Buddhist Tattoo Symbols and Meanings
One of the major religions in the world is Buddhism. The foundation of Buddhism was laid by Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who was later known as ‘Gautama Buddha’. As the name suggests, Gautama Buddha was a prince of Kapilvastu, which now belongs to Nepal. Though he owned all the worldly pleasures, he abandoned them all and set to decrease the sorrow of the world. His teachings became world famous, in fact Buddhism is based on those teachings. The term ‘Buddha’ means the one who has attained enlightenment. Buddhist tattoos are based mainly on the teachings of Buddha or the things related to him. Let us take a look at some of the major Buddhist tattoos and meanings.
Buddhist Tattoo Symbols
In the earliest centuries of Buddhism, statues of the Buddha were not used. Instead, Buddhist art consisted of images symbolizing the Buddha and his teachings, such as the lotus, the Wheel of the Law, the Bodhi tree and the Buddha’s footprints.
Eventually, the Buddha image became one of the most popular representations in Buddhism, but these early symbols remain important and are frequently used to this day. They are especially important in Theravada Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand.
As Buddhism spread, Buddhist symbolism was enriched by the cultures it came into contact with. This is especially true of Buddhism in Tibet, which has developed a rich symbolic tradition. The central symbols of Tibetan Buddhism are the Eight Auspicious Symbols, known in Sanskrit as Ashtamangala (ashta meaning eight and mangala meaning auspicious). The Eight Auspicious Symbols are printed on Tibetan prayer flags, incorporated into mandalas and thangkas, and used in other forms of ritual art. Another important symbol is the Wheel of Life, a symbolic representation of the universe as understood by Tibetan Buddhists.
Other important types of symbolism in Buddhism include colors, especially the five colors of white, yellow, red, blue and green, and symbolic hand gestures called mudras. The articles in this section explore these Buddhist symbols, providing information on their history, meaning and use in Buddhism today.
Buddhist Tattoo Ideas
As earlier stated Buddhist tattoos are mostly based on his teachings, though Buddhism is a lot associated with Hinduism as Gautama Buddha was born in Hindu religion, Buddhism does not contain images of god and goddesses. However they are based on Hindu religion. Some of the major Buddhist tattoo designs are as follows.
The Dharma Wheel
The Dharma wheel, actually known as Dharmachakra, is one of the most important symbol of Buddhism. The Dharmachakra, which is also known as the Wheel of Truth and law, represents some of the major teachings of Buddha. The wheel has eight spokes and each spoke stands for a major teaching, which are collectively known as the ‘Eightfold Path’. Each of the teaching of the eightfold path is inter-related to each other, divided into three basic divisions, viz. wisdom, ethical conduct and mental development.
Buddhist Tattoo Ideas
As earlier stated Buddhist tattoos are mostly based on his teachings, though Buddhism is a lot associated with Hinduism as Gautama Buddha was born in Hindu religion, Buddhism does not contain images of god and goddesses. However they are based on Hindu religion. Some of the major Buddhist tattoo designs are as follows.
The Dharma Wheel
The Dharma wheel, actually known as Dharmachakra, is one of the most important symbol of Buddhism. The Dharmachakra, which is also known as the Wheel of Truth and law, represents some of the major teachings of Buddha. The wheel has eight spokes and each spoke stands for a major teaching, which are collectively known as the ‘Eightfold Path’. Each of the teaching of the eightfold path is inter-related to each other, divided into three basic divisions, viz. wisdom, ethical conduct and mental development.
