FR+2016+Symbolic+meaning+of+Conch+in+Buddhism

__**Term 5:** Symbolic meaning of Conch in Buddhism:__ Musashi Cox **Aim**: What is the conch’s purpose? The conch’s purpose is to serve as a trumpet charm to ward off danger and to serve as a religious symbol. In Buddhism the conch especially one’s that spiral to the right represent Buddha. This conch is rare as many conch’s are oriented toward the left. “... The right-spiralling movement of such a conch is believed to echo the celestial motion of the sun, moon, planets and stars across the heavens. …”(Conch Shell Symbol). The conch is an important part of buddhism as it serves many purposes. The Conch itself does not have one specific purpose. Of the many purposes of the conch some are that they represent the movement of the universe; to represent Buddha; and to act as a charm to ward off spirits.

The primary audience of the conch are those who practice Buddhism. Because the conch is a Buddhist symbol one would expect that Buddhist’s are the main audience to the Buddhist conch. “... right symbolises the deep, far-reaching and melodious sound of the Dharma teachings…”(The eight auspicious symbols). The Buddhism practitioners practice the teachings of dharma. The Buddhists are the audience of the conch as it is an important part of their practice and is also an important symbol thereof. No other religion symbolises the conch as dharma so no assumption can be made that anyone else besides the Buddhists make up the audience.
 * Audience: ** Who is the primary audience of the Conch?

Historical influence between conch and Buddhist is clear due to the fact that the conch is a Buddhist symbol that have been carried into battle as charms by warriors. Such charms as “...Arjuna's (hero of the Mahabharata) mighty conch was known as Devadatta, whose triumphant blast brought terror to the enemy. As a proclaiming battle horn, the conch is akin to the bugle. It is an emblem of power, authority and sovereignty whose blast is believed to banish evil spirits, avert natural disasters, and scare away poisonous creatures…”( Conch shell symbol). This is a prime example of historical ties as it was written as legend to influence the relation between Buddhist and conch. This particular conch was remembered as a battle horn which shows the real life implication that would cause a relation between Buddhist and conch. The historical legend that was displayed truly emphasizes the influence that the conch had on the Buddhist.
 * Historical: ** How do historical, or political, events influence the relationship between the Conch and audience?

The cultural events that influence conch and Buddhist relation clearly exist. Buddhism practitioners most often cite the conch as a very important aspect of the teachings. The conch is a symbol of Dharma; a charm of warding danger, and a religious rarity. “... It is an emblem of power, authority and sovereignty whose blast is believed to banish evil spirits, avert natural disasters, and scare away poisonous creatures. Today, in its greatly tamed avatar, the conch is used in Tibetan Buddhism to call together religious assemblies. During the actual practise of rituals, it is used both as a musical instrument and as a container for holy water…”( Conch shell symbol). The conch has a definite and vibrant cultural ties to those who practice the teachings of Dharma. The conch is a religious instrument and is viewed highly among the buddhist practitioners. The practice of Buddhism is symbolized with the conch. That truly demonstrates the cultural ties that exists between the Buddhists and the conch.
 * Cultural: ** How do cultural events influence the relationship between the Conch and audience?

__Work cited:__ Musashi Cox >
 * [|__http://www.religionfacts.com/conch-shell/buddhism__]
 * [|__http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b8symbol.htm__]