The Buddhist symbols represent the culture of those people who follows the Buddhism. The many symbols are related to India and can be found in Hinduism as well, although possibly with a different meaning. It’s a fact that historical Buddha lived around the sixth century BCE, but no Buddhist symbol are known from before the third century BCE. Buddha occasionally used images like ‘Wheel of Life’ to illustrate the teachings. The credit for popularize Buddhism in India and beyond goes to emperor Ashoka (273 232 BCE) who converted to Buddhism. In the second century BCE, people started to build Buddhist monasteries in rock with a large amount of artwork symbolising the Buddhism. The first actual images of Buddha appeared in first century BCE, so until then the artwork of Buddhism war largely symbolic in nature. The Eight Spoked Dharma Wheel, Bodhi Tree, Buddha’s Footprints, Empty Throne, Begging Bowl, Lion are used to represent the holy Buddha.

The Eight-Spoked Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra) symbolises the Buddha’s Wheel of Truth or Law. A story behind this Dharmachakra is that the Brahma came down from haven and requested to Buddha to teach by offering him a Dharmachakra. The Dharmachakra contains eight spokes, symbolising the Eight-fold Noble Path. The 3 swirling segments in centre representing the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha (The spiritual community)

The Bodhi Tree refers to the tree under which the Buddha achieved the Enlightenment. As tree worship was a part of existing Indian culture so the Bodhi tree become easily a devotional symbol. The Bodhi Tree is situated in Bodhgaya near Naranjara River.

The Throne symbolises the Sidhdharta Gautama’s royal ancestry and the Idea of Spiritual Kingship – Enlightenment as Ruler of the Spiritual World.

The Lion is also one of Buddhism’s famous symbols. It is traditionally associated with the Regality, Strength and Power. The Lions are also used in the Ashok Stambha (Piller) situated in Sarnath.

The Footprints of Buddha traditionally symbolize the existence of Buddha and the presence of the Enlightenment.

The Begging Bowl refers to a story; young women named Sujata offered him a bowl of milk-rice during his journey for achieving the enlightenment. The Bowl also represent the monk way of life.

There are lots of other symbols leading the Buddhism in this universe Like the Peace Stupas, located in different parts of the Asia and also there the Buddha & Buddhism exists. These symbols are locating a new way of life which is full of happiness, joy and satisfaction. The person who believes in Buddhism are the part of a Spiritual Community.