What do dragons represent in Buddhism?
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Dragon\nThe Dragon thunders in the sky with the sound of compassion that awakens us from delusion and increases what we can know through hearing. Dragons have the power of complete communication. Just as we do not see sound, we do not see dragons -- at least not usually. Displaying a dragon banner is said to protect one from slander and enhances one's reputation. \nAssociations: main quality is power, dominance over the sea, and the water element.
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The Beast Exposed\n\nThe Bible book of Daniel sheds much light on the meaning of symbolic beasts. Chapter 7 contains a vivid tableau of "four huge beasts"—a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a fearsome beast with big teeth of iron. (Daniel 7:2-7) Daniel tells us that these beasts represent "kings," or political kingdoms, that rule in succession over vast empires.—Daniel 7:17, 23.\n\nRegarding the beast of Revelation 13:1, 2, The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible points out that it "combines in itself the joint characteristics of the four beasts of Daniel's vision . . . Accordingly, this first beast [of Revelation] represents the combined forces of all political rule opposed to God in the world." This observation is affirmed by Revelation 13:7, which says of the beast: "Authority was given it over every tribe and people and tongue and nation."*\n\nWhy does the Bible use beasts as symbols of human rulership? For at least two reasons. First, because of the beastly record of bloodshed that governments have accrued over the centuries. "War is one of the constants of history," wrote historians Will and Ariel Durant, "and has not diminished with civilization or democracy." How true that "man has dominated man to his injury"! (Ecclesiastes 8:9) The second reason is that "the dragon [Satan] gave to the beast its power and its throne and great authority." (Revelation 12:9; 13:2) Accordingly, human rulership is a product of the Devil, thus reflecting his beastly, dragonlike disposition.—John 8:44; Ephesians 6:12.\n\nThis does not mean, however, that every human ruler is a direct tool of Satan. Indeed, in one sense, human governments serve as "God's minister," giving structure to human society, without which chaos would rule. And some leaders have protected fundamental human rights, including the right to engage in true worship—something that Satan does not want. (Romans 13:3, 4; Ezr 7:11-27; Acts 13:7) Still, because of the Devil's influence, no human or human institution has ever been able to bring lasting peace and security to the people.# —John 12:31.\n\nThey represent the world powers that started from Babylon up to today. It was a means for his servants to recognize when the end of times were approaching.   During the last world power  (The united nations) his return would be here.
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I am an Orthodox Jew and did a quick check on a few of my books.  The one thing I cannot find is any link between that kind of symbol and Judaism.  It was not used by any of the 12 tribes or any of the various Kings of Israel.\n\nIt doesn't meant here isn't any (I am no authority on this matter), but I cannot find one.  Maybe something more local to you and the area though.  Another option is that it is merely decorative- especially if it is an oriental dragon, orientalism has come and gone in fashion.  (A sudden thought- he wasn't originally Welsh was he?  It is a slim chance, I know)
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there are *three* different words,\n\n"ryuu" is the most common - it comes from the Chinese word long2.\n\n"tatsu" is the native Japanese word that is rarely used anymore.\n\n"doragon" is borrowed from English and is used whenever refering to a western style dragon.
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These were figurative and not literal representations.\n In Genesis...\nGen 3:1  Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? \nSatan is represented as a serpent (snake) here..alludes to his sneaky nature and the poison which he spreads..\n\nIn Nehemiah..\nNeh 2:13  And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well...\nthe word translated in from Hebrew to mean dragon actually means...sea serpent or jackal\n\nIn Revelations...\nRev 20:2  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, \n\nThe word used for dragon, here, means...(from Strong's greek and hebrew Dictionaries)\n"a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)"\n\nThe Bible is not endorsing the idea of a literal flying, firebreathing reptile. It is symbolism..so that only the "chosen" would understand.\n\nHere's an example:\n(Rev 17:7)  And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.\n\n(Rev 17:8)  The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.\n(Rev 17:9)  And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.\n(Rev 17:10)  And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.\n(Rev 17:11)  And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.\n(Rev 17:12)  And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.\n(Rev 17:13)  These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.\n(Rev 17:14)  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
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Stupid question .. Only a silly people will ask this question .. You really know nothing about Buddhism dont you''\nhahahhahahahhahahahah\n\nWait , are you so dirty minded that you have nothing to joke about already ?\n\nPity you
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Once upon a time, there were no rivers and lakes on earth, but only the Eastern Sea, in which lived four dragons: the Long Dragon, the Yellow Dragon, the Black Dragon and the Pearl Dragon. One day the four dragons flew from the sea into the sky. They soared and dived, playing at hide-and-seek in the clouds.\n\n"Come over here quickly!" the Pearl Dragon cried out suddenly.\n\n"What's up?" asked the other three, looking down in the direction where the Pearl Dragon pointed. \n\nOn the earth they saw many people putting out fruits and cakes, and burning incense sticks. They were praying! A white-haired woman, kneeling on the ground with a thin boy on her back, murmured,\n\n"Please send rain quickly, God of Heaven, to give our children rice to eat."\n\nFor there had been no rain for a long time. The crops withered, the grass turned yellow and fields cracked under the scorching sun.\n\n"How poor the people are!" said the Yellow Dragon. "And they will die if it doesn't rain soon."\n\nThe Long Dragon nodded. Then he suggested, "Let's go and beg the Jade Emperor for rain."\n\nSo saying, he leapt into the clouds. The others followed closely and flew towards the Heavenly Palace. Being in charge of all the affairs in heaven on earth and in the sea, the Jade Emperor was very powerful. He was not pleased to see the dragons rushing in. \n\n"Why do you come here instead of staying in the sea and behaving yourselves?"\n\nThe Long Dragon stepped forward and said, "The crops on earth are withering and dying, Your Majesty. I beg you to send rain down quickly!"\n\n"All right. You go back first, I'll send some rain down tomorrow." The Jade Emperor pretended to agree while listening to the songs of the fairies.\n\nThe four dragons responded, "Thanks, Your Majesty!" \n\nThe four dragons went happily back. But ten days passed, and not a drop of rain came down. The people suffered more, some eating bark, some grass roots, some forced to eat white clay when they ran out of bark and grass roots. Seeing all this, the four dragons felt very sorry, for they knew the Jade Emperor only cared about pleasure, and never took the people to heart. They could only rely on themselves to relieve the people of their miseries. But how to do it? Seeing the vast sea, the Long Dragon said that he had an idea.\n\n"What is it? Out with it, quickly!" the other three demanded.\n\n"Look, is there not plenty of water in the sea where we live? We should scoop it up and spray it towards the sky. The water will be like rain drops and come down to save the people and their crops," said Long Dragon.\n\n"Good idea!" said the others as they clapped their hands.\n\n"But," said the Long Dragon after thinking a bit, "we will be blamed if the Jade Emperor learns of this."\n\n"I will do anything to save the people," the Yellow Dragon said resolutely.\n\n"Then let's begin. We will never regret it," said Long Dragon.\n\nThe Black Dragon and the Pearl Dragon were not to be outdone. They flew to the sea, scooped up water in their mouths, and then flew back into the sky, where they sprayed the water out over the earth. The four dragons flew back and forth, making the sky dark all around. Before long the sea water became rain pouring down from the sky.\n\n"It's raining! It's raining! The crops will be saved!" the people cried and leaped with joy. \n\nOn the ground the wheat stalks raised their heads and the sorghum stalks straightened up. The god of the sea discovered these events and reported to the Jade Emperor.\n\n"How dare the four dragons bring rain without my permission!" said the Jade Emperor.\n\nThe Jade Emperor was enraged, and ordered the heavenly generals and their troops to arrest the four dragons. Being far outnumbered, the four dragons could not defend themselves, and
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It's the Chinese symbol chung that means dragon.\n\nhttp://www.mahjongg.com/dragons.htm
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♡The other answers already have some great info! I live in Japan too so let me try to answer your Q. the best I can from what I know. This image is used for Japanese Congratulations- omedetou おめでとう (omedetai) and good fortune, prosperity and good luck as well. It has a GOOD meaning. When I was married to my hubby here in Japan, some of our wedding "gifts" were wrapped in Japanese cloth with this image. The bird is a crane, as everyone already said and is the symbol of longevity, long continuance. The kanji is for the word "crane" (bird) - "tsuru" 鶴　as also mentioned, in Japanese. The tree is a "Pine" (tree), or "matsu" 松. (It's part of my last name!) The center circle is the sun, often seen in such scenes. This design can be found on some wedding kimono in Japan as well as Japanese screens, decorative plates (I have one) and dishes. It's rather beautiful and I think it would be a gorgeous tattoo! Hope this helps!♡ EDIT: The small red symbol under the big black kanji is just the "hanko"- Japanese stamp of perhaps the artist. Not really part of the design.
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According to ancient texts and the oracle, snakes in dreams are a warning or different kinds of problems, obstacles and treachery. Snakes are a powerful ancient symbol with many meanings. They can mean power of sexuality and can also convey healing and wisdom. In the negative aspect they imply cunning and deceit. \n\nThe snake is a phallic symbol in its psychological interpretation. If you see a long snake coiled all over your body it means that you could be enslaved by your sexual passions or repressions. If you see yourself trying to throw the coiled snake off your body and fling him far but do not succeed, it denotes treachery where and when you least expect it. \n\nIf you dream that a snake bites you it means that you will have to face a period of real hard times and struggle against events and circumstances. A snake ready to strike means treachery from one you least expected; killing it means victory over enemies \n\nIf you find yourself surrounded by numerous snakes of all kinds, and are unable to kill more than one or two, it means that you are in extreme danger of being back stabbed by someone you trust the most. If you manage to kill them all and /or get rid of them it means that no matter what the opposition or how hostile, you will succeed in overcoming it. \n\nIf you walk over innumerable snakes without getting bitten it means that finally you will come out the winner by turning the tables successfully on your enemies and those who are trying to harm you. \n\nIf you see yourself playing with snakes , it means that you are in bad company and unprincipled friends and associates will lead you astray endangering your reputation and causing you losses. \n\nIf you see a snake charmer at his job in your dream it means that you will have to defend your name and reputation against malicious gossip. \n\nAdder \nThis poisonous snake warns of deceit, back stabbing and betrayal from friends and loved ones. There could be loss of prestige through deceit of others. If you see yourself killing this snake, it means that you will destroy your enemies and triumph over them. \n\nCobra \nIf the snake is a Cobra, it is a definite warning to watch out for and guard against accidents in the next few weeks. \n\n\nRattlesnake \nAs one would expect this dangerous snake in a dream is a symbol of unsuspected treachery from someone you trust, but if you heard its warning rattle and/or avoided its strike, you are likely to forestall the hostile manoeuvres. If it bit you, you must be prepared for a fight \n\nPython \nThis big snake signifies that someone is trying to snow you by intimidation. No matter how strong the pressure, stand your ground and victory will be yours. \n\nHiss \nTo hear or see a snake hiss in your dream is a warning that you will have to control your temper and/or your impulsive actions in order to avoid antagonizing someone whose respect you value. Human hissing is a dream of contrary. If you did it, you can expect to be caught in an embarrassing situation; but if you were hissed at, your progress toward your goal may be slow but it will be steady. \n\nA snake, being the ages old symbol of evil or Satan who beguiled Eve in the garden of Eden, so bringing about the downfall of man, makes it a bad omen to have one show up in a dream. To see a lone snake and feel threatened by it shows that you have a bad enemy that is even then working against you, it also a warning against bodily harm from an enemy. To dream of many snakes in a pit is the foreboding of much bad luck in love or business.\n\nHope this helps!
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For centuries, the Chinese dragon has been a symbol of power and mystery. Depicted in countless legends, both Eastern and Western, the dragon has provoked man to fear and worship it. In medieval Europe, it was a bloodthirsty, fire-breathing figure. Its malevolence and ferociousness struck terror in all. However, in Asia, it is the contrary. The mighty dragon is a mythical beast long celebrated for its benevolence, intelligence and good will. The Chinese dragon has been a common symbol of identity for Far Eastern cultures.\n\nIn fact, Chinese people all over the world are affectionately known as “lung de chuan ren”, or the "descendants of the dragon”. There are several distinct species of Chinese dragons. The Horned Dragon is considered to be the mightiest. The Celestial Dragon supports the heavens and protects the Gods. The Earth Dragon rules all of the earth. The Spiritual Dragon controls the wind and rain. The Treasure Dragon is the keeper of precious metals and gems. The Winged Dragon is the only dragon with wings. The Coiling Dragon dwells in the ocean. The Yellow Dragon is a hornless dragon known for its scholarly knowledge.
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My dream directory says; Alligators, these animals symbolise a cunning enemy or obstacle to your progress, being attacked by or approached by one means that you are insecure and have a fear of an impeding situation or people, if there are more than one of these reptiles in your dream, beware of new ventures or business dealings, to dream of insects means something is bugging you in real life, fairies represent wishful thinking..
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No.  Buddhism is an atheistic religion in that they do not believe in deities.
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The Buddha is not considered a god, and Buddhists do not pray to him or his image for favors.  Instead, they meditate on how they can attain peace, love, and compassion within themselves.  Buddhism has five major precepts, and Buddhists strive to follow these precepts.  \nThey are:  \n1.Not to kill anything living   \n2.Not to steal or take anything not freely given \n3.To abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence \n4.Not to lie \n5.To avoid the use of alcohol and drugs which cloud the mind and impair thought
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It is hard to prove and/or disprove the existence of dragons because, they are cryptozoids.  Perhaps they did once exist, and perhaps they still do (komodo dragons?...bad joke).  They might just were very highly evolved over-grown flying lizards with the abilities of breath fire, ice or acid.  The again, we cannot be sure of anything.\n\nTo me the world's cultures all share some form of beliefs in the exitence of dragons in their ancient past; thus, perhaps those beliefs were not myths...who knows?  Technically, there are two types of dragons: serpent dragons (Asian) and griffin dragons (Western).
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You have to understand that Buddhism blends wherever it goes. Although the core teachings remain intact, but the outer bark--the "form" that the religion/philosophy expresses--adapts to the receiving culture. Therefore, iconic representations of ideas or teachings differ from area to area. Tibetan Buddhism has a unique flavor, and so do Japanese Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Thai Buddhism, Sri Lankan Buddhism, and so on. \n\nYou can think of Buddhist teachings as a vehicle, a car. You'd have all sorts of models, parts, designs, etc., but a car is still a car despite all its variable forms to choose from. \n\nTo get back to your question, the Fat Buddha ("Laughing Buddha") has been an image exclusive to Chinese Buddhism. It has come to represent good luck and wealth, which reconciles amicably with the Chinese merchantship. As for the actual, historical Fat Buddha.. we don't know if he did exist. He's as far back as a legend. I could be wrong though, about the legend part; I'm not an expert in Chinese Buddhism. You have to go dig history. \n\nThe Buddha--Siddhartha Gautama--has taught, and lived, a life of moderation so it is insensible for people from any culture to portray him as having a fat, gluttonous belly.
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In the Scriptures, certain numbers have symbolic significance. The number seven, for example, is often used to symbolize that which is complete, or perfect, in God’s eyes.\n\nSix is one short of seven. Would it not be a fitting symbol of something imperfect, or defective, in God’s eyes? Yes, indeed! (1 Chronicles 20:6, 7) Moreover, six repeated three times, as 666, powerfully stresses that imperfection. That this is the correct view is supported by the fact that 666 is “a human number,”. Thus, the beast’s record, its “human number,” and the number 666 itself all point to one unmistakable conclusion—gross shortcoming and failure in the eyes of Jehovah.\n**************\n\nWho is this angel? He must have tremendous power to be able to dispose of Jehovah’s archenemy. He has “the key of the abyss and a great chain.” Does this not remind us of an earlier vision? Why, yes, the king over the locusts is called “the angel of the abyss”! (Revelation 9:11) So here we again observe Jehovah’s Chief Vindicator, the glorified Jesus Christ, in action. This archangel that cast Satan out of heaven, that judged Babylon the Great, and that disposed of “the kings of the earth and their armies” at Armageddon would surely not step aside to let a lesser angel deliver the masterstroke in abyssing Satan!—Revelation 12:7-9; 18:1, 2; 19:11-21.\nWhen the great fiery-colored dragon was hurled down from heaven, he was spoken of as “the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth.” (Revelation 12:3, 9) Now, at the point of being seized and abyssed, he is described again in full as “the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan.” This infamous devourer, deceiver, slanderer, and opposer is chained and hurled “into the abyss,” which is closed and sealed off tightly, “that he might not mislead the nations anymore.” This abyssing of Satan is for a thousand years, during which time his influence on mankind will be no more than that of a prisoner in a deep dungeon. The angel of the abyss removes Satan completely from any contact with the Kingdom of righteousness. What a relief for mankind!