SYMBOLS!

Someone on Quora asked me a question about symbols used in the religions around the globe and if they are of any significance. I thought to share the answer in form of a post on the blog. Man made so many religions based on the teachings of some pious souls. My book 'Inception of our minds' explains the theory of existence of several religions. One of the biggest myths which blossomed under the umbrella of religions in several parts of the world was that there are numerous Gods and each one of them has a specific characteristic and plays a different role. Here is a small attempt to make things sound logical and clear according to the knowledge of Spirituality. Most of all there is ONE GOD.

Christianity is a monotheistic religion, It is the most populous religions of all which means it has the largest numbers of followers. Symbol of the Christian Cross more specifically represents crucifixion of Christ.The other important symbol which clearly defined Jesus as a messenger of God was Christan Symbol-Ichthys (fish). Christians began using the Greek word for "fish" as an anagram/acronym for "Jesus Christ God's Son, or Savior."

Islam is the second most populus religion that began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad, who called himself as a messenger of God. Islam has no such symbol to represent the religion .The word "Allah" meaning God,can be regarded as visually representing Islam as a symbol. The star and crescent is the best-known symbol used to represent Islam. The symbol is not Muslim in origin, it was a polytheistic icon adopted during the spread of Islam. Word Muslim means intensively pure .

Hinduism is considered the most ancient of all the religions. It is also divided into many sects and has thousands of deities.The syllable Om is composed of the three sounds a-u-m which symbolizes I am ; in respect to I the Soul. The 3 is said to be for deities Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and a crescent moon with a dot is for God, the Supreme who is the Supreme father of these deities too. The other known Hindu Symbol is Swastika a pictorial character in the shape of a cross with branches bent at right angles and facing in a clockwise direction. In India the word is related to good fortune but it actually represents the four eras of a cycle of the world drama. The upper half represents the Golden and Silver ages (Satyug and Tretayug) whereas the lower halves are Copper and Iron ages(dwaparyug, kalyug).

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, a prince from India,aka the Buddha. Who always said that he is just a representative of God. Buddhist Symbol is Wheel of Dharma: The eight spokes of the wheel symbolize the Noble Eightfold Path set out by the Buddha in his teachings.The wheel also represents the endless cycle of samsara, or rebirth.

references website:

https://religious-symbols.net/.

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