In this symbolism earth is represented by a square, water by a circle, fire by a triangle, air by a crescent and ether by a gem-mani-the "jewel in the lotus," which surmounts the whole. The medirevalalchemists of Europe adopted practically the same diagram, the only difference being that they considered the two upper symbols as one and called it air.
This diagram, the Caitya or Stupa (lit. "precious tower"), may be observed in the ppen squares of Buddhist monasteries in Japan and Tibet, and in the interior of Asia wherever the influence of the Chinese extends. The symbolism is also depicted on the memorial poles which are placed at the tombs of the dead by the Chinese on their All Soul's Day.
