Emblems for a Buddhist Garden
Three Buddhist emblems are often used as decorations in Buddhist countries.
Emblems as Decoration
The leaf of the Bodhi Tree, the lotus flower, and the eight-spoked Buddhist Wheel – which represents the Noble Eightfold Path – are emblems used as decorations in a Buddhist garden.
In Buddhist countries they are often painted on walls, for instance, or carved into stone and wood, or used in repeat patterns in iron railings. The Bodhi tree leaf is a common shape for the metal tongues of the little temple bells which tinkle in the wind. You see flowerbeds in Bodhi tree leaf shape.
The photo shows all three emblems as patterns in some garden railing in Bodhgaya. There are lotus flowers along the top and bottom. A Buddhist Wheel is in the centre. There are Bodhi Tree leaves in the centre too and on either side.
There may be opportunities to include such emblems in your garden. Earlier photos have shown the Buddhist Wheel in slate in the Children’s Meditation Garden and the lotus flower wall painting at the London Buddhist Centre. The ground plan of the Tibetan Peace Garden in London was based round the Buddhist Wheel.
You can print out clear shapes for all three emblems from files listed on: www.buddhanet.net/ebooks_childrens.htm
The international Buddhist Flag is another emblem which you could use.
It is now widely used by Buddhists in Asia, even in very remote places.
It is not as easy to buy in Britain as Buddhist prayer flags. But the
design is so simple that you could make it yourselves. For details about
the flag, see:
www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_flag.htm
For making decorations, consider using mosaic made from pieces of broken, coloured china. This is common in South East Asia, especially in Thailand. It is reasonably easy and can look very good at a distance. The photos show the decorated garden wall of the Vietnamese Temple at Bodhgaya – at a distance and then close up so you see the china pieces.
Think what will draw visitors to the garden
Last but not least, your garden needs to be designed so it is a place where people will want to spend time. The garden can benefit no-one, if no-one goes there.
In Buddhist monasteries you see parts of the garden which are used for fun, as well as parts which are peaceful and quiet. In Asia, football and cricket are often played there by younger monks. Gardens are also used just to relax and chat.
A design for a Buddhist garden in school grounds shouldn’t be too solemn. You should think about how your design will attract people to visit it.
Continue reading: Sources of further information.