The eight-spoked dharma chakra represents the Noble Eight-fold path taught by the Buddha
* Buddha Sakyamuni. Obviously the most common image at Buddhist monasteries, and statues show the Buddha in a various number of postures, though the most common of these depicts the Buddha sitting in lotus posture with the finger tips of his right hand touching the ground.
* Tara (only in Vajrayana monasteries). This female deity can be depicted in a variety of colors, though green or white are the most common. Green Tara represents the Buddha's enlightened activity. White Tara represents compassion.
* Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche (only in Vajrayana monasteries, especially those of the Nyingma school). An eighth century sage credited as the founder of Vajrayana Buddhism. The most common images portray him in a sitting posture, wearing an elaborate hat and with his right leg lowered slightly. His eyes are wide open and appear to be gazing into the distance.
* Prayer wheels (Tib: mani) (only in Vajrayana monasteries). There are several types of prayer wheels, and the following are some of the most common: copper wheels mounted in walls surrounding monasteries and stupas, and large wooden wheels standing alone near the gates of monasteries. In addition, there are small hand-held wheels that are carried by devotees. All prayer wheels are rotated in a clockwise direction and with a sincere motivation to benefit all beings. In this way, they are considered an effective means of developing a generous and pure mind.
Respect
* Wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site.
* Go bare foot within the main temple/stupa complex.
* Circumambulate stupas and other sacred objects in a clock-wise direction.
* Turn prayer wheels in a clockwise direction.
* Preserve the peace and tranquility.
* Do not climb onto statues or other sacred objects.
* Do not sit with the soles of the feet facing a Buddha image (especially important in Theravada temples)
