Sacred Objects!
Buddhist Flag: The Buddhist Flag is quite a recent symbol, it was designed in 1880 by 2 people; Mr J R De Silva and Colonel Henry S Olcott. The flag has five colours in stripes – blue (universal compassion), yellow (the middle path), red (blessings), white (purity and liberation) and orange (wisdom). The flag, is today, used by the Buddhists of around 60 countries, especially during the celebration of Vesak festival.
The Stupa: It stands for the enlightened mind of the Buddha. It is also a symbol for five elements - earth (square base), water (round dome), fire (cone-shape), air (canopy), and space (volume of stupa).
Swastika: It is a symbol that stands for feet/footprints of the Buddha and marks the beginning of texts. In Tibet, Buddhists use the swastika to add beauty to their clothes. In China and Japan, the swastika is a symbol of plurality, wealth and long life.
Thunderbolt/Vajras (and bell): The vajras consists of 3, 5, or 9 spokes. There can either be peaceful or wrathful vajras. Vajras are normally seen with a bell. Together, they represent the female and male aspects. The vajras is held in the left hand and represents the male principles. It is associated with skill and compassion and is regarded as indestructible and has the power to cut through ignorance. The bell is held in the right hand and represents the female principles. It is associated with wisdom, emptiness and nirvana.
Mala Beads: It is a rosary type bead that contains 108 beads. The Mala Beads are used to help Buddhists count mantras, chants or prayers. Mala beads are generally worn as bracelets, but priests (monks) wear a long necklace.
Skull Cup: It is normally made from a human skull. Skull Cups are used in Tibetan rituals and is associated with wrathful deities in art.
Tibetan Paintings: They show the Buddha, and bodhisattvas scenes from their lives and from Buddhist history.