Bristol Insight Meditation is part of a world-wide network of groups based on the Theravada vipassana (insight) meditation tradition which has continued in Southeast Asia for over 2000 years. The symbol is a conscious effort to avoid traditional Buddhist imagery, to make a contemporary statement that appeals to a wide audience within and beyond Buddhist practitioners. The use of the circle and stones are both archetypal symbols of self — understanding of ‘self’ and ‘not-self’ is central to Buddhist practice. The eight stones for the ‘noble eightfold path’ also implies community, meeting, space. The stones themselves are formed by the four elements of earth, air, fire and water.