Sacred animals of Buddhism and Hinduism. In Chinese mythology, a large place was given to four sacred creatures: the dragon, the tiger, the phoenix, and the turtle.
(Sanskrit singha, simha, Tib. seng ge, sengge dkar)
The lion as the king of beasts is an ancient Indian symbol of supreme power and protection. Early Buddhism adopted the lion as a symbol of Shakyamuni Buddha (Tib. Sakya Seng ge), the "Lion of the Shakya Tribe." Eight lions support the throne of Buddha, symbolizing his supreme power. Eight lions
in eight directions symbolize the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, or the “Eight Close Sons” of the Buddha. Simhanada, or "Lion's Roar", is the name given to the form of Avalokiteshvara. The term "lion's roar" refers to the superiority of the Buddha's teachings over all other heretical doctrines. The lion is the vehicle of many Vajrayana deities, including Vaishravana, Manjushri, Ganapati and Tashi Tseringma. For many buddha forms of the nirmanakaya, the lion throne is common, for example, the Medicine Buddha, Ratnasambhava and Vairocana sit on the lion throne - the white Buddha of the center or west and the lord of the Tathagata buddha family.
The lion of Indian art found its cultural embodiment in Tibetan art as the mythological snow lion of Tibet. This white snow lion with a turquoise mane is the main local deity (Tib. gnyan) of the Tibetan snow mountain ranges. Since Buddhism can be said to have “jumped” over the Himalayas from India to Tibet, it is considered highly auspicious to spot the playful leaping of a snow lion from one snowy peak to another. The Snow Lion is the national emblem of Tibet. His image adorns the national flag, government seals, coins, banknotes, stamps and insignia of the Dalai Lama. A pair of snow lions on thangkas is often depicted in playful poses on the snow caps of mountain peaks, forming a harmonious motif similar in symbolism to the image of a pair of deer and cranes. Snow lions can also be depicted playing with a ball, like kittens. Chinese legend says that a lioness oozes milk from her paws and if you leave empty balls for the lions to play with, some of this milk will get inside the ball. In Tibetan art, balls are usually depicted as three-colored “wheels of joy” (Tib. dga" "khyil).
The great Tibetan yogi Milarepa once saw a prophetic dream in which a snow lion appeared. Milarepa's guru Marpa interpreted this dream as follows: “The lion standing on top of the pillar shows the lion-like nature of the yogi. His luxurious mane shows that the yogi is surrounded by mystical teachings. The four paws of the lion represent the four immeasurable ones. The lion's eyes turned to heaven show the yogi's renunciation of worldly existence. The lion’s free wandering across the snowy peaks shows that the yogi has reached the dimension of absolute freedom.”
TIGER
(Sanskrit vyaghra, Tib. stag)
Tigers are not native to Tibet, but the Bengal tiger of India and the long-haired tiger of neighboring China ensured the animal's frequent appearance in Tibetan art. In China, where there are no lions, the tiger is
shared all the majestic qualities attributed to the Indian lion. In China, the tiger is a symbol of strength, fearlessness and military valor. It is believed that he has a natural mark on his forehead, reminiscent of the Chinese syllable and the word "king" (Chinese wang). In both Chinese and Tibetan medical systems different parts of the tiger were considered to have strong healing properties. Tiger bones are used to cure bone diseases, its teeth are used to relieve toothache, and the ashes from its skin, bones, claws and internal organs used to cure many ailments.
In India, the tiger skin was originally an emblem of Shiva, who killed the "tiger of desire" and used its skin as a seat for meditation. Both in Hindu and Buddhist tradition The whole skin of a tiger is often used as a mat or seat (Skt. asana) for meditation by many yogis, siddhas and deities. Traditionally, the skin of a deer symbolizes peaceful or compassionate activities, and the skin of a tiger represents wrathful or powerful activities. In the 19th century, British rifles
The Raja significantly reduced the number of Bengal tigers in India, and this led to the emergence of a conservation tradition of weaving rugs with tiger skin patterns in Tibet and Bhutan. Tiger skins were worn during battle, and the victorious Buddhist banner was often decorated with a tiger skin inlay.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the tiger is the throne of many deities, especially those of a wrathful or warlike nature. Here, riding a wild tiger symbolizes the fearlessness and indomitable will of the siddha or deity. Sometimes the tiger can be described in detail: for example, a white tiger or a yellow tiger with multi-colored stripes, a pregnant tigress, or a mother tiger with milk flowing from her teats. A tiger skin loincloth (Skt. dhoti) adorns the wrathful male heruka deities and protectors, and their consorts wear leopard skin skirts. Here, the phallic stripes on the tiger's skin symbolize the masculine aspect of the method, and the womb-like spots on the leopard's skin represent the feminine aspect of wisdom. When the deity wears the skin of a tiger, it symbolizes his control over the poison of anger and hatred. The other two outfits of the deity - from flayed human skin and elephant skin - symbolize his control over the other two poisons of desire and ignorance.
On the walls of monasteries of the Gelug tradition there is often the scene of “Mongol Leading the Tiger,” where a Mongol lama or dignitary leads a subdued tiger on a chain. This emblem is believed to represent the Lords of the three families, where the Mongol symbolizes Avalokiteshvara, the chain symbolizes Vajrapani, and the tiger symbolizes Manjushri. This emblem also has a more sectarian symbolism, whereby the Mongol leading the tiger represents the superiority of the "yellow caps" of the Gelug school over their "pacified" rivals, the "red caps" of the old schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
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Year: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986,1998, 2010, 2022
Time of day: 3:00-5:00
Zodiac symbol: Sagittarius
Motto: “I win”
Element (element) of the sign: Wood-yang
Direction: east - northeast
Green color
Gemstone: sapphire
Feast traditions: bread, poultry Tiger is the sign of the third year of the Chinese 12-year cycle. It symbolizes strength, courage and leadership qualities. This sign has a yang nature, which is associated with masculinity, activity, warmth, and forward movement.
His natural element (element) wood also has powerful Yang properties. Thus, yang qualities make the Tiger, first of all, a leader and a warrior. The sign of the Tiger is associated with green. In Chinese symbolism green color(qing) from ancient times denoted the east, as with natural phenomenon was associated with the wind, which in turn was associated with the element “tree”. The main properties of the tree are variability, the ability to grow, to transition from passive yin to active yang. That is, green color is associated with the birth of a new life, with the beginning of spring, when yin weakens and yang begins to strengthen. In the mythology of the East, the tiger is the embodiment of strength and cunning. Just as in the West, he is the king of animals and the owner of the forest. In ancient China, the tiger, along with the dragon, phoenix and turtle, is one of the four sacred creatures. The tiger is the king of beasts, the ruler of all animals living on land; it evokes horror and fear. Main characteristics The tiger, which runs like a red thread through all beliefs and myths, is his strength. It can manifest itself in two ways - the tiger is a creator and a destroyer at the same time. The tiger represents superhuman powers; it is a messenger of the forest gods, and gods who are immortal or who drive out evil spirits can ride on it.
The tiger was correlated with the feminine principle yin, underground world and the West, where the sun sinks beyond the edge of the earth, and its opposite was the Green Dragon, the bearer of the yang masculine principle. The Lady of the West, Xi-Wanmu, is also associated with the Tiger, who in ancient Chinese manuscripts was described as a zoomorphic creature with the tail of a leopard and the fangs of a tiger. Images of tigers on doorposts were supposed to drive out demons. In ancient times, the White Tiger paired with the Green Dragon was revered as a spirit - the guardian of doors. The image of a tiger is found on bronze and porcelain items from the distant past. The entrance to monasteries, government buildings, rich shops, and residential buildings of feudal lords were decorated and protected by stone sculptures of a tiger. Protective gods were often depicted riding tigers. Among the Chinese, the god of wealth rides on a tiger guarding chests of coins.
In the late Chinese tradition Five legendary tigers appear, protecting the world from the forces of chaos: the White Tiger from the west, the Blue (Green) Tiger from the east, and the Red Tiger from the south. Black Tiger - s north side. The Yellow Tiger protects the center of the world, that is, China itself. One of the five star palaces is associated with the White Tiger (Bai-hu), symbolizing longevity. He is a symbol of the land of the dead (in China White color- this is the color of mourning).
The tiger is a character in many ancient legends, where it often acts as a savior. In some regions of China, the tiger symbolizes marriage and childbirth. In the province of Shankhxi, the bride, before entering the groom's house, takes with her two tigers sculpted from dough; Tradition dictates that these talismans be hung over the newlyweds' bed. In Henan Province, a temple fair is held in the third lunar month, and toy tigers made from various materials, sold everywhere. Many people come to the temple to pray for their child and then bring the tiger toy home. One such toy is usually made of two tigers, as a symbol of a man and a woman. The plot “Tigress feeding a man” is popular, especially in embroidery.
People born in the year of the Tiger
The strengths of people born in the year of the Tiger are courage, bravery, fearlessness and nobility. They are usually generous, sincere, unpredictable, brave and imaginative. However, they can also be restless, undisciplined, stubborn, selfish, aggressive, short-tempered and impatient. Tigers are not careful, but boldly and sometimes recklessly rush in search of adventure. The life of Tigers is never calm - it is full of unexpected turns, changes and accidents. The desire for risk is in the Tigers' blood - they cannot imagine life without strong emotions.
The Tiger's sincerity and passion attract people to him; Enthusiasm and willpower help you easily win supporters. The tiger is always full of new ideas and burns with enthusiasm to bring them to life, but it cools down very quickly. The tiger often acts too impulsively, he has to regret his rash actions. He does not like it when people witness his failures and therefore in such cases he prefers to abandon his plan and take up a new business. Fortunately, in addition to impulsiveness, Tigers also have developed logical thinking, which allows them, if necessary, to soberly assess the situation and get away with it. In addition, Tiger men are usually optimistic. They quickly forget about failures and begin to make new plans for the future.
The tiger needs to attract the attention of others, and he special effort turns out to be the center of attention in any company. He cares very much about his image and knows perfectly well how to make an impression - he always looks elegant, knows how to behave in society, and is attentive to others.
The tiger cannot stand any authority and, in general, does not like to obey. He is not afraid to express his opinion and defend it even at the cost of conflict. All Tigers are bosses at heart. If, by the will of fate, the Tiger finds himself in a subordinate position, he constantly conflicts with his superiors or fights for the rights of his colleagues. He is a born frondard, constantly in opposition to the existing order, unless, of course, he created and maintains this order. Selfish in small things, the Tiger is unselfish in great things and is ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of the cause. He is always on the lookout, despises conservatism, recognized authorities and established power.
Tigers are not particularly interested in money, but are nevertheless capable of making a fortune. They spend money easily and share it easily. They are confident in their success and have no doubt that what they spent will return to them with interest. Optimism, determination, initiative and the ability to quickly grasp the essence of a problem are qualities that allow Tigers to succeed. The tiger is very honest and open with everyone, he is respected, his opinion is listened to. What attracts Tigers to work is its interest and quality of execution, rather than profit. Tigers make good travelers, military men, police officers, politicians, writers, designers, researchers, advertising specialists or businessmen.
As a rule, Tigers are very proud of themselves, love cheerful, noisy companies and boast where they enjoy everyone's attention, but have few real friends. Usually, at first, when meeting people, they are too enthusiastic about people, but then they cool down. Tigers have a poor understanding of people - they often trust unreliable people too much. Tigers are generous and magnanimous, but if they don't get their way, they can become stubborn, petty and selfish.
Tigers are able to act quickly and decisively in difficult situations. They have a natural charisma and charm that attracts others to them. Therefore, Tigers often make leaders, revolutionaries, and leaders. A sharp mind allows them to become inspectors, detectives, detectives. Tigers have the ability to see through people and have a negative attitude towards those who do not share their aspirations and beliefs. Tigers are almost constantly in a state of struggle, without which they cannot imagine their existence. They support not only members of their family, but also all their like-minded people. It is almost impossible to convince the Tiger. A hectic life often does not allow them to find peace in the family circle. If he finds it, the house in which the Tiger lives turns into an unshakable fortress.
Since ancient times in China, the tiger has symbolized military valor, personifying severity, courage and leadership. How is this hieroglyph pronounced, what does it look like and how to write it?
The written sign is pronounced like this: hǔ/hu (pinyin/Palladium system).
Despite the ferocity, the tiger ancient China revered as one of the sacred animals, along with the Phoenix and the Turtle. This animal is one of the 12 signs.
So, let's admire this predator.
In ancient times people often used various signs and symbols. Nowadays we also use many symbols, and there are symbols for the tiger. For example, here is one of these signs, “icons”:
As you can see, when selecting several in a sign characteristic features tiger we find out what the picture means.
The ancient Chinese, when creating the hieroglyph, highlighted features that were especially characteristic of the tiger. At that time, the tiger was schematically depicted in a way that is unusual for us - vertically (like most ancient Chinese characters for animals).
This picture shows a sample ancient writing“jinwen”, which has survived to this day as an engraved image on metal (bronze was mainly used).
Now let’s rotate the archaic picture 180 degrees horizontally.
And finally, let's look at the modern style of the hieroglyph.
As you can see, modern writing has undergone significant change, however, if you fantasize a little, then the sign can be seen as an open mouth, paws and tail.
The tiger is an animal highly revered in the areas where it lives. This image is both lunar and solar. He is the creator and the destroyer. A tiger fighting a snake symbolizes the celestial solar power. In a battle with a lion or an eastern dragon, the tiger becomes a lunar, evil symbol. It also symbolizes royalty, strength, cruelty, ferocity, anger, but also speed. May be the personification of Mother Earth.
In Europe, the tiger is a symbol of power and bloodthirstiness. William Blake in his poem “The Tiger” (1794) uses the symbolism of the duality of this animal, connecting it with the dangerous forces of natural instincts. In Western fine art, tigers are a rarity; sometimes they replace leopards harnessed to the chariot of the ancient Greek god of wine Dionysus (Bacchus).
On Far East The tiger is considered a symbol of nobility and happiness. But in general, in the cultures of Asia and India, where the tiger often replaces the lion as the main emblem of greatness and wild strength, it can be a symbol of both aggression and protection. IN South-East Asia The tiger is a common tribal figure, and tales of a ferocious race of tiger men are known from India to Siberia.
Like the lion, the tiger can symbolize both life and death, both evil and the victory of good. Some gods ride on tigers, demonstrating their power, for example Durga. The Hindu god Shiva and his warlike wife Kali are often depicted in tiger skins. In India, the image of a tiger is a military emblem, since there it is associated with military valor.
In Korea, the tiger is revered as one of the guardians of the four cardinal directions. He is credited with the ability to bring happiness and banish illness and grief. First moon month In Korea it is called the “Month of the Tiger”. The tiger is revered as a messenger of the Mountain Spirit and in New Year's rituals is associated with magpies - birds that bring good news.
In Chinese Buddhism, the tiger is one of the three Emotionless Beings, personifying anger (along with the monkey - a symbol of acquisitive greed and the deer - the personification of insatiable lust). The tiger is also the personification of anger.
For the Chinese, the tiger is the king of beasts, the ruler of all animals living on land. When it has yang symbolism, it, according to Chinese symbolism, occupies a place similar to the lion in the West, and represents power, courage, military strength and fury, which it needs as a protector. When the tiger is depicted fighting the yang symbol, the celestial dragon, it becomes the earthly personification of yin. Depicted together, they symbolize the opposing forces of spirit and matter. The tiger is the third of the symbolic animals of the Twelve Earthly Branches. The god of wealth rides on a tiger guarding chests of coins. The Chinese wind goddess also rides a tiger. He guards graves and scares away evil spirits. It is a lunar symbol, personifying the growing power of the new Moon, which is depicted in the guise of a child running from the teeth of a tiger. This child is the “ancestor of all people,” that is, humanity, and the tiger symbolizes the forces of darkness from which the new Moon is saved. Defensive power The tiger can be traced in China in symbolic stone images on graves and doors, as well as in ancient tradition putting tiger hats on children.
In China, five legendary tigers guard the cardinal directions and the center: The White Tiger is the west, autumn, the element of metal; he should always face his head to the south and his tail to the north. Blue Tiger is the east, spring, plant life. The Red Tiger is the south, summer, fire. Black Tiger is the north, winter, water. The Yellow Tiger is the center, the Sun. Tiger is the third sign of the Chinese horoscope.
In Chinese alchemy, the tiger symbolizes lead and bodily strength.
For the Aztecs, the tiger is the western, setting Sun, chthonic forces and the forces of the earth.
Hello, dear readers!
The topic of our conversation today is the sacred animals of Buddhism and Hinduism. As you and I already know, eastern religious and philosophical movements are quite peaceful and eco-centric. They encourage us to love all living beings in the Universe: from small insects to the person himself.
It is especially different from other world religions, in which the emphasis is placed precisely on achieving well-being for humans. In the East, they “take care” not only of humans, but also of all living things that surround us.
Buddha himself loved and respected all living beings and in his various incarnations was not only human, but also took the form of animals, therefore his followers adopted his teachings and attitude towards those who neighbor us.
Animal symbols and their meanings
There are animals that have special meaning for Buddhists. For example, such as:
- cow
- dog
- horse
- monkey
- deer
- cat
- turtle
Since both Indian and Buddhist cultures are rich in symbolism, each of the listed animals represents certain things. Let's look at which ones exactly.
Elephant
The elephant is a symbol of wisdom, justice, kindness, stability. The image of the white elephant is inextricably linked with Buddhism and occupies special place in him.
There is a legend that says that before the birth of Buddha, his mother dreamed of a white elephant. Then the sages predicted that an unusual child would be born to her. It is also believed that when heroes, saints or rulers leave the world of the living, they are reincarnated as an elephant.
In Hinduism, the elephant is a symbol of longevity, strength and power. For example, the Indian god of wisdom and happiness, Ganesha, is always depicted with an elephant's head. Ganesha is one of the most beloved deities in India.
Indian god Ganesha
You can learn even more about the symbolism of the elephant in Buddhism.
Cow
The cow is especially revered in India. The cow is the nurse, the “mother” in eastern countries, bestows prosperity. She gives milk, feeds people. Killing and eating beef is strictly prohibited in India. You can't even shout at a cow. Indians even today believe that a cow can fulfill wishes and bring wealth.
Dog
Dogs are one of the most beloved animals of Tibetans. Nepal celebrates the Tihar festival in November. One of the days of this holiday is dedicated to honoring dogs: they are decorated with colored garlands and presented with delicious treats.
In Nepal, it is believed that these animals devoted to humans can communicate with the god of death, Yama.
God of Death Yama
But in Hinduism, dogs are considered “unclean” animals and are even feared. This is most likely due to the fact that when a person “transitions” to another world, it is dogs who accompany him along this path. The dog also accompanies the god Indra.
Tiger
The tiger in Hinduism denotes the Kshatriya caste. Kshatriyas are the second caste after the Brahmins, they are a warrior caste. The tiger, accordingly, personifies strength, power and authority. Goddess Durga, the wife of the god Shiva, is often depicted riding a tiger.
Goddess Durga
The tiger is especially revered: in front of the entrance to monasteries you can often find stone sculptures of tigers. This animal symbolizes courage, strength, courage. But in Thailand there is the most famous tiger monastery of the school. It is a haven for many species of wild life.
a lion
The lion is the symbol of Buddha. The image of snow lions was approved by the Dalai Lama on national flag and the coat of arms of Tibet. The lion is also present on coins and banknotes. The snow lion is one of the constant companions and bodhisattvas.
In Hinduism, the lion is one of the ten avatars of the god Vishnu.
Horse
For Hindus, a horse means a means of transporting the soul to another world.
The horse is very loved by Buddhists. It symbolizes perseverance, intelligence, freedom and even elegance.
Monkey
These creatures symbolize base passions. However, in Buddhist culture there is a talisman “”, which personifies the reluctance to see evil, hear evil and talk about evil.
This talisman is sometimes sold in souvenir shops of some datsans - temples of the Tibetan branch of Buddhism, we managed to purchase one of them.
Buddhists also consider the monkey to be an early incarnation of the Buddha himself.
In Hinduism, the monkey is a symbol of the god Hanuman, the son of the wind god. Hanuman had a monkey-like appearance and was revered by the Hindus. In India there are entire temples inhabited exclusively by monkeys.
Snake
The snake is a particularly revered creature in Eastern teachings as a symbol of wisdom. In Hinduism, it means nature, the original chaos. Cobras are sacred to Hindus, who believe that they can protect homes.
In Buddhism, the snake, on the one hand, is sacred - it was the cobra that protected Sidhartha Gautama from the rain during meditation, and Buddha is sometimes depicted with a snake. However, this reptile is also depicted in the center, where it personifies one of the sins.
In both Hinduism and Buddhism there are magical snake-like individuals called Nagas, i.e. snakes. They look like mythical creatures with the head and body of a man, on top of which are snake heads or have a snake tail instead of legs. They act as intermediaries between people and gods.
Nagas in Hinduism
Deer
The deer belongs to the religious symbolism of Buddhism. Represents purity and pristineness. Often images of Buddha himself can be seen along with a deer. According to legend, Buddha was a deer in one of his lives and he first taught his teachings in a deer park near Varanasi.
Cat
Buddhists have the opinion that a cat, like a person, can achieve enlightenment, nirvana.
There is no practice of cat worship in Hinduism, but Hindus believe that the souls of ancestors can be reborn into cats, so they treat them with respect.
Turtle
The turtle is a symbol of longevity. The image of a turtle can bring good luck and material well-being. In Buddhism, she is considered one of the incarnations of the bodhisattva, and in India - the second avatar of the god Vishnu.
Interestingly, large stone statues of turtles can be found in the steppe in Mongolia. There is even a restaurant in the shape of a turtle.
Sacred birds in Hinduism and Buddhism
IN oriental culture There are revered and idolized birds. The most famous are the phoenix, mandarin ducks, crane, peacock, eagle, rooster. Each of them carries a certain meaning, which we will get to know.
Peacock
He is the embodiment of beauty and nobility, one of the symbols of India. In Buddhism it means vigilance and compassion. It is believed that before his human incarnation, Buddha was a peacock.
Mandarin ducks
Are a symbol marital fidelity. Their images can be given to newlyweds so that love and happiness can be preserved in their lives for as long as possible. In some areas of Buddhism, it is believed that Buddha, as a child, played with a pair of these ducks.
Crane
The crane is one of the signs of longevity. In Buddhism it symbolizes winter.
Rooster
The rooster is masculinity, valor, courage. In Buddhism, it personifies sensual desires and is one of the three animals in the center of the circle of samsara.
Phoenix
ABOUT means warmth, sun, life, can help women suffering from infertility.
The Buddhist temple in Kyoto has a phoenix pavilion, this bird also adorns the roof of the temple.
Eagle
The eagle in Buddhism is the bird on which Buddha flew.
Conclusion
Today we looked at animals and birds that are considered holy and valuable in eastern countries and religions, and found out what they symbolize. We learned about the relationship to living beings in Buddhism and Hinduism. We hope that this short excursion was informative and interesting for you.
See you again!
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