The Pentagram, The Dharmachakra, And The Chi Rho

Many people interchange the terms Pentangle and Pentagram but this is incorrect, A geometric figure draw with one line that has five points is called a pentagram. It can also be defined as a five-pointed star drawn with a continuous line. A pentagram can be one side up or inverted. Greek scholars believe that the Pentagram symbol originated by Pythogoras. He claimed the human body is five- fold. While having some attributes in common they have several distinct differences, this is not how they are represented like not having a circle on the pentagram but the actual meaning behind the word..

Some pracitioners feel that the pentacle represents the four elements and the top of the pentacle representing the Divine, Spirit, Ether or Akasha, residing above the rest of the Elements.

The pentacle is a well recognized symbol that has been used (and still is) within many religious practices. It can be dated back to Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece and Celtic times where it stood as a symbol for many different, earthly associations. Unfortunately, a dark period in history led the Catholic church to believe that the pentacle is associated with Satanic evil. Despite the misconceptions, however, the pentacle has been reclaimed by Neo-Pagan religious groups in an attempt to bring the original, positive spirituality back to its symbolism.

Puja, which means offering in Sanskrit and worship in Pali, is one of the principle ceremonies in Buddhism. It can be conducted either at home or a Buddhist temple and has no specific time or rules. Puja integrates the principle beliefs of Buddhism which are the three Jewels, Four Noble Truths, marks of existence and karma, samsara, nirvana through the elements of bowing, offering, chanting and meditation. It is with these elements that the principle beliefs of Buddhism are demonstrated.

The third sight that the prince saw was a dead body – death . After seeing all the above mention sights, the mind of the prince became much troubled and became sorrowful because of suffering that human beings have to endure in their life. After encountering these three terrifying sights, the prince came across the fourth sight the ascetic who decided to devote his life to find the cause of suffering that human being go through. Siddhartha understood that he could also be relieved from the suffering he went through of being reborn repeatedly. As a result, Siddhartha decided to be and follow the ascetic. To sum up, this discussion has explored the significance of the four sights of Buddha. These are the most respected and adored sights by the

One of those points on the pentangle represents the five wounds of Christ on the cross. This is a direct reference to Christianity, with the pentangle also serving as character guidance just as the North Star Guided

Ther are five natural elements in Wiccan traditions, rather than the normal 4 most of us are familiar with. The five elements are Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and the extra one is "Aether" or "spirit". Five different points of a pentagram represent each element, and as such the pentagram is a fundamental shape in Wiccan tradition.

We can define rituals as repeated actions that provides us with meaning and significance. Symbols are a small unit of a ritual. Both rituals and symbols play an active role in religion. According to Clifford Geertz, religion can be defined as “a system of symbols which acts to establish powerful, pervasive and long lasting moods and motivations in both men and women by formulating conceptions of general order of existence”. Every religion has some assembly of rituals and/or symbols that help form and shape its practices. However, do some religions have more rituals and symbols than others? When comparing Buddhism to my own religion, Christianity, Buddhism appears to have more rituals and symbols that shape their religion.

Those who are raised within one religious tradition may find it difficult to understand the traditions of another religion. It is not until one is educated in the basics of the other major world religions, that it is possible to see the many similarities between them. Just as there are many similarities between the countries culturally, the major religions share more things than they are different. In viewing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism with an open mind, it is easy to see the differences, similarities and ideals that make these religions as widespread as they are.

Yes, all three religions have a symbol of faith, but however, each of them represents different meanings.

There are many different religions with many different beliefs, traditions, practices, and rituals. These differences are a very important part of understanding and appreciating the culture and history behind the specific religion. However, the practices that certain religions have in common can aid even more in furthering the understanding of specific beliefs of other religions. Since most religions cultivate from the practices and beliefs of other religions, they use those core values and beliefs and transform them into what they believe is a better way practicing. Religions use similarities within each other and twist them into their own. There are certain beliefs within every religion that shape their practices such as their morals or their most essential or absolute value, their position on human beings’ problems and solutions, and their view on life and death within their religion. Pure Land Buddhism (a form of Mahayana Buddhism) and Vaishnavites (a group within Hinduism) are great examples of this very concept.

Hinduism finds Karma to play a viable role in how our spiritual existence cycles out. They believe that whatever you do on earth can affect how nice your next existence will be. In Taoism, they come into a balance with a doctrine of “Tao.” A concept of a natural order within the universe. They believe that once they achieve balance and become one with Tao, they will become eternal and after their earthly death their spiritual existence will find its ways on earth once more. Other differences can be found within their religious texts and scriptures. Through Buddhism they have multiple holy texts which of one includes the pali canon meaning “the word of Buddha,” an instruction and a doctrine given to the buddhist people. One of their texts, The Vedas, is shared with Hinduism and is used to explain meaning behind their philosophies through sacred ideals and text. The Tao Te Ching is used in Taoism as the “Way and the Power” of their religious beliefs which is embodied in their day to day lives and Taoist temples throughout China. Hinduism and Buddhism have the same structures of worship which include churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues.

Hindu and Buddhist cultures are both rich in religion and expressing their faith through art. The Buddhist culture was formed by Buddha who went out to discover the causes of pain and suffering. Once Buddha realized what the cause was, he provided a set of four guiding principles know as the “Four Noble Truths” that are exercised in Buddhism (Kleiner, p. 13). The Four Noble truths are “Life is suffering, the cause of suffering is desire, one can overcome and extinguish desire, the way to conquer desire and end suffering is to follow Buddha’s Eightfold Path…” (p. 13). These truths are expressed in the following of Buddhism and commonly carried out through art. Buddhism is practiced throughout Southeast Asia and southern India where

The lives and teachings of Muhammad, Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), and Jesus Christ each are similar to one another but each do have their own differences. The difference includes their teachings and beliefs. The similarity consist of each of them being associated with a certain religion and each being worship by a group of individuals associated with the religion. Jesus Christ is a religious leader whose teachings are in the Bible, in which is a central figure for Christians. Buddha is a spiritual leader whose life is the foundation of Buddhist religion. Muhammad is the founder of Islam and is believed to be the proclaimer of the Qur’an and is the foundation of Muslim religion.

Many people have different religions, traditions, and are raised in different cultures. Different body piercings as well as tattoos can show peoples different religious beliefs, views, and represent what culture or religion they are a part of. Some different religions forbid tattoos as they are natural. Buddhism is an example of a religion where tattoos are promoted. In the Buddhist religion tattoos represent keeping the strength in a time of crisis. Comparing the Buddhist