Correct option is D
In Buddhist iconography, a horse symbolizes Gautama Buddha’s renunciation. According to tradition, Prince Siddhartha Gautama left his royal life and embarked on a spiritual journey in search of truth and enlightenment. He rode his horse Kanthaka while leaving the palace, symbolizing the Great Renunciation, where he abandoned his luxurious life to seek spiritual awakening.
Information Booster
- Wheel (Dharmachakra): Symbolizes Buddha’s first sermon and the propagation of Dharma.
- Bodhi Tree (Enlightenment): Represents Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya.
- Lotus (Birth): Represents purity and Buddha’s birth, as he is believed to have taken steps on lotus flowers.
- Horse (Renunciation): Represents Buddha leaving his royal life on his horse Kanthaka, renouncing material pleasures.
Additional Knowledge
(a) Wheel (Dharmachakra): Represents the First Sermon at Sarnath, where Buddha set the Wheel of Dharma in motion.
(b) Enlightenment (Bodhi Tree): Buddha attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya after deep meditation.
(c) Birth (Lotus & Elephant): The birth of Buddha is often symbolized by a Lotus or a White Elephant, representing purity and divine birth.
(d) Renunciation (Horse - Kanthaka): Buddha’s departure from his palace in Kapilavastu, where he left behind his princely life to seek enlightenment.