There's no happiness equal to serenity...
Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
The basis of the composition is a circle, inside which is placed Buddha, entered into a square in the shape of a lotus flower. From the point of view of the theory of symbols, the opposite of the circle is a square. The circle symbolises God and the heaven, whereas the square stands for the earhtly world and everything material - the earth and the human. A circle inside a square was interpreted as a symbol of a divine spark inside the material cover.
In the corners of the square flower there are 4 lotuses. The lotus flower is a symbol of eternity, revival and spirituality. The central image of the composition is sleeping Buddha in a circle like in a woman's womb, as if being the fifth flower. In Buddhism the lotus serves as a traditional symbol of purity. It is the symbol of enlightenment for Buddha.
In the esoteric symbolism five is the number of a "perfect man" with a developed will, able to place himself into the centre of elements and rule them. In the natural aspect the number five means the cosmic sphere with four elements and parts of the world, ruled by the unified Supreme Element - the Spirit, situated in the centre. Quinary notation in general represents a natural living rhythm, a cosmic world order.
In the flower where Buddha is placed there is a butterfly in the top right corner.
In many religions and cultures the butterfly is a symbol of an immortal soul and resurrection. Buddhists treat butterflies with great respect as it was the butterfly that Buddha addressed his sermon to.
The miracle of states turning from one into another is the miracle of a caterpillar turning into a cocoon and onwards into a tenderly beautiful butterfly.
In the bottom left corner there is an ant, a symbol of meekness, self-limitation, industriousness, diligence and eagerness. Different nations have a "diligent" insect as the Creator's assistant in the process of world creation.
There are four lotuses and the central fifth lotus, which is Buddha himself in the condition of nirvana.