Footprints of the Buddha

Images of footprints made by Buddha are from the earliest Buddhist art forms. Another word used when describing Buddhas footprints is “Buddhapada”, they are highly revered in all all Buddhist countries, especially Sri Lanka and Thailand, where the Buddha himself once walked. Buddhapada is a symbol that has been respected in India because for it's representation of the grounding of the transcendent.

In Modern Buddhism the Footprints have many different meanings, but they are all related to Buddhism, ultimately it is undisputed that they are a symbol of the existence of the Buddha. Some people believe that after the Buddha attained enlightenment, his feet made an imprint in the stone where he stood.

In a different tradition, the infant Buddha stood and walked for seven steps after his birth as a symbol of his spiritual domination of the universe. Ether way the footprints of the Buddha symbolize the Buddha's presence. Even today the Buddhapada are still revered in the Buddha's absence, now that he has entered nirvana they are a reminder of the Buddhist strides toward a life of nonattachment.

Physically the Buddha's footprints can come with different images, but most commonly they are depicted with the toes of all one length and a dharmachakra wheel on the soul. Other symbols that often
appear on the heel and toes are a lotus flower the swastika and the three Jewels or triratna.

On very large Buddhapada's there is enough room for more detail, so there is room for 32, 108 or even 132 distinctive marks of a Buddha usually in a checkerboard pattern. Any or all of these symbols can also seen on the bottoms of the feet of large statues of the Buddha when he is reclining.

The oldest and most precious sculptures of Buddha's footprints are protected in special temples and structures, where Buddhist monks and others who are faithful will bring offerings such as flowers, fruit, incense and money.

The Hindu Swastika

A swastika is a cross with four arms that are bent at a right angle, all four arms are the same length and sometime there will be a dot or charm in the negative space. It is a common symbol throughout India and world wide. The name swastika comes from the Sanskrit word svasti, which means good fortune, luck and well-being. It has a variety of religious meanings such as a charm to bring good fortune and can be seen in two different versions, the right-hand and the left-hand swastika.

The right-hand swastika is one of the 108 symbols of the god Vishnu and is also a symbol of the sun and of the sun god Surya. The rotation of the arms is a imitates the course the sun takes through the sky as it passes from east south and west in the Northern Hemisphere.

The left-hand swastika sometimes called a sauvastika, usually represents the terrifying goddess Kali, night and magic. However, this form of the swastika is not "evil" as it has become known for its connection to Hitler. The left-hand swastika is the form most commonly used in Buddhism. Hindu art often shows the swastika as an auspicious symbol very commonly used in architecture and decoration. It can be seen on everything from temples, houses, doorways, clothing, cars, and even cakes. It is also a major part of the decoration for festivals and special ceremonies such as weddings.

The Nazis adopted the swastika because their understanding was that it was an Aryan symbol indicating racial purity and superiority. The Nazis propagated a theory that the early Aryans of India were white invaders. There is also a connection with the swastika's magical connections, for Hitler and other Nazi leaders were keenly interested in the occult.

For such a simple symbol the swastika's history is far reaching and controversial. It has been tainted by fear and hatred but the true meaning of the swastika will aways be one of good fortune, luck and well-being.

Mind over matter.

Mind over matter. This is true in all parts of life. Every religion talks about the importance of your thinking.

"What we think, we become" Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C

Before anything became a reality, it was a thought. By taking control of our thoughts, we can achieve our dreams. Do you have a business idea? Use the power of the subconscious mind. Visualize success.

"Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."

As a christian, I base my thoughts on the Word of God, the Bible. The proverbs, for example, have many teachings about the power of wise thinking and how it can affect your life.

"For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

There is scientific evidence that subatomic particles can have different behavior depending on the observer. Subconscious beliefs create realities. Meditate on words of wisdom and they will become part of your reality. The more knowledge you have, the more power your thinking will have.

"Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about." Whorf

Picture yourself in that new car or in that mansion of your dreams. Keep away from thoughts that will hinder success. If you are charitable it allows you to have an open mind about money without being attached to it. Attachment to money is a hindrance toward becoming wealthy. Fear of illness invites sickness. Faith is a phenomena created by what we think.

About the Author
Nahom Kidanemariam
http://eduhelper.tripod.com

Effects of Thich Quang Duc's Self-Immolation

A Buddhist monk named Thich Quang Duc, from the Linh-Mu Pagoda in Hue, Vietnam, set himself on fire in downtown Saigon, on June 11, 1963. Thich Quang Duc's self-immolation did not receive much attention from religious scholars, because apparently the act was "exclusively conceptualized as a trans historical, purely religious agent, virtually homologous with his specifically religious forebears and ancestors." So now it is know as "religious suicide" and can be justified by Chinese Buddhist texts written between the fifth and tenth centuries C.E.

Thich Quang Duc was born in 1897 he was 67 when he set himself ablaze in 1963. From the time he we seven years old he lived in a Buddhist monastic community. Quang Duc was ordained as a full Buddhist monk or Bhikku by the time he was twenty. Thich Quang Duc had practiced extreme ascetic purification for several years, he became was a teacher, and spent many years rebuilding Buddhist temples in Vietnam prior to 1943. He was a member of the Quan the Am temple and Director of rituals for the United Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation. Thich Quang Duc is now considered to be a bodhisattva, "an enlightened being - one on the path to awakening who vows to forgo complete enlightenment until he or she helps all other beings attain enlightenment."

Thich Quang Duc's self-immolation has accelerated the spread of "engaged Buddhism" which had already begun in Vietnam in the 1930's. This of course led to the overthrow of the Diem regime in South Vietnam in November of 1963, and helped to change the public opinion of the American backed South Vietnamese government and its war against the communist supported Viet Cong.

The social and political impact of Thich Quang Duc's self-immolation has been far reaching. It was reported in the New York Times News paper the day after the immolation. A copy of Quang Duc's document, written in 1963, encouraged the self-immolation of several monks and by the continued activism of the "rebellious monks of Hue" against the communist government in Vietnam for more than three decades.

It has been considered by both Thich Nhat Hnah and Russell McCutcheon that when contextualizing the event in 1963 Vietnam, the self-immolation is seen as a "political act" with the purpose of calling attention to many injustices being perpetrated against the South Vietnamese people by the government of Euro-American imperialism. Thich Nhat Hnah goes on to speak about this particular act of self-immolation as follows: The press spoke then of suicide, but in the essence, it is not. It is not even a protest. What the monks said in the letters they left before burning themselves aimed only at alarming, at moving the hearts of the oppressors, and at calling the attention of the world to the suffering endured then by the Vietnamese. To burn oneself by fire is to prove that what one is saying is of the utmost importance…. The Vietnamese monk, by burning himself, says with all his strength and determination that he can endure the greatest of sufferings to protect his people…. To express will by burning oneself, therefore, is not to commit an act of destruction but to perform an act of construction, that is, to suffer and to die for the sake of one's people. This is not suicide.

Thich Nhat Hanh then explains why Thich Quang Duc's self-immolation was not a suicide, in contrast to Buddhist teachings: Suicide is an act of self-destruction, having as causes the following: (1) lack of courage to live and to cope with difficulties; (2) defeat by life and loss of all hope; (3) desire for nonexistence….. The monk who burns himself has lost neither courage nor hope; nor does he desire nonexistence. On the contrary, he is very courageous and hopeful and aspires for something good in the future. He does not think that he is destroying himself; he believes in the good fruition of his act of self-sacrifice for the sake of others…. I believe with all my heart that the monks who burned themselves did not aim at the death of their oppressors but only at a change in their policy.

The Monks enemies are not of flesh and bone, their enemies are things like intolerance, fanaticism, dictatorship, cupidity, hatred, and discrimination which can be found in the heart of men. On June 11, 1963, Thich Quang Duc showed the world that it is not the right of man to cause suffering for another human being, life is suffering and punishment must be left to the Spirit.

Life Force, Reiki Healing for All Peoples

Author: Margaret Ann Jones

Reiki, denoting 'Divine Life Force' is a secure and preferable manner of coping with a variety of complications. I say preferable because unlike the alleged conventional treatments founded on pills and medical interventions, the Reiki healing comes with no adverse effects.

With Reiki there are no contradications whatsoever.

The intense relaxation you feel with this type of unconventional remedy is like a light moving across your body. Clearing away every sign of ill health that has been troubling you.

You will see the affects for yourself: Reiki can deal with the troubles in life that both the body and the mind encounter, physically, mentally, and emotionally. When Reiki treatment is applied you can see your stress and anxiety melt away. And when you apply it at home after a busy and tiring day, the pressure of your daily life eases, and you truly relax.

Reiki is able to lighten up both your body and spirit by means of constructive and positive thinking. Reiki therapy is undemanding: just by positioning your hands on or near yourself or a patient, the life force runs from (the one who is channelling Reiki) to the recipient. Simple!

Reiki could be said to have its origins in one of the many Asian religions. Reiki is not a religion.

The most common conception is that Reiki developed as a changed structure of Buddhism. Buddhism stands as one of the oldest beliefs in the world. Some correspondence exists between Buddhism and the Reiki unconventional remedy; The most decisive similarity with Reiki and Buddhism is the profound healing principle of both.

Nonetheless, the creators of Reiki were not Buddhist. They had learned about Buddhism, but they had also studied other beliefs, such as Christianity. What is more, while Buddhism is viewed as a religion (albeit one lacking a god) Reiki is a way of coping with your physical, mental and spiritual problems.

Reiki is a particular type of delicate energy transfer. In the process, the healing has effect when the therapist puts his or her hands on or above the body. In this way, a relationship takes place between the patient and an immeasurable spring of life energy.

This energy transfer runs through the Reiki practitioner - he/she is the channel, the energy path. The Reiki Healing force is very strong, yet is incredibly soothing and kind to all. You can lead it towards oneself and towards others with complete understanding and faith that it is doing nothing but good.

The healing light/vibration is drawn from the 'Universal Life-Force' and is therefore multi-level. Reiki will awaken your mind, body and spirit to a more relaxed lifestyle.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/life-force-reiki-healing-for-all-peoples-675422.html

About the Author:
Awaken your Mind, body and Spirit to a more meaningful lifestyle. More relaxation and less stress.
Margaret A Jones http://www.thesimplicityofreiki.com
Click on the link above to find out more Reiki Insights.
Margaret is a Reiki Master/Teacher, and has been using her Reiki for herself and others for many years. And of course the animals we all love.

Symbolism of the Dharmachakra

The Buddha was the first person who “turned the wheel of dharma” and when he did the wheel then became it's own symbol called the Dharmachakra or the “wheel of law”. The Tibetans use the term “the wheel of transformation” The wheel is a representation of the cycle of samsara, or rebirth. The cycle can only be broken by following the Buddha's teachings, and is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols.

Buddhists see the wheel as having three basic parts or "three trainings". The first section is the hub, it symbolizes moral discipline, which is able to stabilize the mind. There are eight spokes that represent wisdom that can be applied to defeat ignorance. Each of the eight spokes symbolize the Noble Eightfold Path set out by the Buddha in his teachings. The rim is a representation of concentration, which holds everything else together.

The wheel's motion is seen as a metaphor for the rapid spiritual change that happens when someone follows the teachings of the Buddha. The first discourse at Deer Park in Sarnath is known as the "first turning of the wheel of dharma." And subsequent discourses at Rajgir and Shravasti are known as the "second and third turnings of the wheel of dharma."

The wheel has been a common symbol in Buddhist art long before the introduction of images. In those days, the Dharmachakra symbolized not only the Buddha's teachings but the Buddha himself. Emperor Ashoka (272-32 BC) built pillars on top of which he placed four carved lions and four wheels, Each one faces the one of four directions to proclaim the Buddhist Dharma throughout India.

Today, the Dharmachakra appears in the art of every Buddhist culture. On images of the Buddha, the wheel appears on the palms of his hands and the soles of his feet. It is often seen in Tibet, flanked by two deer, the whole image is a representation of the Buddha's first sermon in the Deer Park. The wheel is usually central to mandalas, geometric representations of the Buddhist universe. It also appears in the Dharmachakra Mudra, in which the Buddha forms a wheel with the position of his hands.

The Buddhist Lotus Symbol

In Buddhism the lotus flower is one of the most poignant representations of Buddhist teachings and is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. The lotus flower has a strong pleasant odor and is the only water dwelling plant to regularly rise eight to twelve inches above the surface. This flower has inspired many people through out many cultures, it is small, yet strong, carring deep rooted symbolism.

The Lotus is Buddhism's best recognized motif it is used in all kinds of Buddhist art across all Buddhist cultures. Scrolling lotuses often embellish Buddhist textiles, ceramics and architecture. They can also be found as part of the many symbols, where the number of pedals is of great importance.

The growth pattern of a lotus flower signify the progress of the soul. The roots of a lotus flower grow from the primeval mud of materialism, the stem then grows up through the waters of experience, where it lies pristinely above the water, and basks in the bright sunshine of enlightenment.

According to scholars, "in esoteric Buddhism, the heart of the being is like an unopened lotus: when the virtues of the Buddha develop therein, the lotus blossoms; that is why the Buddha sits on a lotus bloom." Almost every important Buddhist deity can be associated in some way with the lotus, either being seated upon a lotus in full bloom or holding one in their hands. Some images of standing Buddhas will go as far as to have each foot rests on a separate lotus.

Finally the color of the lotus is as important to the symbolism associated with it. The white Lotus represents a state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity. It is associated with the White Tara who will proclaim her perfect nature, a quality which is reinforced by the color of her body. Pink is the supreme lotus, mostly reserved for the highest deity. Naturally it is associated with the Great Buddha himself. Red signifies the original nature and purity of the heart. It is the lotus of love, compassion, passion and all other qualities of the heart. It is the flower of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The blue Lotus is a symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, and signifies the wisdom of knowledge. It is the preferred flower of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.

Ten Facts About Buddhism

Buddhism gets its name from a man known by his followers as the Buddha, or the awaken one. He was born in a princely family in a region of Northern India that now lies in Southern Nepal.

There are about 500 million Buddhists worldwide.

Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddharta Gautama, known as the Buddha. His basic teachings are The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path.

The Four Noble Truths are:
The Truth of Suffering: All is suffering.
The Arising of Suffering: Suffering arises from desire and delusion.
The Cessation of Suffering: Nirvana is the solution.
The Truth of the Way: How to achieve Nirvana.

The Noble Eightfold Path includes eight concepts that would lead to Nirvana. This path is often divided in three categories:
Sila: moral conduct.
Samadhi: mental concentration (meditation).
Panna: wisdom.
Buddhism has spread through two main schools or branches: Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism.

Theravada means "Doctrine of the Elders". It's the oldest of the surviving schools of Buddhism. It represents a conservative option and it maintains many of the practices and beliefs of the early followers of the Buddha.

Mahayana means "The Great Vehicle". It's a reform movement that changes the content of Buddhist practice in profound ways. It is the greatest (with more practitioners) surviving school.

Both the Theravada and Mahayana accept the Tripitakas (also known as Pali Canon) as their scriptures.

The Mahayana also have the Mahayana Sutras, which they regard as more important than the Pali Canon. The Theravada finds these Sutras as irrelevant.

To learn more about Buddhism you might be interested in the site by author Pablo Antuna. [http://buddhism-eyes.blogspot.com]Buddhism Through Buddhist Eyes [http://buddhism-eyes.blogspot.com/2008/08/brief-history-of-buddhism.html]History of Buddhism

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pablo_Antuna http://EzineArticles.com/?Ten-Facts-About-Buddhism&id=1616649

Wheel of Dharma

The wheel or wheels of Dharma are the tools in which Buddha uses to teach us how we can reach enlightenment. Physically there are eight spokes on the wheel of Dharma and each spoke is a representation or reference point to the eight fold paths to enlightenment. When each of these paths is followed continuously through out a persons life then they will finally have inner peace.

The meaning of the word Dharma is protection. When a person follows the eight fold path they will be protecting themselves from suffering and other problems of this earth. As humans we strive every day of our live to reach a point where we no longer have to come up against metaphorical walls, or problems, but because from the beginning of time, we have created more and more chaos around ourselves there is no way we can run. Everyday during our lives, we as a race are ignorant, we chose not to see this even though it will never go way on it's own. By practicing Dharma we can finally find the means to an end.

Our quality of life is dependent on or inner peace and happiness, not the items we own or our status in society. External development and material things have blurred our view of what is truly important in life. The only way to improve our quality of life is not to go subscribe to corporate greed but to practice Dharma and get control of our inner selves. Think about it, do you really need a big fancy TV or a big expensive house? Even if those things do make you happy for awhile, how long does the feeling last? The point is not give these things up completely but to live life in moderation. Buddha can teach us how to find pure, lasting happiness by using Dharma as a guide!

When we decide that it is truly time for a change, and accept Buddha's teachings into our daily way of life we can over come the obstacles of greed and use each problem we encounter as a gift to learn and grow. Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. When we can control our thoughts and minds by following spiritual paths then outer peace will flow naturally into our lives.

Turning the wheel of Dharma

It took Buddha a whole lifetime to discover and refine the secrets to enlightenment, but a meager forty-nine days after reaching enlightenment he was asked to teach all he had learned. Buddha rose without question from his deep meditation to help the monks in there quest for knowledge. The lesson Buddha taught when he rose from meditation was first the wheel of Dharma.

Among these teachings of the first wheel of Dharma is the sutra of the four noble truths... 1. This is suffering, 2. The causes of suffering, 3. Suffering can end, nirvana is peace, 4. The true path or eight-fold noble path. These truths must be realized and accepted in order to move on to the next stage. This is also the source of the Hinayana known as the lesser vehicle of Buddhism.

The second wheel of Dharma teaches us the perfection of wisdom sutra, which is a profound saying paying homage to the holy Perfection of Wisdom! The third sutra or wheel of Dharma is about discriminating the intention, it is a long conversation about abandoning our self-cherishing personalities and cherishing only others we can begin to experience true peace and happiness.. These two wheels of Dharma make up the Mahayana, or the great vehicle of Buddhism.

The Hinayana teaches us how we can attain liberation from suffering for ourselves, no one can do it for you and it is not for you to force anyone else to follow Buddha's teachings. Wisdom is the end to suffering. In Buddhism wisdom can refer to conventional and ultimate wisdom, these cannot be forced on anyone who does not accept it into their hearts. The Mahayana teaching explains the way to reach full enlightenment or Buddhahood as it is sometimes called for the sake of others.

In Asia, where the Buddha grew and learned both the Hinayana and Mahayana traditions flourished. It started in India and then over time spread in to other surrounding countries like Tibet. Gradually these teachings are spreading in to the west.

The origin of chakras

The Chakras are the energy center or node in the human body, they were first discovered when practicing spiritual beliefs and practices. The word comes from the Sanskrit "cakra" meaning "wheel, circle", and it is sometimes referred to the "wheel of life". Today the Chakras and their energy is channeled by most “New Age” healers, holistic medical practitioners, they are commonly used in alternative medicine like reflexology, reiki, and yoga.

In Hinduism, meditations would be done on a particular chakra in order to tap into its spiritual energy systems. Each energy system is vibrating at a different frequency than the others, therefor it is responsible for different aspects of the physical and emotional body. People who practice yoga and other related eastern cultural traditions know full well that each chakra holds a unique set of energy's, and when one is blocked it effects all other parts of the body.

The chakras are known- when properly used- to vitalize the physical body of anything from headaches to blood clots and are also associated with interactions of mental nature like depression so schizophrenia. They are considered loci of life energy, or prana, which flow among them along pathways called nadis much like the neropathways in the brain.

There are seven main chakras and many smaller more specific chakras, each is recognized as a three dimensional sphere aligned along the body in an ascending column from the base of the spine (root) to the top of the head (crown). Each chakra is associated with a certain color from red at the root through the spectrum to violet at the crown. Each has multiple specific functions depending on where it is located in the body and which organs it is attached to. They are associated with an aspect of consciousness, a classical element (earth, air, fire or water) and many other distinguishing characteristics.

The chakras are very powerful elements in our bodies that most people do not recognize, they are in control of every aspect of our lives and perhaps hold the secret to our souls. Until humans can scientifically understand the chakra system we will have to trust that it is there and take care if it like we would take care of any other part of your body. We can do this by meditating each day, going for regular check ups, getting plenty of rest. It is important to cleanse your soul, so be sure to take the time on a regular basis to do something for your happiness.

The gifts of Buddha eyes

Buddha Eyes are often referred to as Wisdom Eyes they are a symbol of all the wisdom and knowledge that Siddhartha collected through his privileged life growing up as a child in a palace with a wealthy father, then into his youth when he discovered how sheltered he had been and finally in adulthood made the decision to make a change for the better. Siddhartha traveled across Asia learning and living with ordinary people, meditating in solitude in order to find an end to the worlds suffering.

The two eyes are obviously just that, the eyes of the Buddha, and even though the eyes carry a great significance so to do the symbols that can be above and bellow the eyes. The small dot or swirl just above and in between the eyes is a representation of a third eye or brow chakra which symbolizes inner wisdom and all the knowing. The squiggly line that looks a lot like a question mark is the Nepali character for the number one, which is a symbol for the unity of all things, with the idea that all things are one in the same.

Wisdom eyes are most commonly seen on stupa's also known as Buddhist shrines in the country of Nepal. The eyes are located on all four sides of the tallest tower where they can stare or gaze out above the city. Buddha Eyes symbolize the all-seeing omniscience of the Buddha who has transcended into enlightenment. They are so prevalent in Nepal that they have become a national symbol.

In the end after practically starving himself to death Siddhartha discovered that there are many paths to follow, but the best way to live a fulfilling life is to follow the middle path. Every time you look into Buddha Eyes they will reassure you that there is a means to an end and that even though life is full of suffering if you can achieve enlightenment by giving everything you have and expect nothing in return you can attain liberation from suffering.