... The Illustrated Book of Symbols The essential reference for decoding signs and symbols The world around us is filled with signs and symbols Those we have chosen to create, such as alphabets and ... both part of the act of devotion in Buddhism, as in other religions The light produced the is light of the doctrine and the smoke from the incense wafts the truth of the doctnne toward the devotees, ... air fire, and water, the and dark, the sun and moon, masculine and feminine, and the unit}' underlying these opposing forces The dragon possesses the wings of a bird and the scales of a snake...