Buddhism
Buddhism is a nontheistic religion or dharma, "right way of living", that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha ("the awakened one"). According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha lived and taught in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. He is recognized by Buddhists as an awakened or enlightened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end their suffering through the elimination of ignorance and craving. Buddhists believe that this is accomplished through direct understanding and the perception of dependent origination and the Four Noble Truths. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is the attainment of the sublime state of Nirvana, by practicing the Noble Eightfold Path (also known as the Middle Way).
Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized: Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle"). Theravada has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar etc.). Mahayana is found throughout East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan etc.) and includes the traditions of Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Shingon, and Tiantai (Tendai). In some classifications, Vajrayana—practiced mainly in Tibet and Mongolia, and adjacent parts of China and Russia—is recognized as a third branch, with a body of teachings attributed to Indian siddhas, while others classify it as a part of Mahayana. (Wikipedia)
Dharma Wheel
#1: Dharma Wheel (Eight-spoked Dharmacakra)
The eight spokes represent the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism.
Image source: en.wikipedia.org
Swastika
#3: Swastika The swastika (also known as the gammadion cross or cross cramponnée) is a symbol that generally takes the form of an equilateral cross, with its four legs bent at 90 degrees (as a Chinese character: 卐 or 卍). It is considered to be a very sacred and auspicious symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. (Wikipedia)
Image source: www.chinabuddhismencyclopedia.com
The mantra of Avalokiteshvara "Om Mani Padme Hum" in Tibetan script.
#4: The mantra of Avalokiteshvara "Om Mani Padme Hum" in Tibetan script.
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
The Buddha teaching the Four Noble Truths
#5: The Buddha teaching the Four Noble Truths.
Sanskrit manuscript. Nālandā, Bihar, India.
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Statue of the Buddha in meditation position
#6: Statue of the Buddha in meditation position,
Haw Phra Kaew, Vientiane, Laos
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Relic depicting footprint of the Buddha
#7: Relic depicting footprint of the Buddha
with Dharmachakra and triratna, 1st century CE, Gandhāra.
Image source: en.wikipedia.org
Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, India,
#8: Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, India,
where Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana under the Bodhi Tree (left)
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Bodhidharma
#9: Bodhidharma. Woodcut print by Yoshitoshi (Japanese), 1887.
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Ginkaku-ji, a Zen temple in Kyoto, Japan
#10: Ginkaku-ji, a Zen temple in Kyoto, Japan
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
The moment of Nirvana
#11: Nirvana:
A Buddhist who has attained spiritual release from Karma through severe religious practices
Image source: www.flickr.com
Vajra-Buddhist Tantric Symbols
#13: Vajra-Buddhist Tantric Symbols (Link)
Image source: en.wikipedia.org
Monks debating at Sera Monastery, Tibet
#16: Monks debating at Sera Monastery, Tibet
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Ashta-mangala, Eight Auspicious Signs of Buddhism
Ashta-mangala, Eight Auspicious Signs of Buddhism:
(First row, l->r): The precious Umbrella, Pair of golden fish, White Conch, (Second row), Treasure Vase, Lotus, (Last row) Infinite knot, Victory Banner and wheel. Hall of Fame, Leh
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Six out of eight, Ashtamangala, Fragment of a Jain Vijnaptipatra,
Six out of eight, Ashtamangala, Fragment of a Jain Vijnaptipatra, Brooklyn Museum
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Bilahari Adinath image with Ashtamangala
Bilahari Adinath image with Ashtamangala
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
