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Religious Symbolism and Interpretation
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Om is a sacred sound in Hinduism and Buddhism representing the universe's essence and Brahman. Chanted in meditation and displayed in temples.
Swastika
The Swastika, an ancient symbol of good fortune in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, depicts the cycle of life. Reinvented in modern times as a symbol of hate by the Nazis.
Jain Hand and Wheel
In Jainism, the hand with a wheel on the palm symbolizes Ahimsa (nonviolence) and the cycle of samsara. Reminds followers to stay truthful and nonviolent.
Sudarshana Chakra
The Sudarshana Chakra is a spinning, disk-like weapon used by Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. Symbolizes the destruction of the ego and the removal of obstacles.
Triratna
The Triratna symbol represents the Triple Gem of Buddhism—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Emphasizes the importance of these three aspects in achieving enlightenment.
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Hexagram or Jewish star often associated with the Jewish faith, represents the interaction of the divine with the mortal. Not as universally recognized as the Star of David.
Labyrinth
The Labyrinth is a complex, circuitous pathway used as a spiritual tool within several religious traditions, symbolizing a journey to the center of one's self and back out into the world.
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The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) represents the Buddhist eightfold path and cycles of rebirth. Used in flags, temples, and art to symbolize the Buddha's teachings.
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The Orthodox Cross used in Eastern Orthodox Christianity signifies Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, with additional bars representing the inscription and the footrest.
Aumkar
Aumkar refers to the symbol 'Om' that represents the primordial sound of the universe in Hinduism. It encapsulates the essence of Brahman.
Mandala
The Mandala is a geometric pattern representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism. Used as an aid in meditation and spiritual teaching.
Shinto Torii
The Torii gate is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of Shinto shrines. It symbolizes the transition from the profane to the sacred.
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Star of David (Magen David) is a symbol of Judaism representing the connection between God and the Jewish people. Found in synagogues and on the flag of Israel.
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The Yin Yang symbol comes from Chinese philosophy and represents the balance of opposites. Applied in the practices of Taoism and Confucianism.
Khanda
The Khanda is a Sikh symbol representing divine knowledge, the oneness of God, and the moral values of the faith. Displayed prominently on the Nishan Sahib flag.
Ichthys
The Ichthys or fish symbol is an early Christian symbol representing Jesus Christ and his followers as 'fishers of men'. Often appears as a bumper sticker or pendant.
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The Star and Crescent is an Islamic symbol representing the connection to the Prophet Muhammad and the faith of Islam. Appears on many national flags and in mosque decoration.
Chi-Rho
The Chi-Rho is an ancient Christian symbol fusing the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ), which are the first two letters of 'Christ' in Greek. Represents Jesus and his role in Christianity.
Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi Tree is the tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment and is thus a sacred fig in Buddhism. Represents the place of enlightenment.
Lotus
The Lotus flower represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth in major Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, due to its ability to emerge from muddy waters unspoiled.
Vesica Piscis
The Vesica Piscis is a shape created by the intersection of two circles and is an early symbol in Christian art symbolizing the union of heaven and earth or Christ's birth.
Hamsa
The Hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet popular in North Africa and the Middle East, symbolizing protection against the evil eye. Recognized in several religions, including Islam and Judaism.
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The Christian Cross symbolizes the crucifixion and atoning death of Jesus Christ. Found in churches and worn as jewelry by believers.
Dove
The Dove typically represents the Holy Spirit or peace in Christian iconography. Frequently depicted in art and literature.
Ankh
The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol of life represented in hieroglyphs. Sometimes adopted in Coptic Christianity to represent eternal life.
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