Tibetan Symbols - Looking At Tibetan BuddhismWhen talking about Tibetan symbols, people usually mean symbols that refer to Buddhism. Over the years, Tibetan Buddhism has amassed many symbols which are representative of its philosophical, historical, and moral beliefs. While some can identify these symbols and logos upon first sight, they may not truly know the meaning behind the symbols. This is unfortunate because understanding these symbols can often lead to a greater understanding of what the religion of Buddhism truly represents. For those that may be curious as to what Tibetan symbols are reflective of, here is a brief overview: Eight Auspicious SymbolsThe Eight Auspicious Symbols are associated with gifts given to Sakyamuni (The Buddha) upon his enlightenment and act as protective motifs throughout Tibet.
Precious Umbrella – positioned over Buddha images to protect them from evil. Banner of Victory – symbolises the triumph of wisdom over ignorance. Conch shell – trumpeted to celebrate Sakyamuni’s enlightenment and to signal prayer time.
Knot of Eternity – represents the unity of time, harmony and the mutual dependence of religious doctrine and secular affairs. Golden fishes - represents the auspiciousness of all living beings in a state of fearlessness. Migrating from place to place, freely and spontaneously, just as fish swim freely without fear through water. Lotus Flower - symbolises purification of the body, speech and mind, and the full blossoming of wholesome deeds.
Vase of Treasure - symbolises an endless reign of long life, wealth and prosperity and all the benefits of this world and liberation. Golden Dharma Wheel - symbolises the auspiciousness of the turning of the precious wheel of Buddha's doctrine. When one circles the exterior of a Tibetan monastery, it becomes difficult not to notice all the many prayer flags that are present. These flags are certainly not merely there for decorative purposes. They are intended to reflect a deeper symbolism and meaning. These flags, which have their roots deep in the Bon tradition – the native religon of Tibet before the introduction of Buddhism, contain positive sayings and mantras with the symbolic intention that as the wind passes through the flags the words of these sayings will carry throughout the world. This is why there are so many unique inscriptions embroidered on the prayer flags. The Wind Horse, or Longda, is another mythical creature from Tibetan history that finds itself symbolically represented in Buddhist prayer ornaments and prayer flags. The Wind Horse carries the Three Jewels of Buddhism – The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and is carrying positive and insightful messages to other reaches of the world. Prayer wheels are truly a unique creation of Tibetan Buddhist culture. The concept of the wheels is similar to that of the prayer flag in the sense that mantras and prayers are presented on the wheel. When the wheel is spun, it is believed that the words of the prayer will spread with the wind throughout the world.
|
