Symbolism in Buddhism and Hinduism

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Sacred Symbols and Rituals of Buddhism and Hinduism The two world religions: Hinduism and Buddhism have many similarities and many differences. Among these similarities and differences lots of them are in the subject of symbols and rituals. For example there are many symbols or icons that may have striking resemblances either by form or by meaning. There are also many rituals of worship and festivals that have very similar. For example both religions have their own forms of meditations that are both focused on the inner self and spirit. The final aspect they are similar is in the celebration of the life-cycle. For example both religions have very similar initiation rituals. There is one symbol that is recurring in both Hinduism and Buddhism. This symbol is the lotus flower. The lotus in Buddhism is a symbol due to the way it grows in nature. A lotus flower’s stem starts from the mud, through the water and blooms on the surface of the water. This is supposed to represent “the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.”. In Hinduism the lotus is used as an example of beauty and non-attachment. The flower is rooted in the mud but floats on the water without becoming dirty. This is supposed to “resemble release from rebirth without attachment to one’s surroundings.”. These are very similar meanings to the symbol of the lotus because they are both focused on getting away from the human obsession with material possessions, and furthering themselves to a path of enlightenment or inner peace. The lotus is also similar in these religions because in both religions it is connected to deities. Every relevant Buddhist deity is depicted to be holding a lotus. In Hinduism, there is a deity named Krishna, who is also known as the “Lotus-Eyed One”. Two symbols that are both

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