■Around 2000 BCE
Maya Civilization in Mexico
The creation myth of the Maya civilization shares similarities with myths from other regions. In the Popol Vuh myth, it represents emptiness as a quiet sea and an endlessly expansive sky. Only the creators (Tsakol and Bitol), Tepeu and Gucumatz (Kukulkan), Alom and K'aholom, were shining in the midst of the water. When Tepeu and Gucumatz shouted, the earth and mountains emerged from the water, followed by the creation of animals and other beings.
The archaeological site of Chichen Itza, a part of the Maya civilization, features a ball court and a Temple of Warriors with polygonal masonry and serpent head sculptures.
Temple of Warriors at Chichen Itza.
The Temple of Kukulkan contains two serpent head sculptures, and with the shadows created on the staircase, the serpent's body appears in a zigzag pattern, merging with the lower serpent head. The zigzag pattern and the two serpents were common symbols. Kukulkan is also known as Gucumatz, hence this temple also represents emptiness.
The Temple of Warriors is designed with proportions that align with the combination of two golden ratios.
In the San Bartolo, a Maya ceremonial center in northern Guatemala, there are wall paintings depicting the golden spiral pattern.
From left to right: the Pyramid of Ramonai, the Great Jaguar Temple of Tikal.
The Pyramid of Washactun, the Pyramid of El Mirador.
The Nakbe and Caracol ruins.
■Around 1200 BCE
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, United States
In this park, numerous rock carvings featuring two snakes can be found. These are considered traces of the ancient Pueblo people, Native Americans of America.
Two snakes on either side of a black figure.
■Around 1000 BCE
Sardinia Island, Italy
On the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, there are statues of a bare-chested goddess, polygonal masonry, and ziggurats. According to legend, the indigenous people of Sardinia were giants, and this is represented by the stone statues of Cabras.
The entrance is in the shape of a triangle.
■Around 950 BCE
Completion of Solomon's Temple and Hiram Abiff
Even in the floor plan of Solomon's Temple, published in 1905, the proportions of the golden ratio can be observed.
Solomon's Temple had two pillars named Boaz and Jachin, with pomegranates placed on top. Pomegranates were also seen in Mesopotamia and held symbolic significance.
Solomon's Temple is said to have had two lion statues, similar to those found in Japanese shrines, and the following description can be found in the Old Testament:
1 Kings
(Regarding Solomon's construction of his palace)
7:36
He engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees on the surfaces of the supports and panels wherever there was room, with wreaths all around.
10:18
The king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold.
10:19
The throne had six steps, and its back had a head of a calf, and there were armrests on each side of the seat, with two lions standing beside the armrests.
■Around 900 BCE
Kaunos in Turkey
The ancient city of Kaunos in Turkey also features polygonal masonry. There are also ruins carved into the rock formations at this site.
The design of the carved buildings on the rocky surface in the image above can be seen in the reliefs of Sabazios and Tanit. They share common features such as triangular roofs, columns, and thick junctions.
■Around 800 BCE
Scythians
From around 800 BCE to 201 BCE, the Scythians, an Iranian nomadic horse-riding people, were active mainly in Ukraine.
From left to right: A Scythian equestrian statue unearthed from the Burial Mound No. 5 of Bazylika and a depiction of a Scythian warrior on pottery.
Common symbols can also be found in Scythian art. Here, we see the lower part depicting the tree of life, the date palm, and the upper part featuring a lion.
From left to right: Scythian gold artifacts from the 3rd century BCE, Sumerian Anunnaki with the Tree of Life and date palm.
Next, we have the date palm, swirling patterns, and a goddess. The Scythian goddess is depicted in a pose similar to the Greek mythological creature, the Siren of the sea.
From left to right: Siren from Greek mythology, statue of a Siren from around 330 BCE.
The golden spiral patterns on a chest ornament excavated from the Tovsta Mohyla Scythian burial mound.
Numerous swirling patterns on a golden belt buckle.
■Around 776 BCE
Ancient Greece's Olympic Games in Olympia
The first recorded Olympic Games took place in Olympia, ancient Greece. These games were held in the stadium (stadion) where the Temple of Zeus was built.
Ancient Greece's Mount Olympus and the Twelve Olympian Gods are the origins of the Olympic Games. The Olympian Festival was dedicated to Zeus, where athletes would swear an oath to Zeus and pledge their loyalty to him. In this way, they worshipped and united under a single god during the five-day festival. The Olympics also began as a competition dedicated to emptiness.
Athletes swearing an oath to the statue of Zeus.
Zeus's hand is often depicted with the thunderbolt and the symbol of the eagle.
■Around 753 BCE
Ancient Roman Empire
The monarchical period of the ancient Roman Empire begins. It is said that it was ruled by a legendary line of seven kings, starting with Romulus.
The first king, Romulus, is also symbolic of emptiness, and this is evident in his infancy story. Romulus was born as a twin child to his mother Silvia and the god of war, Mars. However, his uncle, Amulius, ordered soldiers to kill the twin children who were potential heirs to the throne. But the soldiers, taking pity on the young twins, secretly placed them in a basket and set them adrift in a river. The spirit of the Tiber River, Tiberinus, rescued the twins from the flowing river and entrusted them to a she-wolf living by the riverbank. Eventually, a shepherd named Faustulus found the twins, and together with his wife Acca Larentia, they decided to adopt them. It was later revealed that Faustulus' wife, Acca Larentia, was actually the goddess Ceres.
During this infancy, the tale of being placed in a basket and set adrift in a river can be found in other mythologies as well. For instance, in the Old Testament of the Bible, there is the story of Moses, and in Greek mythology, the tale of Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae. In Japanese mythology, there is the legend of Hata no Kawakatsu, who was prophesied to be the reincarnation of the First Emperor. Further details about these myths will be discussed later.
■Around 591 BCE
Meroe, Sudan
In the small pyramids of the Kingdom of Meroe, we can also observe polygonal masonry.
■Around 520 BCE
Persepolis, Achaemenid Empire
Persepolis, believed to have been constructed by Darius I, also displays polygonal masonry.
In the relief carvings of Mesopotamia depicting pine cones, we can observe a fleur-de-lis emblem above their heads.
This fleur-de-lis symbol is also present in Persepolis. It is carved below the left plant in the image provided.
The plant perched on top of this fleur-de-lis is also depicted in the wall paintings of Persepolis, where a symbol with twelve petals can be seen.
Moreover, the same pattern as this plant is found in the Mesopotamian Tree of Life, featuring symbols such as the handbag and pine cone. The image on the left represents Persepolis, while the one on the right represents the Mesopotamian Tree of Life. This pattern is also commonly found in tree worship practices worldwide.
Next, we have a mural from the tomb of Artaxerxes III, the 10th king of Persepolis. The relief carvings depict common symbols, including a bow and arrow, a winged disc, a crescent moon, and a tiered pedestal.
Following that is the Behistun Inscription located in the Kermanshah Province of western Iran. Here, we can also see figures holding a bow and arrow. The person being trampled by the bow and arrow figure is raising their hand upward. This symbol is also observed in symbolic diagrams.
The reclining figure from Mesopotamia with their hand raised upward symbolizes something.
Naqsh-e Rustam
In the northern part of Persepolis, there is a site called Naqsh-e Rustam.
High up on the rock walls of Naqsh-e Rustam, four cruciform tombs are carved. These tombs are said to belong to Darius I, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I, and Darius II, although it is not certain. The cruciform design is created by overlaying two golden ratios.
Near the rock walls, there is a structure called Ka'ba-ye Zartosht with polygonal masonry.
This Ka'ba-ye Zartosht is also designed with the ratio of two golden ratios.
■Around 300 BCE
Takhti Sangin Site
Takhti Sangin Site is located in the southern part of Tajikistan. The Oxus Temple at this site also exhibits the ratio of the golden ratio. Furthermore, the temple is shaped like a "T," which is a symbol also found in the form of the stone pillars at Turkey's Göbekli Tepe.
■Around 250 BCE
Pergamon
In Pergamon, Turkey, there was a temple dedicated to the god Zeus.
Model of the Athenian Temple in the 2nd century BCE and Model of the Acropolis of Pergamon.
The Great Altar of Zeus.
The reconstructed temple in the Pergamon Museum in Germany also features polygonal masonry.
■Around 210 BCE
Emperor Qin of Qin Dynasty
The first emperor of China, Emperor Qin, is said to have died at the age of 49 around 210 BCE. He achieved the first unification of China in 221 BCE and became the first emperor. He undertook the construction of the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin. The existence of the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin was recorded in ancient Chinese historical texts such as the Records of the Grand Historian.
The Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin, located in Xi'an, is also pyramid-shaped.
The site of the Emperor's Mausoleum and the positioning of the pyramid were also designed based on the ratio of two golden sections.
The terracotta warriors, arranged around the Emperor's Mausoleum, are believed to have been constructed by the Emperor himself, and there are over 8,000 life-sized soldier figurines.
In around 214 BCE, the Great Wall of China was also constructed by the Emperor.
Pyramids in Xi'an, China
In the vicinity of Xi'an, where the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is located, there are several pyramids of varying sizes.
The red circle indicates the position of Xi'an.
Google Maps (34°22'28.75"N 108°41'12.21"E)
Chinese Bronze Mirrors
Chinese bronze mirrors from around 200 BCE also exhibit symbols such as the spiral pattern of the golden ratio.
The following bronze mirrors feature spiral patterns, and diamond-shaped motifs.
The diamond pattern is also found in symbols such as the Göbekli Tepe in Turkey and the winged disk on the walls of Persepolis.
Chinese Han Dynasty Bronze Mirror. Golden ratio, double circles, zigzag pattern.
The next bronze mirror belongs to the Han Dynasty, which is the era following the fall of the Qin Dynasty. It exhibits spiral patterns of the golden ratio and a 16-rayed star.
The 16-rayed star is also seen on the arm with a handbag from Mesopotamia.
On the left is the chrysanthemum crest of the Japanese Emperor, and on the right is an artifact found near Greece, displaying a 16-rayed star and spiral patterns of the golden ratio.
Chinese and Japanese Bronze Dōtaku
Dōtaku, bronze ceremonial bells, are bronze artifacts that feature elements such as the golden ratio, spiral patterns, and zigzag motifs.
Chinese Bronze dōtaku from the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) and Gold Ratio
Dōtaku unearthed from Shiga Prefecture in Japan (Late Yayoi Period, around 250 CE)
Bronze Dōtaku from Mie Prefecture.
Beneath the spiral pattern on the above dōtaku, there is a sculpture of a wild boar. The wild boar is also a common symbol found on the stone pillars of Göbekli Tepe.
Zigzag patterns and spiral patterns.Dōtaku unearthed from Mie Prefecture in Japan (Yayoi Period, around 100 BCE)
Zigzag patterns and diamond patterns. On the left is a dōtaku from Shizuoka Prefecture, and on the right is a dōtaku from Shimane Prefecture.
■Around 200 BCE
Nasca Lines
In the Nazca Lines of Peru, three symbols of spiral patterns can be observed.
At the end of the long straight figure in the Nasca Lines is a spiral pattern.
The tail of the monkey figure in the Nasca Lines features a spiral pattern.
The water channels at the Paredones archaeological site, located in the outskirts of Nasca, are constructed in the form of golden spiral whirlpools.
The gold jets excavated in the Sinú region of Colombia also bear symbols of spiral patterns. Colombia and Peru are geographically close.
Atacama Desert in Chile
In the Atacama Desert, numerous geoglyphs are found, including one depicting a pose with both hands raised.
The gesture of raising both hands is also a symbol seen worldwide, sometimes with snakes held in each hand.
Faerunuk Pan in the Kalahari Desert, South Africa
Although the exact age is unknown, Faerunuk Pan in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa features countless geoglyphs with swirling patterns based on the golden ratio. The larger ones have a diameter of approximately 175m.
Google Maps coordinates: -30° 0′ 21.64″, +21° 6′ 21.69
■Around 100 BCE
Petra Ruins in Jordan
Common symbols can be observed at the El-Khazneh in Petra.
The triangular roof and columns at El-Khazneh's facade are similar to the hand of Sabazios depicted in the following carving.
The temple of Pergamon in Turkey also shares the same design as the carving of Sabazios. Polygonal masonry is present here as well.
On the left is the Treasury of Petra, and on the right is the Temple of Pergamon.
Additionally, the Temple of Bacchus (Left) in Lebanon and the Parthenon (Right) in Greece share the same design.
Mada'in Saleh in Saudi Arabia
In the city of Mada'in Saleh in Saudi Arabia, dating around 100 BCE, there are rock-cut ruins. The triangular roof and columns near the entrance resemble the hand of Sabazios in the carving.
On top of this triangular roof, a design resembling a stepped pyramid can be observed. This is also a common symbol found in the Jiroft culture of Iran.
Baalbek in Lebanon
In Baalbek, Lebanon, there are three temples dedicated to the deities Jupiter, Bacchus, and Venus. Jupiter is identified with the Greek god Zeus.
In the image on the right, the Temple of Bacchus, polygonal masonry can be observed.
The Jupiter Temple features a polygonal masonry construction.
The decorations of the Jupiter Temple.
In Baalbek, there are also massive stones lying horizontally, estimated to weigh up to 2000 tons.
■Around 80 BCE
Aqueduct of Segovia in Spain
The aqueduct of Segovia, dating back to the Roman Republic period of Julius Caesar, spans a total length of 728 meters. Here, too, polygonal masonry can be seen.
■Around 50 BCE
Teotihuacan in Mexico
The Teotihuacan civilization features the Pyramid of the Moon, the Pyramid of the Sun, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Both the sun and the moon, as well as Quetzalcoatl, were symbols of emptiness.
On the left is the Pyramid of the Moon, and on the right is the Pyramid of the Sun.
The Temple of Quetzalcoatl exhibits polygonal masonry and swirling patterns based on the golden ratio.
In the map on the left, the left side indicates the location of Teotihuacan, and to its right is San Bartolo. The image on the right is the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
The Temple of Quetzalcoatl exhibits swirling patterns based on the golden ratio and polygonal masonry.
The golden ratio swirling patterns of Quetzalcoatl.
■Around 27 BCE
Roman Empire's Eagle Standard
The Roman Empire adopted the design of an eagle for its national flag starting from 27 BCE. Similar designs can be found in the Jiroft culture of Iran and the stone pillars of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey.
The Eagle of the Jiroft culture in Iran.
■Around 12 BCE
Commonalities among Jesus Christ, Buddha, Vishnu, Shiva, Allah, Baphomet, Archangel Michael, and Abraham
During this time, it is believed that Jesus Christ was born. In Christian tradition, Baphomet, the devil, is depicted with the head of a goat, exhibiting both masculine and feminine characteristics such as the presence of breasts. It is symbolically represented as emptiness, as a female deity, and as a male deity, similar to Zeus or Mithras.
On Baphomet's abdomen, two snakes entwined around a staff, known as the Caduceus, can be observed. This symbol was also depicted at the feet of Aeon.
The goat's head is portrayed in the hand of Sabazios.
The hands of Baphomet have the same shape as the hand of Sabazios.
On both sides of Baphomet, crescent moons are depicted. This symbol is also seen above the head of the figure held by Sabazios' hand and in the decorations of ancient Egyptian Horus artifacts. Essentially, Baphomet also symbolizes emptiness.
Additionally, in Christianity, there is Lucifer, a fallen angel who is known as the bringer of light. The name Lucifer means "Morning Star" and is an alternative name for Satan, the leader of the fallen angels.
Quetzalcoatl in South America is also referred to as the Morning Star, and the golden ratio is observed in its ears.
In the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, Satan is depicted as a serpent coiled around a tree, deceiving Eve, the first woman, by offering her the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, which was said to bring death upon eating. The same composition is seen with the snake coiled around Aeon's body or as the staff of Asclepius.
Archangel Michael, who is sometimes considered the twin brother of Lucifer, is regarded as one of the greatest angels in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Michael is depicted with a sword in his right hand and a balance to measure the fairness of souls in his left hand, a symbol also seen in Sabazios' hand.
Similar commonalities can be observed in Jesus Christ. In the paintings of Christ in the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, created in the 12th century, and in the mosaic of Christ from 1118, the hands of the Virgin Mary and the young Jesus are depicted in the same shape as Baphomet and the hand of Sabazios.
The two syllables of "A-un" in Esoteric Buddhism represent the first and last letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, symbolizing the beginning and the end, and signifying emptiness.
In the New Testament of Christianity, the Book of Revelation states, "I (Jesus Christ) am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
Furthermore, in the Book of Revelation, it is mentioned, "I (Jesus) am the root and the descendant of David, the bright Morning Star." This implies that Christ is the Morning Star. Lucifer and Quetzalcoatl were also considered Morning Stars. The significance of these references is that Christ, Baphomet, Lucifer, Satan, and Archangel Michael share symbolism related to emptiness.
Buddhism also refers to the term "Morning Star." Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment at the age of 35, near the dawn when the Morning Star shines brightly on December 8th. Enlightenment implies existing as consciousness in emptiness. In the Buddha image protected by the Naga at that time, a snake is coiled from below, peeking its face from above the head. The same design can be seen in Aeon.
The Naga is a serpent deity that is said to have protected Gautama Buddha during his enlightenment. Many of the Eight Great Dragon Kings in Buddhism were originally Naga Raja in Hindu mythology. Naga Raja refers to a serpent deity entwined by two snakes.
Common symbols are also found in the Buddha statues of Gandhara, in eastern Afghanistan.
The zigzag pattern on the halo of Buddha. It is also seen in the stone pillars of Göbekli Tepe and the golden ratio present in Chinese bronze mirrors.
Diamond-shaped patterns on both sides of Buddha's ankles. These patterns are observed in the stone pillars of Göbekli Tepe and the wall paintings of Persepolis.
In Gandhara's Buddha statues, the palm of the right hand is shown. This pose is also seen as a symbol with Tanit. Tanit is associated with crescent moons, suns, and zigzag patterns, which are common symbols.
The symbol of the palm of the hand is also seen in cave paintings in Europe dating back to around 20,000 BCE.
In Hinduism, the symbol of showing the palm of the hand is also a common gesture. The woman in the left image is also showing the palm of her right hand. Above her, there are symbols of the sun, Lingam (male genitalia), Yoni (female genitalia), and a crescent moon. Lingam is a symbol of Shiva, depicted in the central image, who also has a single snake, a crescent moon, a trident, and is shown with the palm of his hand. The Great Buddha of Japan on the right also has the same pose, which means that all of them are represented by a common symbol.
In Hinduism, Gautama Buddha is considered an incarnation of Vishnu. Vishnu is often depicted with the serpent god Nagaraja. Nagaraja is represented by two snakes. In Hindu mythology, it is said that Vishnu sleeps on the giant body of Ananta, a great serpent, lying on the primordial ocean. From the similarity to creation myths of other countries where gods are born from nothingness, Vishnu can be concluded as representing emptiness.
In Hindu mythology, the god Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu and shares several similarities with the story of Christ. Additionally, there are similar stories among other figures, such as Viracocha in the Inca Empire, Quetzalcoatl in Aztec mythology, Horus in Egyptian mythology, Moses with the staff and the snake, and Romulus, the founder of the Roman Empire. These five figures also have similar narratives. Similar stories can also be found in figures like Abraham in the Old Testament and the hero Feridun in Zoroastrianism of Iran. Abraham and Feridun also lead to the conclusion of representing emptiness.
From left to right: Krishna, Christ, Viracocha, Feridun, and Abraham.
"Birth from a Virgin"
- Christ was born from the Virgin Mary.
- Viracocha was born from the Virgin Cabilica.
- Quetzalcoatl was born from the Virgin Chimalman.
- Horus was born from the Virgin Isis.
"As a Baby, Fleeing from Pursuers"
- The baby Christ, along with Joseph and mother Mary, fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre.
- The baby Krishna crossed the Yamuna River to escape King Kansa's slaughter.
- Baby Moses was hidden and raised for three months to escape the order from the Egyptian king to kill Hebrew newborn males. Eventually, his mother couldn't hide him anymore and she placed him in the Nile River, where he was later discovered and adopted by royalty.
- The mother of baby Abram (Abraham), fearing that King Nimrod would capture Abram, took him and hid him in a cave in the mountains for three years.
- To escape his pursuing father Koni Ray, the mother of baby Viracocha took him and reached the coast with Pachakamaq. They entered the sea and turned into stone.
- Twin babies Romulus and Remus were targeted for their lives by their uncle Amulius. Compassionate soldiers placed them in a basket and secretly floated them on the Tiber River. They were eventually found by a shepherd named Faustulus.
- Baby Feridun and his mother went to Mount Alborz to escape the tyranny of Zahhak, who had snakes growing on his shoulders. Feridun was entrusted to a cowherd by his mother.
"Breastfeeding Goddess Statues"
- Krishna and mother Yashoda, Christ and the Virgin Mary, and the Egyptian Isis (mother) and Horus (child).
Additionally, in Phrygian mythology, the god Attis is identified with Sabazios.
Attis is the son and lover of Cybele, the Phrygian goddess known as the Great Mother in Rome. He is depicted as the charioteer of Cybele's lion-drawn chariot.
A silver disc depicting Attis and Cybele has been found in the city of Ai-Khanoum in northern Afghanistan, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. The disc shows a two-wheeled chariot with two lions, a crescent moon, and a 16-pointed star.
This crescent moon and 16-pointed star motif can also be found in artifacts from Mesopotamia.
Cybele, known as Kubaba in the 2nd millennium BCE, is depicted as a lady holding a pomegranate and a mirror. The pomegranate was also a symbol seen in Mesopotamia. The swirl pattern symbolizes the hair behind the right ear of the Kubaba image in the left image below.
In Hinduism, Vishnu and Shiva were concluded to represent emptiness. When Brahma is added to them, the three are collectively known as Trimurti, representing emptiness. Similarly, in various religions, the gods such as Horus, Isis, Ahura Mazda, Mithra, and Dionysus have also been associated with the concept of emptiness.
In Christianity, there is a God named Yahweh, who is referred to as the sole God in the Old and New Testaments. In Islam, this God is called Allah, and in Judaism, he is referred to as Elohim, El, or Jehovah in some Christian traditions. Allah is said to have created everything from emptiness in the creation myth, which is a similar narrative found in various mythologies. Allah, Yahweh, Elohim, El, and Jehovah are all the same, representing the concept of emptiness.
The archangel Gabriel in Christianity is considered to be God's messenger who appeared to Mary and announced the birth of Jesus Christ. In Islam, the archangel Gabriel is known as Jibril and is believed to have delivered the holy scripture, the Quran, to the Prophet Muhammad. The hand gesture of Gabriel is also the same as that of Sabazios, Christ, and Baphomet. Additionally, Gabriel is said to have the same wings as the archangel Michael, who is considered his twin brother, and he is depicted with a halo called a nimbus.
When examining these symbols, it becomes apparent that figures revered as saints such as Christ, Buddha, Allah, and Krishna, as well as figures associated with demons like Baphomet and Lucifer, all share a common symbolism representing emptiness. Therefore, it can be concluded that the 4.9 billion people who adhere to Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism all worship emptiness. Furthermore, even animism, the indigenous nature worship, also venerates emptiness. In other words, people all over the world are worshiping the same existence.
Having observed the characters from Christianity, Egyptian mythology, Akkadian mythology, Mithraism, Greek mythology, Indian mythology, Buddhism, Aztec mythology, and Inca mythology, it is clear that all of them symbolize emptiness. Moreover, they share similar narratives and symbols, which have originated from the same source and developed in different regions, spreading further as they developed.
Halo
A halo, also known as a nimbus, is the light emitted from gods or saints. For example, Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary are depicted with a circular halo behind their heads. The cross within the halo is also a common symbol.
A halo can also be observed in the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary.
Indra, the god of thunder and weather in Hinduism, and Shiva, known as Nataraja, also exhibit halos.
Japanese statues of Yakushi Nyorai and the Triad of Shakyamuni Buddha feature golden ratio curves and swirling patterns. Both statues have a large pointed halo at the top and a small circular halo right behind the head.
While the conclusion for the Five Great Wisdom Kings of Buddhism and Amida Buddha was also emptiness, they are depicted with halos. The center figure in the left image, Fudo Myoo, has a combination of a circular halo and a halo composed of flames.
Halos can take the form of flames, as seen in Fudo Myoo, or appear as serpents, as depicted in statues of Buddha, Vishnu, and Naga Rajah.
Halos are also seen in Christian symbols, such as the Eye of Providence (the all-seeing eye of God), and in depictions of Buddha. Providence refers to the belief that "everything happens according to God's plan." In Japanese, it is referred to as the "will of God." Rewording this, it can be stated as "everything happens according to the providence of emptiness (consciousness)."
The Birth of Buddhist Statues
After the passing of the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), his disciples strictly adhered to the prohibition of creating visible images of him. As a result, the Buddha was symbolically represented by the Dharma Wheel, and this can be seen in the oldest wall paintings at the Ajanta Caves in India.
However, around the turn of the era, a significant transformation in Buddhism occurred in the region of Gandhara, located in northwest Pakistan, where Buddhism and Greek influences converged. The number of Buddhists and Buddhist temples in this region rapidly increased. Several previously unseen Buddhist statues were excavated from the ruins of the largest Buddhist temple of that time, the Ranigat site. This marked the beginning of the creation of early Buddhist statues that were influenced by Greek sculpture, giving rise to what is known as Gandhara art. Additionally, major Buddhist sects, including Mahayana Buddhism, emerged during this period, and the practices of prayer and scripture reading began to spread to China and Japan.
The image on the left depicts a Buddha statue with Greek-style drapery folds (from the National Museum of India), while the image on the right shows a Buddha and attendant figures influenced by Alexander the Great (from the Tapasvi Shilai Temple).
Furthermore, the left image shows a female statue created around 1st century BCE, discovered in the major Gandharan city of Charasada. The right image depicts a Mother Goddess statue found in Sarnath. These statues exhibit common features seen in goddess statues from various regions, such as hand gestures near the chest, exposed chests, and fuller lower bodies.
Brahmi Script
The Brahmi script, also known as Indic scripts, refers to a family of writing systems derived from the Brahmi script. The Brahmi script is the progenitor of most writing systems used in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia. In the map below, red represents South Asia, orange represents Southeast Asia, and yellow represents Tibet and Mongolia.
The Brahmi script is used in languages such as Hindi, Nepali, Nepali Bhasa, Sanskrit, Burmese, Khmer, Lao, Thai, Javanese, Balinese, Tibetan, and Siddhaṃ script.
Brahmi means "script created by Brahma," referring to the god Brahma. The Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva also concluded in emptiness.
0 (Zero)
In Indian mathematics, zero is called "Śūnyatā ," which translates to emptiness. The phrase "色即是空" (shiki soku ze ku) in the Heart Sutra means "form is emptiness, emptiness is form," signifying that the essence of all things (form) does not inherently exist (emptiness). In the mystical philosophy of Kabbalah, "Ain" is translated as emptiness and represented by the symbol 0. Additionally, the shape of the numeral 0 is derived from the Sanskrit digit "०" (Śūnyatā ). Therefore, 0, Śūnyatā , emptiness, and Ain all represent the same concept of "emptiness."
Indo-European Language Family
The Indo-European language family includes English, Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, German, French, Italian, Urdu, Persian, Ukrainian, Latin, and more. The map below shows the distribution of the Indo-European language family.
For example, the word "panic" derives from the Greek god Pan. Pan was believed to bring sudden chaos and fear in desolate places. Both Zeus and Hermes were said to be Pan's fathers, and both represent emptiness.
In Roman mythology, Jupiter was also associated with emptiness, while his wife Juno was also known as Juno Moneta. Moneta originates from the Latin word "monere," meaning "to advise," which is the etymology of the English word "money." Furthermore, the planet Jupiter in English is named after Jupiter, and Janus, the god of beginnings in Roman mythology and the guardian of January, is the etymological origin of the month January.
There are many examples where the names of gods have become etymological origins, and since these gods represented emptiness, their names can be traced back to representing emptiness.
Norse Mythology
Norse mythology from Scandinavia, including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland, is recorded in two books called the Eddas. The older book contains accounts up to 1056, while the later book covers events until 1640.
The creation myth in the Edda goes as follows:
In the beginning, there was no sky above, no earth below, only a bottomless ocean and a misty world. Within that world, there existed a overflowing pool. To the south of the misty world was the world of light. When water vapor rose to the sky and formed clouds, a frost giant named Ymir and his descendants, along with the primeval cow Audhumla, were born from those clouds. From Audhumla, gods in the form of human beings were born. One of these gods, who married a giantess, gave birth to three brothers named Odin, Vili, and Ve.
Here we see the common themes of gods being born from emptiness and the presence of giants.
Odin is said to have invented the runic alphabet, an ancient script used in Scandinavia until around 1500 CE.
The Germanic language branch is a subgroup of the Indo-European language family. The upper characters in the following image represent runic alphabet, while the lower characters represent the Germanic language branch.
■4 BCE
Ise Grand Shrine
It is believed that the Inner Shrine was enshrined in Ise in this year.
On the left is Geku (Outer Shrine), and on the right is Naiku (Inner Shrine).
The width of the stairs and the height of the eaves at the Naiku (Inner Shrine) of Ise Jingu also follow the ratio created by overlapping two golden ratios.
The floor plan of the Naiku also precisely matches the proportions of the golden ratio. The presence of Shinto, where the golden ratio is observed, leads to the conclusion that it is a belief system that reveres emptiness.
In addition, there is a reverence for trees in Ise Jingu. During the Misohajime-sai, where the timber for the Shikinen Sengu (the Grand Shrine's renewal ceremony) is harvested, and the Okihiki, the event of transporting Hinoki cypress trees from the Isuzugawa River to the Naiku and Geku, trees are venerated. The timber used for these purposes is called "Goshinboku" (sacred tree).
Suwa Grand Shrine in Nagano Prefecture
Suwa Grand Shrine in Nagano Prefecture is the head shrine of approximately 25,000 Suwa Shrines nationwide. The exact time of its establishment and ceremonies is unknown. Here, too, there is a reverence for trees called "Onbashira-sai."
Onbashira-sai is a festival where large trees are cut in the mountains and transported to the shrine, and then the sacred pillars are dropped down a slope of about 30 degrees and a distance of 80 meters, together with the parishioners.
Shimekazari
The shimenawa used in Japanese New Year's shimekazari decorations depicts two intertwined snakes. The straw hanging from the shimenawa represents rain. These are common symbols.
The white zigzag paper streamers symbolize lightning and similar zigzag symbols can be found in places like Göbekli Tepe in Turkey.
The shape of the shimekazari, with the shimenawa tied in a circle and straw laid horizontally on its upper sides, is also seen as a symbol in other religions.
In the hand of a Babylonian goddess, there is a symbol of a ring and two sticks (ropes).
Next to the Egyptian uraeus, there is a symbol of a ring and two sticks (ropes).
The main god Ahura Mazda of the ancient Persian Zoroastrianism also holds a staff (scepter), a symbol of royal authority, with a crown that has a circular ring and two hanging ropes. In other words, the shape of the shimekazari is also a common symbol.
Ouroboros
In the case of Japanese shimekazari decorations, it would involve two intertwined snakes forming a ring. There is also a depiction of Ouroboros, where a single snake or dragon forms a ring and adds its own tail. The following image shows the Ouroboros on the stone coffin of Tutankhamun in Egypt.
In Hinduism, there is a dragon (or snake) that bites its own tail. The snake is called "Drakon" in Greek, which translates to dragon.
At the Templo Mayor in the archaeological site of Tzintzuntzan, Mexico, an Ouroboros of Quetzalcoatl can also be seen. Quetzalcoatl is a feathered serpent, and this too represents emptiness.
Chinowa (Rings of Chigaya)
In many Shinto shrines, a ritual called Chinowa Nagashi is performed. Chinowa is a large ring made of Chigaya or straw. Both Chigaya and straw are plants of the Poaceae family, and shimenawa, which is made from materials like rice straw or hemp, also represents snakes. In other words, Chinowa can be seen as Japan's version of Ouroboros, where a single snake forms a ring.
Tug-of-War
The traditional Japanese game of Tug-of-War involves two teams pulling on a single rope to determine the winner. Its history in Japan can be traced back to around the 1500s, where it was practiced as a ritual and form of divination during events like New Year's. In this case, ropes made of straw or Kayu were used.
In essence, Tug-of-War represents the interaction between intertwining snakes, symbolizing emptiness. The meaning behind this ritual can be found in Hinduism. In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, there is a story called "Churning of the Milk Ocean" (Samudra Manthan).
"Vishnu placed various plants and seeds into the Milk Ocean, then transformed into a gigantic turtle named Kurma and entered the ocean, carrying the great Mount Mandara on his back. The gods held the tail of the serpent king Vasuki, while the demons held its head, and they began to pull back and forth, causing the mountain to rotate. The churning continued for a thousand years, and from the Milk Ocean emerged the sun, the moon, elephants, horses, goddesses, and many other things."
The gods and demons pulling back and forth were represented by the serpent-like Vasuki. Vasuki is also known as Naga Raja, the king of the serpents in Indian mythology, and Naga Raja is depicted as two intertwined snakes. Thus, Tug-of-War symbolizes the creation of the universe (the Big Bang).
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