Question

In Buddhist symbolism, what do the bull and horse represent?

• A. The bull represents Buddha’s strength, and the horse represents his royal lineage.
• B. The bull signifies the celestial alignment at Buddha’s birth, while the horse symbolizes his renunciation.
• C. The bull symbolizes Buddha’s enlightenment, and the horse represents his first sermon.
• D. Both the bull and the horse are purely decorative elements with no religious significance.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The bull signifies the celestial alignment at Buddha’s birth, while the horse symbolizes his renunciation.

The sculptural motifs on Ashokan pillars were carefully selected to align with the principles of Dhamma. Each symbol holds deep significance in Buddhist literature. Lotus – Represents purity and fertility. According to Buddhist texts, lotus flowers bloomed where Siddhartha took his first seven steps after birth. Wheel (Dharmachakra) – Symbolizes the turning of the Wheel of Dharma, referring to Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath. Lion – Represents strength, courage, and Buddha's royal lineage. Elephant – In Buddhist tradition, Queen Maya dreamt of a white elephant entering her womb, symbolizing Buddha’s conception. Bull – Represents the celestial alignment of stars at the time of Buddha’s birth. Horse – Symbolizes Buddha’s renunciation, representing his departure from his home in search of enlightenment.