Symbols of Buddhism

Buddhist art and iconography are a rich source of body art imagery. Readers of Buddhism at About.com are invited to send in photographs of their Buddhist tattoos. The best ones will be added to the gallery.

The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, With Their Meanings.

Dragons are often depicted in Buddhist art and literature. What do they represent?

Buddhas and bodhisattvas often are depicted in Buddhist art with stylized hand gestures called "mudras." The word "mudra" is Sanskrit for "seal" or "sign," and each mudra has a specific meaning. Buddhists sometimes use these symbolic gestures during rituals and meditation. The list that follows is a guide to common mudras.

The "earth witness" Buddha is one of the most common iconic images of Buddhism. What is the earth witness gesture, and what does it mean?