Final answer:
Buddhism symbols include the Lotus Flower, the Dharmachakra, and the Endless Knot. Images of the Buddha in meditation also serve as an iconic symbol, signifying his teachings and the path to enlightenment across different branches of Buddhism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Buddhism is rich in symbolism, and many symbols have become associated with its practice and beliefs. Some of the most well-known symbols include:
- The Lotus Flower - Symbolizing purity and enlightenment, it grows in muddy water but blooms beautifully above the surface.
- The Dharmachakra or Wheel of Dharma - Represents the teachings of Buddha and the Eightfold Path to enlightenment.
- The Endless Knot - Signifies the interconnected nature of all things and the endless cycle of birth and rebirth.
Additionally, the image of the seated Buddha in meditation with a smile and half-closed eyes, often draped in a robe and performing a mudra, is iconic in Buddhism. Statues like Tongil Daebul and artifacts such as the Buddha bucket are imbued with profound meaning, used in devotion and as reminders of the Buddha's teachings. Symbols such as these are integral in various branches of Buddhism including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, each with its own particular emphases and interpretations of these symbols.