In Buddhism, elephant represented mental stability and power.

Ganesha is a popular figure in Indian art. He may be portrayed standing, dancing, heroically taking action against demons, playing with his family as a boy, or sitting down on an elevated seat, or engaging in a range of contemporary situations. Whether these are dramatized, parables, or really did happen, are of course things we are unable to ever validate. In Buddhism, the elephant still has spiritual significance, but it’s just a different way of going about it. Alternatively, Elephant symbolism may be letting you know that you have to shift your focus so that you may view the whole picture. In Hindu tradition, elephants call up the image of Ganesha, symbol of knowledge, son of Shiva and Parvati. The African elephant’s ears are twice as large and shaped like the continent of Africa. Unlike those of some deities, representations of Ganesha show wide variations and distinct patterns changing over time. The life of the Buddha is rich in stories about, with, (and sometimes “as”), animals.

His human body is the microcosm, manifestation, and his elephant’s head is the macrocosm, non-manifestation. The elephant, in its most global and universal meaning, symbolizes strength and power, not only physical but also mental and spiritual. Elephant symbolism in different cultures.

Buddhism is Rich with Animal Symbolism. There are a number of difference between the two species of elephants. In this case, a narrow approach will mean that you will miss something important. To start, African elephants are much larger than Asian elephants. When Buddha’s mother became pregnant with him, she had a dream of a pure white elephant. He […] The elephant gave her a white lotus from his trunk and circled around her three times, entering her womb.

African Elephant vs. Asian Elephant Symbolism. They were considered to be extremely smart animals and white elephant was a symbol for a kind and calm mind, that can’t be easily controlled by others.