buddhism the elephant seen earthly manifestation qualities embodied buddha himself

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In Buddhism the elephant is seen as an earthly manifestation of the qualities embodied in the Buddha himself. Royalty Free Stock Photo

Indian elephant statue outside the Cosmic Cafe on Oak Lawn in Dallas, Texas. Royalty Free Stock Photo

In Buddhism the elephant is seen as an earthly manifestation of the qualities embodied in the Buddha himself.

Smiling Buddha stone relief outside the Cosmic Cafe on Oak Lawn in Dallas, Texas. Royalty Free Stock Photo

Seated Buddha stained glass window outside the Cosmic Cafe on Oak Lawn in Dallas, Texas. Royalty Free Stock Photo

Cat holding a bowl statue outside the Cosmic Cafe on Oak Lawn in Dallas, Texas. Royalty Free Stock Photo

Even at his inception Buddha was linked to the elephant. When his mother became pregnant she dreamt of a pure white elephant offering a white lotus from his trunk circling around her three times and entering her womb with his tusk. She knew immediately upon waking that she had experienced a divine omen. This prophecy helped solidify the symbolism of elephants in Buddhism.