Symbols in Buddhism

When we enter a Buddhist monastery or center for the first time, we may wonder why there are so many statues or pictures of different people or why there are so many flowers, and even fruit, on the table at the front of the room.

Actually, everything we see is a teaching aid.

Take the images of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, for example. Buddhas represent the true nature, and bodhisattvas represent cultivation. In some monasteries, we might see a statue or picture of Sakyamuni Buddha flanked by two great arhats, Ananda and Mahakasyapa. Ananda, who was foremost in erudition, represents understanding and wisdom. Mahakasyapa, who was foremost in asceticism, represents practice.

In a Pure Land center we will see an image of Amitabha Buddha flanked by the greatly compassionate Avalokitesvara who represents practice, and Mahasthamaprapta, who was foremost in wisdom and represents understanding.

Even the offerings have educational significance. Why do we offer water? Water is symbolic. Water, which is clean and pure, symbolizes that our minds should be just as clean. It is calm, without a single ripple. This symbolizes that our minds should be just as calm and tranquil. Therefore, when we see the offered water, we should remember to maintain a mind as pure and impartial as the water.

Flowers symbolize “cause,” as the blossoming of flowers results in the bearing of fruit. Flowers represent the Six Paramitas and all practices. Fruit is not offered to Buddhas or bodhisattvas for consumption. Rather, they serve to remind us that if we want the “fruit,” we should first plant its cause.

Lamps symbolize wisdom and illumination. Incense symbolizes the true fragrance of discipline and meditative concentration. Everything is symbolic and educational. Thus, all the facilities and offerings in a Buddhist center serve to remind and educate us. Buddhas and bodhisattvas neither smell nor consume the offerings; they need none of these.