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Hinduism is the focal religious
tradition dominating much of the Indian Subcontinent. Also referred to
as the Sanatana Dharma or the Eternal Law, this religion is a complex
conglomeration of various traditions and has no single founder. Taking
its roots from the historical Vedic tradition, Hinduism is often
considered the oldest living major religion.
There are many symbols used in Hinduism. Here, we study some of the
most important ones.
Hinduism, one of the most ancient
religions of the world, uses many religious symbols. Most common among
them is the OM, also spelled as AUM. This mantra (sacred chant) is
regarded as the greatest entity of all time - the Pranava Mantra, the
one that indeed created the Earth and everything else that exists
herein.
The symbol, which consists of three
syllables, also represents the threefold aspect of Hinduism, namely:
Many Hindus believe that if they chant
this sacred mantra before taking up any activity, that task would never
ever fail to succeed. To date, Aum is used in prayer, meditation and
Yoga for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike.
The written symbol of Aum was developed from the 6th Century. It
consists of three curves, one semicircle and a dot, as shown in the
picture. The lower curve is bigger and symbolizes the jagrat or the
waking stage. Here, the human consciousness operates through the five
senses and reaches outward. This curve being larger, indicates that
this is the "major" state of human consciousness.
The smaller upper curve symbolizes the sushupti or deep sleep - the
unconscious state. Here, the human being desires and dreams nothing. He
is merely in a state of deep sleep.
The middle curve that lies between these two curves indicates the
swapna or the dream state, which is between the jagrat and the sushupti
stages. Here, the individual turns inward and is witness to a whole new
world blossoming behind the lids of his eyes.
According to Indian mystic thought, the whole world manifests as a
result of these states of consciousness. Hence, the three curves embody
the creation of the world itself.
The dot is the Turiya or the fourth state of consciousness. Here, the
individual looks neither inward nor outward. He is completely at peace
with himself and attains this blissful state of tranquillity. This is a
non-relative, "Absolute" state of being.
The semi circle signifies maya or illusion. This separates the three
curves from the dot, thereby indicating that it is the clever maya that
separates us from realizing the higher states of bliss. Once we cross
the maya state successfully, we will forever be in the Turiya state,
experience permanent bliss and divinity.
Hence, the form of the AUM represents the manifest and the unmanifest,
the subtle and the gross, the physical and the metaphysical.
Even as a sound, the concept of AUM
has a logical connotation. The "A" is globally regarded as the very
first sound. This is an open-mouthed sound, produced from the back of
the mouth. The "M" is produced by closing the lips. The "U", like the
third curve, is the stage between the "A" and the "U" stages.
As the seeker continues to chant the mantra of AUM, he starts losing himself in its reverberation and slowly proceeds inward to realize his own divine nature inside. Hence, AUM is considered as the fourth dimension - one which cannot be perceived by our physical senses. Contemplating this chant leads the seeker to the dot or Turiya stage, crossing all the states of the worldly maya.
According to Indian spiritualism, God
first created sound and from this sound arose the entire universe. This
primal sound, AUM, is regarded the "root" syllable or the Moola Mantra
- the cosmic vibration that created the Big Bang as we know it in this
modern world.
Other Hindu texts liken AUM to an arrow placed upon the human body (the
Prana or life-breath). This arrow pierces the darkness of ignorance and
maya and finally finds it mark, the light of the Divine residing
within.
According to the Puranas, the mantra
of AUM is the most important to all sects of Hinduism. Shaivites mark
the Lingam (an idol embodying Shiva) with the AUM. Vaishnavites, on the
other hand, regard the three sounds of AUM and its three curves as the
embodiment of the relationship between Lord Vishnu, his Consort Sri and
the seeker.
Even today, people revere the AUM Parvat, peak number 6191 in the
Himalayas, as the Supreme, as it resembles the shape of the AUM.
The Yantra, which in Sanskrit means
"instrument" or "machine", is used in Hinduism as a means to balance
the mind and help it focus deeply on spirituality. According to Tantra
Shastra, the Yantra also has certain astrological or magical powers to
help bring about positive changes in the life of the seeker. In fact,
some Tantric sects even believe that gazing upon a Yantra in a
controlled fashion may lead the seeker to mukti or liberation.
The Yantra makes use of many shapes, including squares, triangles,
circles and floral patterns, each one having a particular significance.
For example, a lotus represents the chakras or the seven spiritual
centres in the subtle body. A dot or bindu symbolizes the starting
point or the infinite cosmos. An upward triangle symbolizes the
masculine power of Shiva, whereas the downward triangle embodies the
Shakti, the Sacred Feminine, and so on.
Yantras are created on a particular date, in accordance with the
stipulations of the Vedas. Though two-dimensional in nature,
practitioners consider them as multi-dimensional and the vehicle to
attain certain siddhis or Yogic powers.
The Linga or the Shivalinga represents
Lord Shiva and is a symbol of the male creative energy in the universe,
or the phallus. This symbol is often associated with Yoni, a symbol of
Goddess Shakti, embodying the female creative energy. Yet another
theory expounds that the Linga represents the Stambha pillar,
signifying the infinite nature of Shiva.
A natural Linga formed at Amarnath in the Western Himalayas, from the
ice dripping down to the cave, freezing like a stalagmite, is a popular
pilgrimage. There is also a natural Shivalinga in Uttarakhand, where
the mountain appears to be shaped like a Linga from a certain angle.
The Trishula or Trident is used by
both Shiva and his consort, Parvati. The three points in this weapon
signify the three aspects of Creation, Maintenance and Destruction.
They also represent the past, present and the future; the three worlds
and also the three gunas.
In terms of the subtle body, the trishula embodies the three nadis, the
Ida, Pingala and Sushumna respectively.
The tilak is a mark placed on the
forehead, usually in the form of a line or lines, many times indicating
a sectarian influence. Worn by sadhus (mendicants) and pious Hindus on
special occasions, they can either be drawn by hand or placed with a
stamp. Tilaks can be drawn of sacred ash, sandalwood paste, turmeric,
vermilion, charcoal or red lead. This is believed to assist the seeker
with his meditation and focusing power. Placed between the brows, it is
known to have a cooling effect on the forehead as well.
Shaivites draw three horizontal lines with ash, whereas Vaishnavites
draw a namam, an elaborate "U" or "Y" mark on their forehead, depending
upon their sectarian orientation.
The Bindi, on the other hand, is a dot
Hindu females place on their forehead. This is believed to protect them
and their husbands. Originally placed with sindoor (vermilion), modern
bindis can be stuck onto the forehead and come in many shapes, sizes,
colors and designs. These days, they are also considered more of a
fashion statement.
Sikhism was founded in the 15th
Century in Punjab and is based on the teaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and
the ten successive Sikh Gurus. The last Sikh Guru is the Guru Granth
Sahib Ji, which is the Sikh treatise and also considered as Waheguru,
the Supreme God.
This is now the fifth-largest organized religion in the world and also
one of the fastest-growing. In India, the state of Punjab has the
maximum Sikh population.
Like Hinduism, Sikhism also employs the use of many religious symbols.
Most important among them are:
The Ek-Onkar occupies a vital place in
Sikhism and has a variety of symbolisms to it. The Guru Granth Sahib,
the holy treatise of the Sikhs, opens with this very phrase. Ek-Onkar
means that "There is One God". Since this is considered most sacred,
Gurdwaras and other Sikh places of meeting use this symbol.
Sikhs constantly repeat the chant of Ek-Onkar so as to keep reminding
themselves of the existence of one common God in this universe.
The Khanda is yet another very
important symbol in Sikhism. Mostly seen at Gurdwaras, the Khanda
signifies the Creative Power of the Supreme Godhead.
The Khanda is basically a double-edged sword, symbolizing the knowledge
of the power of God. This is enveloped by a Chakkar, which is circular,
and two Kirpans or single-edged swords pointing upward. The sword
symbolizes the primal power of the Creator. The Chakkar embodies the
continuity of processes in the universe - the fact that God has no
beginning and no end.
The two swords on the outside are referred to as Miri and Piri and
signify temporal and spiritual balance in the universe, respectively.
Here, the left Kirpan symbolizes truth and the right embodies the fight
for Dharma or righteousness.
Kesh, one of the "Panj Kakar" or Five
K's in Sikhism, is one symbol of being baptized. This implies having
hair uncut from anywhere in the body and is many times followed even by
those who are not baptized.
Most Sikh females braid their hair or put it in a bun at the nape of
the neck. Sikh males pile up their hair in a "Joora" or bun and secure
it with a "Pag" or turban. Young Sikh boys cover their Joora with a
Patka, a smaller turban.
Sikhs believe in maintaining their Kesh, as it is a natural gift given
by God Himself.
The Kangha or the comb is used by
those baptized. It is used to maintain the cleanliness of the hair.
Sikhs clean their hair in the morning and at bedtime as well.
The Kara is an iron or steel bracelet
that Sikhs wear regardless of their gender and whether they are
baptized or not. This Kara, Sikhs believe, is the implement that firmly
binds them to God. Since the Kada is worn to remind the follower to do
righteous deeds, he or she wears the Kada so that they can see it when
they attempt to do something.
The Kachhera, a type of boxer shorts,
is worn only by Sikhs who are baptized. Not only does this give
enhanced freedom of movement, but also symbolizes chastity and sexual
restraint.
The saffron-colored Khalsa Flag with
the symbol of the Khanda is referred to as the Nishan Sahib. Triangular
in shape, this religious flag is one of the most important symbols of
the Sikhism.
The flag-post is also covered in a saffron cloth and has a metal Khanda
on top of the staff. The Nishan Sahib indicates the presence of a
Gurdwara nearby.
Earliest records of Buddhism, another
major religion of the world, indicate that images or idols of the
Buddha were not used for worship. Instead, Buddhist art used images to
symbolize the Buddha and his teaching. These symbols included the
lotus, the Wheel, the Bodhi tree and the Buddha's own footprints.
The Buddha image as we see it today became a popular representation
much later. However, the ancient symbols are used even today by some
Buddhist sects, probably more frequently than the image of the Buddha.
This is especially the case with Theravada Buddhism prevalent in Sri
Lanka and Thailand.
As Buddhism spread through many
countries, it picked up the cultures of that land. Hence, the imagery
used there was influenced by that particular region. Buddhism in Tibet,
for example, centres around the Eight Auspicious Symbols, referred to
as Ashtamangala. These are printed on Tibetan prayer flags, used during
mandalas and thangkas and also in other forms of ritual art. Yet
another symbol, the Wheel of Life, represents the universe to Tibetan
Buddhists.
Buddhism also uses a variety of colors; especially, white, yellow, red, blue and green; to depict certain aspects. The use of mudras or hand gestures is also very prevalent with this religion.
The earliest symbols of Buddhism
include the Stupa, Wheel of Dharma and the Lotus Flower. The Wheel of
Dharma, represented with eight spokes, could have had several
connotations. Initially implying royalty - Monarch of the Wheel or
Chakravatin - this gradually came to be used frequently, even on the
Pillars of Ashoka, during the 3rd Century BC.
It is sometimes considered that the Wheel of Dharma symbolized the
process of teaching the Buddhadharma, the Noble Eightfold Path of
Buddhism.
The Lotus too can have several meanings. Most common among them is that
it refers to the inherently pure nature of the mind, which, though
rising from dirt and murky waters, is still very separate from it.
Then there is the symbol of the Trishula, which is a combination of the
Lotus, the Vajra (diamond rod) and three jewels, which denotes the
trifold way of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The Swastika is also used
often among Buddhists in India and Hindus alike, especially in East
Asia. This Swastika could either be left or right facing.
Mahayana Buddhism use symbols of esoteric value. The Mudras are most used in this type of Buddhism. Many of these images also serve as Mandalas. Both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism use the ashtamangala. The eight symbols of ashtamangala include:
Theravada Buddhism used ancient art
and history to represent its values. The reminders of the Buddha,
Cetiya, were split up into spatial, relic and representational
memorials.
Though the physical form of the Buddha started to be used only around
the 1st Century AD, his physical characteristics are described in the
Digha Nikaya, one of the most vital texts of the Pali Canon.
This description charted out 32 main characteristics and about 80
subsidiary characteristics, which are actually said to have influenced
the appearance of the Buddha as we know him today.
The modern school of Pan-Buddhism was
founded in 1952 and adopted two main symbols at their inauguration at
the World Fellowship of Buddhists. These symbols included the
traditional eight-spoked Wheel of Dharma and an additional five-colored
flag, which had been designed at Sri Lanka. This school of Buddhism
uses these symbols to date.
Christianity originates from the Greek
word "Khristos". "Christ" literally means the "Anointed One".
This is a monotheistic religion. Christians consider Jesus as the
Messiah, the Son of God, emerging as the Savior of Humanity. The three
largest groups of Christianity in the world are the Roman Catholic
Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Protestant Church.
As in other religions of the world, Christianity also uses objects and
symbols having a deep inner meaning and expressing esoteric Christian
ideas and ideals.
Early Christianity used elemental
symbols. The most widely used was that of water. Water has a great
significance for Christians. Water has cleansing and purifying
qualities and is hence used in baptism. The other element, fire, is
used mostly in the form of a candle flame. This represents the Light or
the Holy Spirit.
Ichthys is the ancient Greek word for
"Fish". Interestingly, the symbol of fish bore a lot of significance to
followers of early Christianity as well. This symbolism is evident even
now in ancient Roman monuments such as Capella Greca, the catacomb of
St.Callistus and so on.
This symbol could have been a representation of the unexplained
multiplication of loaves and fishes in the repast of the Seven
Disciples. It could also signify the Resurrection on the shore of the
Sea of Galilee. More importantly, it could signify the famous acrostic,
which consists of the first letters of five Greek words, forming the
word Ichthys (for fish), which describes the characteristics of Jesus
Christ as the "Son of God, the Saviour".
Christians had always made elaborate
paintings on their catacombs. These include images of Christ, saints,
scenes from the Bible and so on. They also used images of palms,
peacocks, the chi-rho monogram, the Good Shepherd, the dove, the vine
and many, many other symbols. Decorative images included ribands,
stars, landscapes and garlands, each having their own significance.
The tomb paintings evolved to make way
for the development of icons. An icon has a likeness and symbolic or
esoteric meaning for a thing relating to it. But this use of icons was
strongly opposed by certain sections of the society at the time.
In the present time, icons are employed mostly among the Eastern
Orthodox, the Oriental Orthodox, the Eastern Catholic and the Coptic
Churches.
According to early Christianity, the
peafowl did not decay after death and hence, it became a symbol of
immortality. This is why many of the older Christian paintings show the
peacock. This imagery, interestingly, is still used in the East,
especially during the Easter season.
The Holy Cross is the most widely
acknowledged symbol of Christianity today. According to the Jewish
Encyclopaedia, the Cross took such an important position as early as
the 2nd Century. Even back then, the marking of a cross upon the chest
or forehead was considered to act as a talisman against the powers of
Satanic forces. The Crucifix though, did not appear until the 5th
Century.
Sacraments are probably some of the
most ancient symbols used in the Christian church. Eucharist and
baptism are always used in sacraments. The optional aspects include
unction, ordination, confirmation, penance and marriage.
In the Eucharist, the bread and wine symbolize the broken body and the
blood of Jesus. In Roman Catholicism, they actually become the actual
Body and Blood of Christ respectively. This results in the ultimate
salvation of the recipient of Jesus' grace.
Baptism symbolizes the cleansing of the sinner by God. This is more so
where baptism involves immersion - this process signifies the spiritual
death and resurrection of the baptized person.
The opinions about sacraments are highly divided. Protestants consider
these to be merely symbolic, while Roman Catholics and some other
orthodox sects consider them the actual grace of God.
Other symbols of Christianity include
the Alpha and the Omega, the Burning Bush, the Anchor, the Cross and
Crown, the Burning Sword, Borromean Rings, INRI, the Pentragram, the
Shield of the Trinity and so on.
Some Christians also use the symbol of the Star of David, which is used
mostly by Judaism.
Islam is a monotheistic religion,
which literally means, "submission to God". Its beliefs and
philosophies are centred round the Qur'an, which is believed to be the
verbatim of God.
Though there are no official Islamic symbols as such, the religion does
use several images and icons to convey their ideals and philosophies.
The most common Islamic symbols are as follows:
The star and crescent symbol is most
often used to represent Islam. It also features on the flags of many
Islamic countries, such as Turkey and Pakistan.
Interestingly, this symbol is not really Muslim in origin. It was
originally a polytheistic icon adopted during the spread of Islam,
during the tenure of the Ottoman Empire. Sometimes, this is even
considered as being controversial in some Islamic communities and
countries.
Colours play an important role in Islam. Muslim warfare of the yore used flags or battle standards of various colours, including white, black, greenish-black and red. The Islamic dynasties adopted flags of different colors, which are as follows:
The color green holds a special
significance in Islam. One can often find this colour in mosques and
other important Islamic places, as also as on the flag of Saudi Arabia.
Some aver that green being Muhammad's favourite colour, he wore a green
cloak and turban. Yet other schools believe that green symbolizes
vegetation and life.
It is believed by some that after Muhammad, only the caliphs were
allowed to wear green turbans. But there is no actual evidence,
historical or otherwise, for this claim. In any case, the colour green
has been an established symbol of Islamic culture for many ages. During
the Crusades, Islamic soldiers used the colour green.
Islam also employs the use of some
characters in Arabic script to visually represent the religion. The
word "Allah" or the Shahada are examples of the same. A sword
represents Shi'ites, while the gardens of the Mughal Empire in India
were regarded as the symbols of Jannat or Paradise.
Shahada, the first of the Five Pillars
of Islam, is the Muslim profession of faith, which encompasses a basic
belief that "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Prophet of
God". Muslims believe that sincere recitation of this prayer is the
only requirement to become a true Muslim. This prayer, hence,
represents the entire gamut and reach of Islam as not only a religion,
but also a way of life.
Muslims believe that the Shahada must be recited aloud correctly and
with full faith at least once in their lifetime. This prayer also
indicates the muzzein’s call to prayer, including the daily prayer,
referred to as the Salat. This very prayer is also recited during the
last moments before a person's death as also in Sufi contemplative
prayer.
It is believed that the Shahada gave rise to the fundamental roots and
beliefs of Islam - angels, the Qur'an and the Day of Judgement.
Judaism is the religion of the Jewish
people. Having its origins in the Hebrew Bible, also referred to as the
Tanakh, this is essentially the expression of the relationship between
God and the Children of Israel. Judaism, believed to be one of the
oldest monotheistic religions, spans over more than 3,000 years. The
Israelis and the Hebrews were originally referred to as Jews, but later
came to be addressed as the "Children of Israel". Judaism was heavily
influenced by both Christianity and Islam, as also by the Baha'I Faith.
Judaism used many symbols. Here are the major ones:
This little case can be found on the
doorposts of most Jewish homes, as a constant reminder of God’s
presence. A tiny scroll placed inside the case contains the words of
the Shema and the name of God written at the back of it. This little
case is to be placed in a certain angle, following a particular
ceremony for placing it. Jews touch this Mezuzah and kiss it each time
they pass through the doorway.
This seven-branched candelabrum is one
of the oldest symbols of Judaism. It is lit every evening with wicks
dipped in olive oil and cleaned every morning. This symbolizes the
light of God.
The Star of David, also referred to as
Magein David or the Shield of David, is yet another major symbol
associated with Judaism. Interestingly, this is not an ancient symbol
of Judaism and does not find mention at all in the ancient Rabbinic
texts either.
Some experts are of the view that the upper triangle symbolizes
spirituality, while the lower one symbolizes the material world, and
that the intertwining of these two triangles makes them inseparable.
Many also believe that the three sides represent Kohanim, Levites and
Israel. Yet other say that there are actually 12 sides, representing 12
tribes. None of these theories, though, bear any historical evidence.
In any case, intertwined equilateral triangles are believed to bring
good luck in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
In the Middle Ages, Jews wore badges to identify themselves. Placing
the Star of David outside synagogues and other Jewish houses of worship
came to become a regular practice in the 17th Century. Today, it is
universally acknowledged as the symbol of Judaism and even appears on
the flag of Israel. The Israeli Red Cross is commonly referred to as
the Reg Magein David.
The Hamesh Hand or the Hamsa Hand is a
commonly used motif in Jewish jewellery. This design usually has an eye
in the centre of an upturned palm of the hand, with Hebrew letters or
designs in the fingers. Some Arab cultures refer to this as the Hand of
Fatima, representing the Hand of God.
Though this symbol has no particular religious connotation as such,
this is regarded as a guard against the evil eye.
Zoroastrianism is a religion which is
based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster, also referred to as
Zarathustra and Avestan. At one time, this was believed to be among the
world’s largest religions and came into existence during the 6th
Century BCE in Persia. Zoroastrians believe in the worship of Ahura
Mazda, the Creator and the supreme divine authority.
Some pre-Islamic Iranian dynasties gave this religion a boost - this
was also when some of its leading principles were adopted by other
religious cultures of the world.
Faravahar, the winged symbol of
Zoroastrianism, finds its roots in a much older symbol of a winged disk
without the existence of a human figure in it. The original symbol is
about 4000 years old, can be found in Mesopotamia and Egypt and relates
to the Sun God. Hence, this symbol then represented tremendous divine
powers and was considered supreme by that culture.
Later, the Assyrians had a symbol of the God Shamash as a winged
entity, with a human emerging from a disk, who they worshipped as their
patron deity, Assur. This closely resembles the present-day Faravahar
symbol of Zoroastrianism. The Achamenid Emperors then adopted this
symbol as they spread the religion of Zoroastrianism.
Since Zoroastrians believe that Ahura Mazda is formless, the exact
significance of Faravahar is not very clear. But it is clear that this
imagery was used to show divinity or transcendence. Maybe it was also
used to associate with Fravashi or Frawahr. At the centre of this image
is a human being, which depicts the soul that protects. The Faravahar
is believed to be blessed by Ahura Mazda and so, is made up only of
good.
The human figure seems aged, probably representing wisdom. The hand
that points upwards reminds followers to strive for higher goals. The
ring held in the other hand is believed to symbolize faithfulness. The
circle from which the figure emerges represents immortality of the soul
and also the cyclical nature of the universe.
The two wings symbolize good thoughts, words and deeds and the tail
wings indicate the contrary. The two streamers represent good and
evil respectively and the figure turning to one side symbolizes the
seeker’s constant endeavour to keep away from evil.
It is commonly assumed that
Zoroastrians are fire worshippers. But that is not true. The religion
believes in being good and pure and fire is the most preferred and most
used symbol to denote that purity and goodness. Also, Ahura Mazda is
likened to the light of wisdom and purity, but he is not worshipped in
the form of the fire.
Zoroastrian places of worship are called Agiaries or Fire Temples. Once
it is consecrated, the fire in that temple is never allowed to move
from there. In case it necessarily needs to be transported from there,
certain ritual procedures have to be conducted for the same.
Zoroastrian priests are very careful not to pollute the holy fire in
any way, while carrying out rituals. Hence, they wear the Padan or a
cloth over the mouth and nose, so that their breath or saliva does not
contaminate it. The chamber containing the holy fire in an Agiary is
known as the Dar-I-Mihr or the "Porch of Mithra". This is so placed
that people outside cannot view it.
In Zoroastrianism, fire plays a significant role in daily life as well.
Women; especially pregnant women; light fires or lamps as a protection
against evil. Many times, lamps fuelled by ghee are used, as ghee is
considered a purifying substance.
This article was written by:
Priya Viswanathan, a teacher/performer of Bharata Natyam, Classical Music and Classical Instrumental Veena. A recipient of several awards for both music and dance, Priya is also a freelance writer online. She currently writes for About.com, a subsidiary of IAC - the parent company of Ask.com. (http://mobiledevices.about.com)
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