SYMBOLISM OF THE WHEEL AND LOTUS: ITS MEANING AND SIGNIFICANCE

Abstract

Various historical landmarks in India effectively demonstrate Indian culture and civilization. One might even acquire a peek of it at museums around India. Buddhist symbology refers to the use of symbols to depict distinct components of the Buddha's Dharma (teaching). The Dharma wheel, the Indian lotus, the three jewels, and the Bodhi tree are all earliest Buddhist symbols which are still prominent today. Early Buddhist art depicts a wide range of symbols. Most of them are pre-Buddhist and pan-Indian fortunate symbols (mangala). Buddhists embraced these symbols as " For the great majority of people in India, things were substantial, prominent, and relevant in some way," according to Karlsson. Buddhist symbolism, originated in the fourth century BCE, is Buddhist art which depicts many characteristics of the Buddhist teachings. Animated objectified symbolism first emerged in the 1st century BCE with the arts of Mathura and Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara, and was later mixed with preexisting motifs. Later, several symbolic developments were incorporated, most prominently through Tibetan Buddhism. The earliest archaeological evidence of beautiful stone carvings may indeed be found during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, who embraced Buddhism and flourished it in all over India and other neighboring countries.
This article portrays the analysis of two significant symbols presented in Buddhist art. Furthermore, it constitutes the significance and meaning of the Wheel and the Lotus as an auspicious symbols of Buddhist art.