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EIGHT . AUSPICIOUS . SYMBOLS
(Tashitag Gya)

and What They Mean

by Trinley Dorje

© 1996 Phoenix & Arabeth

The eight luck-bringing symbols, Ashta-Mangala (Sanskrit) or Uljeitu naiman temdek (Mongolian), are popular charms to both the lamas and the Tibetan laity. The qualities of the Buddha are traditionally represented by these 8 auspicious symbols. They were offered to the Buddha Shakyamuni at the time of his birth.

The 8 auspicious symbols also commemorate the gifts offered by celestial beings to Buddha Shakyamuni after his attainment of enlightenment. The auspicious symbols appear either all together, in pairs or singly. They decorate all sorts of objects both sacred and secular. Sometimes they appear cast as altar bronzes.

The 8 auspicious symbols may be personified as eight symbol-bearing goddesses, known in Tibetan as Tashi-lhamo Gyal or ASHTAMANGALA-DEVI in sanskrit. Each is represented holding the symbolic object and all are adorned with crowns and jewels.

1. THE PRECIOUS UMBRELLA [PARASOL]
(CHATTRA [S.] Rinchen Dug [T.] Sikur [M.])
denotes respect; gives protection from all evil and the heat of evil desires

2. TWO GOLDEN FISH
(SURVANA MATSYA Sergyi Nya Jighasun)
represent Buddha's eyes, hence Transcendent Wisdom; happiness and utility; symbolic of beings saved from the ocean of earthly life and suffering

3. GREAT INEXHAUSTIBLE TREASURE VASE
(KALASHA Terchen-pahi Bumpa Bumba)
the innumerable qualities of a Buddha's Body; contains spiritual jewels; the treasury of all desires

4. THE EXCELLENT LOTUS FLOWER
(PADMA Padma Zangpo Badma)
representing the purity of the Buddha's Mind; emblem of original purity; pledge of salvation, or Nirvana

5. PRECIOUS WHITE CONCH HORN [TRUMPET],
WITH A SPIRAL THAT TURNS TO THE RIGHT
(SHANKHA Dungkar Yakhyil Labai)
symbolizes the sound of Dharma, which can be heard in all directions; proclaiming the fame of the saints; "the blessedness of turning to the right"

6. THE GLORIOUS INTERWOVEN KNOT OF LIFE
(SHRIVATSA Palgyi Behu Balbu)
the Mystic Diagram representing the Great Love of all the Buddhas, and the never-ending continuity of the Teachings of Buddha's Mind; the knot of Love; the thread which guides to happiness

7. SUPREME CIRCULAR BANNER OF VICTORY
(DHVAJA Choggi Gyaltshan Doja)
victory over negative influences; flag that celebrates the victory of Buddhism; the standard erected on the summit of the palace of salvation

8. PRECIOUS GOLDEN WHEEL OF DHARMA
(CHAKRA Sergyi Khorlo Kurde)
the Teaching of the Buddha; wheel of doctrine or religious law; the wheel which leads to perfection

KURUKULE
© 1996 Phoenix & Arabeth

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TIBETAN . BUDDHIST . ART

and Symbolism

California-Style Thanka Painting

EIGHT . AUSPICIOUS . SYMBOLS (Tashitag Gya) and What They Mean

P H O E N I X & A R A B E T H

EIGHT . AUSPICIOUS . SYMBOLS
(Tashitag Gya)

and What They Mean