Why Deer statue/image along
with Chakra is seen in the monastery buildings?
Deer has a symbolic relation with Lord Buddha. Deer are a direct
reference to the Buddha's first teaching in the Deer Park, Sarnath (Varanasi),
also called Dharmachakra Parivartan.
The suggestion is that so wondrous was the Buddha's appearance and
peaceful his presence that even the animals came to listen his teachings.
Especially in the Bhutanese tradition, a monastery, which holds
the Kangyur and Tengyur collections of texts, would have this symbol of deer on
both sides of the Dharma-wheel on the roof.
Depiction of Deer Dharma Charka is also seen in many monasteries
in Bhutan, Tibet and some Indian states.
When we take a long journey
and when we see a deer on the way, it is considered good omen.
So my deer friends always have a soft heart to the deer and never
ever think of hunting and eating it.
Eating deer's meat is directly hurting Buddha.
