in some Buddhist writings. It appears in a variety of places as a three-faceted spiral.
For modern Pagans and Wiccans, it is sometimes adopted to represent the three Celtic realms of earth, sea and sky.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Buddhist Wheel Symbol - Dharmachakra

The wheel is one of the a most important Buddhist symbols, as it represents the teching of the Buddha. The Buddha was the one who "turned the turn the dharma" and thus the wheel symbol is the Dharmachakra, or "wheel of law." The Tibetan term for this symbol, chos kyi'khor lo, means "the wheel of transformation."

The wheel aswell represents the endless cycle of samsara, or rebirth, which can only be escaped by means of the Buddha's teachings.

Today, the Dharmachakra appears in the art of every Buddhist culture.

Some Tibetan wrathful deities are depicted brandishing a wheel as a weapon to beat evil and ignorance.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Jerusalem Cross Symbolism

In medieval heraldry Jerusalem Cross symbolized the "Crusader's Kingdom of Jerusalem" generally displayed on shields and banners after the initial battle in the action to recapture Jerusalem during the Crusades.
Some have linked the four corner crosses the "holy" wounds of Jesus or the four gospels.
Similar shapes can be find on Hindu and Buddhist temples or coins and in various earth-centered cultures with absolutely different sets of meanings.