BUDDHIST OPINIONS AND MONUMENTS OF ASIA. 261 



2. Inorganic Matter (Dharma) was represented by a circle, or by a monogram 

 formed of the initial letters of the names of the elements of matter. 



3. Of Organized Matter (Sangha), by a third circle, which, when decorated, 

 was often formed of the combination of the symbols of Spirit and Matter ; or on 

 coins by the representation of an organized body* 



The symbols of the Buddhist triad, when employed in India, are often of ele- 

 gant forms, and gracefully decorated ; and have undergone various modifications 

 upon coins and sculptures, in different ages and countries, according to the fancy 

 of the individual, and the particular Buddha, or saint, they worshipped. Buddha 

 is represented by various-shaped wheels, Dharma by changes in the beautiful 

 monogram, and Sangha by a combination of the two others, by organized bodies, 

 or by other varied and graceful ornaments, to reach the understanding of those 

 for whom they were intended. As the community increased in power and riches, 

 they erected magnificent temples, or excavated them out of the " living rock," as 

 the proper offering to the deity ; amidst a profusion of ornaments and magnifi- 

 cence, idols, or dedicatory Topes (chaitya), were the objects of worship. 



When the enthusiastic Buddhist missionaries reached the extreme west, they 

 found themselves among a rude race, at enmity with their neighbours, and me- 

 naced by the great Roman power, which had subjugated their more powerful south- 

 ern neighbours. These missionaries, with the Druids, many of whom had fled 

 from the cruel persecutions of the Romans, would unite the different tribes to 

 oppose their cruel invaders, and inculcate their religious doctrines. This could 

 only be done by symbols, as they had no written language ; and upon the erect 

 stones, already probably venerated, they traced figures to explain their trinity, the 

 great dogma of their religion. As their influence extended, other obelisks were 

 erected, and adorned with devices to stimulate the pride of the Caledonians, 

 while they awakened their fears, and kindled their zeal, for their religious opi- 

 nions ; and they were executed in a style which proved their intelligence, and 

 their knowledge of the arts which they had brought from the east. 



In examining these symbols, we must expect that it is in the simplest form we 

 shall find the identity between the obelisks in Asia and those of this country. 

 Upon Buddhist coins, the triad is represented as triple hemispheres, most pro- 

 bably intended for circles : In the great temples of Ellora, and several other 

 Buddhist caves, Colonel Sykes found these circles traced in the same order as on 

 the coins; two forming the basement, and one the apex (fig. l).f This is the 

 symbolical representation of the Buddhist triad ; which is still more accurately 

 traced on the Kinnellar standing-stone, in Aberdeenshire, which has the three 



* On the sculptured stones of Scotland it is represented by some embryotic form of animal or 

 vegetable life, or an imperfect circle. 



f See annexed plate (No. IV.), in which figures designate the oriental symbols, and letters those 

 on the engraved stones of Scotland. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, vol. vi., p. 451. 



