Buddhist symbols are generally considered in relation to a particular culture or religious affiliation. Everebody heard about Eight Auspicious Symbols, dorje (vajra) and bell, stupa etc. In India, it is not surprising to find some commonly used Buddhist symbols, despite the fact that Hinduism is the main religion there. However, their representation and role serve totally different purposes. The Buddha lived about the 6th century but there has not been found any Buddhist art or symbols from this time. According to the Buddhist holy writings, the Buddha used such images and forms of art like the Wheel of Life in his teachings as symbolic representations to explain or elaborate a particular Buddhist teaching. Some artifacts dating to the time of Emperor Ashoka have been found and his conversion to Buddhism is believed was the first step to the spread of Buddhism around India and its neighboring countries.

Around the first century, all the Buddhist art excavations discovered have been purely symbolic in nature. The coming of the Buddha Tantra brought with it the art of Buddhist meditation by use of imagination and visualization techniques, a form of Buddhist meditation known as Tibetan Buddhism. A large collection of Buddhist art representing deities that was used in these forms of Buddhist meditation rituals can now be found in Buddhist temples throughout the region. Most of these collections were Buddhist literature and artwork.

The Buddhist temples housed mostly literature and artwork associated with Buddhism. The wheel, stupa and the lotus are often used in Buddhist meditation and are therefore not missing in Buddhist temples. Let?s take a look at some of these symbols and see their significance when it comes to Buddhism.

The bell symbol serves to dispel evil spirits and has a natural function. It consists of the dorje, lotus and the moondisc symbols. Together with the dorje, the bell stands for wisdom in a feminine way while the dorje is used to complement the bell as compassion in a masculine way.

The dorje is a symbol used in Buddha to represent its indivisible and indestructible nature. It is a scepter that is used in Buddhist meditation as part of the religious practices. It is sometimes referred to as the Vajra.

Incense burning is also taken to be a significant part of Buddhism worship. During the incense offering, this is the time to offer specific requests of success, longevity and any personal need. After this, Buddhist meditation is performed and such qualities as love, joy and compassion are reflected upon during these meditation periods.

One location that is important in Buddhist worship is Mount Kailash. This mountain peak is located on the Himalayan Mountains and is regarded as the central point of our vast universe. It is an important location for Buddhist meditation and has a religious connection to the 4 main religions of the region. These religions are Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Bon.

To many, Buddhist art and its accompanying symbols are simply visual mantras. However, it is claimed that contemplating on the significance of these forms of art present in Buddhist temples and used in Buddhist meditation, one will build an inner connection with the represented aspect.

Landscape design is not just about putting up plants, trees, shrubs, bushes, adding a greenhouse or a fountain and laying the lawn. It reveals one’s mental attitude in life. The outdoor space is also full of energy and channelizing it will be of advantage to the well being of yourself and your family. Placing every object in your garden according to the principles of feng shui will not only bring about the harmony in the energies that surround, its impact will result natural, healing and prospering environment. Here are some tips to help you apply the principles of feng shui to your landscape design.

The art of feng shui divides every environment into eight directions, or trigrams. Each trigram has specific characteristics and these can be utilized for optimum advantage.

• The North characterizes creativity, inspiration and personal growth. Its influence can be heightened by using placing water i.e. waterfall, fountain, etc. in this direction.
• The Northeast is for knowledge, wisdom and spiritual growth. This place should ideally have items made from earth like stone benches or rock gardens and avoid plants and trees in this region.
• The East is characterized by new life, rejuvenation and health. Wood is the best element to use in this direction. Plants and herbs in this direction are also helpful. This place should ideally have no metal or artificial structures.
• The Southeast is for wealth and prosperity. As with the east, plant trees in this direction and avoid metal.
• The South signifies opportunities or dreams and is a great place for fire. If you were planning on having a barbeque pit, this is the ideal place for it!
• The Southwest is important for romance, marriage and motherhood. This would be a great place to place seating arrangement and avoid plant and trees.
• The West is for children. Metal in items like swings, slides, etc are good in this area. Fire should be avoided here.
• The Northwest is meant for travel, fatherhood and trade. Like the west, use metal in this region and avoid fire.

Here are some more tips for you to understand the feng shui landscape design and to help you create for yourself a feng shui garden:

• Water bodies: Water can bring positive energy into any space, as long as it is not stagnant. Avoid building pond, instead have a fountain or a waterfall installed.
• Types of plants: Avoid thorny or spiky plants. Try and maintain a multicolored flower bed throughout the year.
• Herbs: A lot of focus is placed on the use of herbs with medicinal properties.