A Comparative Analysis of Symbols and Motifs in Jain and Buddhist Religions

Abstract

The history of human thought discloses that man has been in constant search of truth and happiness. There are times when we do not understand what is being meant by a word, a thought, an act, or a thing. We need other things to describe them in order to properly understand their meanings. This is particularly true when we are dealing with works of art in the literary world. This is why symbols and motifs are created: to help us understand. The Jain Symbol is a congregation of various symbols, each having a deeper meaning. Many Buddhist symbols need to be considered within the culture of the people who follow it. Therefore, many of the early symbols relate to ancient India and can be found in Hinduism as well, although possibly with a somewhat different meaning. It is said that the Buddha was reluctant to accept images of himself as he did not like to be venerated as a person. To symbolise the Buddha in the very early art, one used mainly the Eight Spoked Wheel and the Bodhi Tree, but also the Buddha's Footprints, an Empty Throne, a Begging Bowl and a Lion are used to represent him. A motif is an image, spoken or written word, sound, act, or another visual or structural device that has symbolic significance. It is used to develop and inform the theme of a literary work. The concept of a motif is related to a theme, but unlike a theme which is an idea or message, a motif is a detail that is repeated in a pattern of meaning that can produce a theme while creating other aspects at the same time. The present research is thus based on all these important issues based on archaeological evidence and literary sources.