Buddhism
Symbolism In Buddhism
Eight Auspicious Symbols
The Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala
in Sanskrit) are a group of lucky Buddhist symbols that appear on many
Buddhist textiles, objects and paintings. Each symbol represents an aspect
of Buddhist teaching and when they appear together, their powers are
multiplied.
The symbols derive from Indian iconography and have become especially popular in Tibetan Buddhism. Clink a link below for a full article and illustration of each Auspicious Symbol.
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Right-coiled White Conch The white conch which coils to the right symbolises the deep, far-reaching and melodious sound of the Dharma teachings, which being appropriate to different natures, predispositions and aspirations of disciples, awakens them from the deep slumber of ignorance and urges them to accomplish their own and others' welfare. |
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Precious Umbrella The precious umbrella symbolises the wholesome activity of preserving beings from illness, harmful forces, obstacles and so forth in this life and all kinds of temporary and enduring sufferings of the three lower realms, and the realms of men and gods in future lives. It also represents the enjoyment of a feast of benefit under its cool shade. More.. |
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Victory Banner The victory banner symbolises the victory of the activities of one's own and others body, speech and mind over obstacles and negativitities. It also stands for the complete victory of the Buddhist Doctrine over all harmful and pernicious forces. |
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Golden Fish The golden fish symbolises the auspiciousness of all living beings in a state of fearlessness, without danger of drowning in the ocean of sufferings, and migrating from place to place freely and spontaneously, just as fish swim freely without fear through water. |
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Dharma Wheel The golden wheel symbolises the auspiciousness of the turning of the precious wheel of Buddha's doctrine, both in its teachings and realizations, in all realms and at all times, enabling beings to experience the joy of wholesome deeds and liberation. |
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Auspicious Drawing The auspicious drawing symbolises the mutual dependence of religious doctrine and secular affairs. Similarly, it represents the union of wisdom and method, the inseparability of emptiness and dependent arising at the time of path, and finally, at the time of enlightenment, the complete union of wisdom and great compassion. |
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Lotus Flower The lotus flower symbolises the complete purification of the defilements of the body, speech and mind, and the full blossoming of wholesome deeds in blissful liberation. |
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Vase of Treasure The treasure vase symbolises an endless rain of long life, wealth and prosperity and all the benefits of this world and liberation |