The light has important symbolic value in Buddhism.  The Teachings of the Buddha (the Dharma) are often referred to as the light that pierces through, and drives away, the darkness of ignorance.  Visiting any Buddhist temples and organisations, one will see the symbolism of light in many instances.

Buddha statues

The wisdom and Enlightenment of the Buddha are often depicted by a halo around the Buddha’s head.  Ancient depictions of the Buddha (e.g. Gandhara art) often show the Buddha with a halo.  This ornamentation is despite the usual simplicity of Gandhara art. 

Sometimes the light around the Buddha is depicted using colours that were said to have emitted from the Buddha’s body after His Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.  The colours are said to be blue, yellow, red, white, orange and a sixth colour (which is a combination of the earlier five colours).  Today these six colours are the colours of the Buddhist flag.

In addition, it was also recorded that in the hours prior to the Buddha entering Parinirvana, his skin become extra clear and bright.

Halos are also common in Japanese, Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism and not restricted to the Shakyamuni Buddha.  Other Buddhas, Bodhisattvas or even Buddhist guardian deities might be depicted with halos around them to signify their higher status.

In Thai Buddhism, the halo is replaced by the flame on top of the Buddha’s ushinisha (or topknot).  The flame is usually long and strong looking to signify the Perfect Enlightenment of the Buddha.

Light Offerings

Lamp offerings in the form of oil lamps, butter lamps, electric lamps etc are also commonly seen at the Buddha altar.  In certain situations, devotees also donate oil and unused butter lamps to the temples. 

There are no fixed rules/rituals to making light offerings.  One suggestion is to keep in mind the Triple Gem of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha when making the light offerings.  Maintain the devotion and generate aspiration to the well-being of all sentient beings through the Teachings of the Buddha.

There are also different merits associated with offering light, click on the links to read more about it:

http://www.fgsitc.org/lamp-offering/

https://tibetanbc.org/light-offering/

http://www.fpmt-osel.org/teachings/lights.htm

Buddhist Parable

There are also beautiful and inspiring Buddhist parables associated with light.

One famous story involved a female beggar (Nanda) who donated a small oil lamp as an offering (with the vow to eliminate the darkness of sufferings of all people) to the Buddha despite being poor and hungry.  Her sincerity and devotion resulted in her small lamp outlasting other lamp offerings.  Through her great vow, it was stated that the merit attained will lead her to eventual Enlightenment in future lives.

MORE ARTICLE: The Thangkas

MORE ARTICLE: Kinnara - Mythical Celestial Creature