Fish symbolism in theravada buddhism

Abstract

Fish are found as an influential symbol of thought and belief, in folklore, legends, fairy tales, and the literature of various ages, various arts works, and Buddhist literature. The symbolism of fish is also found in most other cultures as well, both Western and Eastern.

            In Buddhist literature the role of fish is presented in both positive and negative ways, in biological and physical senses. The most important thing is that it was used figuratively to preach the Dhamma in both personal figurative and abstract figurative terms. Apart from that, the fish is used as a symbol of thought and belief in human culture, a representative of energetic vitality, a symbol of water, the destroyer of thirst and hunger, of food for living things, of precious treasure, of both physical and mental power and success, of cultivation and perfection in Buddhism, and of prosperity. It also was represented as a symbol of various defilements, such as desire, sensual-desire, unsteadiness, greed, conflict, evil and the root of bad actions, which are related to the realms of deterioration and suffering consumed by animals who are born there, and of a vicious element associated with women. Finally, the fish is used as a representation of mindfulness, of Dhamma practice, of the penetration of wisdom, of deliberation, of harmony, and as a religious holy animal in Buddhism and in Brahmanism.