Feature: Culture Corner
Aniconic Buddhist Symbolism
Representing Buddhism Without Idols or Images Lotus buds, flowers and even their floating round large leaves are everywhere in Thailand, appearing plentiful in images and growing beautifully in rivers, klongs, ponds and pots. You can’t go wrong photographing a lotus flower; every shot is a work of art. But have you ever wondered about its significance and why it’s such an inherent symbol of Thailand and Asia? This month’s Culture Corner article is another scavenger hunt of sorts, and after reading it, you may have a deeper appreciation for the quintessential flower. The lotus flower is one of many things known to artists and historians as an “aniconic” symbol that represents Buddhism. Here, the term refers to an item that symbolizes or suggests rather than literally representing something in a human form. The earliest surviving Buddhist art represents Buddha only as symbols such as an empty throne or chair, or a riderless horse with an umbrella above. There are several theories as to why it was not permitted to make an image of Buddha’s human form. One was based on an interpretation of the Buddha’s own words speaking out against idol worship. Likewise, there are also many theories as to why literal Buddha images were eventually created, the most likely reason being the influence and spread of Greek culture. Regardless, prior to about 300 CE (Common Era), it was customary NOT to depict Buddha (or Christ) in a human form, so people used several non-human symbols to represent Buddha’s life, path, enlightenment, teachings, and death. These “aniconic” symbols appear frequently throughout countries where Buddhism is prevalent including but not limited to China, India, Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and of course Thailand! The largest school of Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, frequently cites “eight auspicious symbols” that have been used to spread Buddhism to many countries, some of which you’ll also recognize in Thailand. T he L otus F lower represents enlightenment and purity of the body, speech and mind. It comes from the mud and floats above the murky waters of material attachment and physical desires. Blossoming in the seven steps of the newborn Prince Siddhartha (Buddha pre-enlightenment), the 42
lotus also represents rebirth and self-regeneration. Shaped like Mount Meru, its characteristics are an analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the lotus produces the most beautiful flower. The Endless Knot, or in some references, the Mandala: The eternal knot reminds us of our interconnectedness and also of the Buddha’s endless wisdom and compassion. It is also a reminder of the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. The Mandala is a complex representation of the universe. During meditation it is a source of deep meaning and universal knowledge. Various mandalas exist with distinct concepts and purposes. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the mandala of the medicine Buddha radiates healing power in all directions. The Golden Fish: In Tibet, the two golden fish represent auspiciousness of all sentient beings in a state of fearlessness without danger of drowning in suffering. Fish symbolize happiness as they have complete freedom of movement in the water. The Dharma Chakra (or Wheel of L aw ): This symbol represents knowledge and Buddha’s teachings including the universal moral order (called Dharma). It also symbolizes Buddha himself and walking the path of enlightenment. It is said that when Buddha gave his first sermon, he “set the wheel in motion.” This shape often looks like a ship’s steering wheel and can be seen as adornment within Thai temples or wats. The Victory Banner: In Tibet, victory banners are often found as flags on the roofs of temples. It celebrates enlightenment, more specifically the stage of higher consciousness when an individual has mastered his/her emotions. The Victory Banner was likely an ancient Indian military standard and was adopted by early Buddhists to celebrate enlightenment and the triumph of self-mastery over ignorance. T he T reasure V ase : Google this and you will immediately recognize it as common here in Thailand. It is an image representing the abundance of knowledge and spiritual wealth. Some also believe that the parts of the vase represent the chakras or energy points within
T h a n i Ta l k
March 2020
