Butsu sokuseki

Buddha's footprint

During the first 500 years of Buddhism, the image of the Buddha was not used. Instead, special symbols, including the Buddha's footprint, depicted the Buddha.

Asian Cultural Traditions
Carolyn Brown Heinz

In many countries there are 108 auspicious symbols included on the sokuseki, but in Japan there are usually only eight symbols, including the lotus and the wheel.

Symbols of Japan: Thematic Motifs in Art and Design
by Merrily Baird