Eight Sacred Emblems of Buddhism in Tibet
Updated: 2007-04-28 09:00
In Tibet, there are symbols on the walls of almost every temple, shrine and monastery, and on many private houses. The most common decorative motifs are the Eight Sacred Emblems of Buddhism.
Click to read the full text on page
74-75 at 
|
|
|
|
Conch Shell (dun): used in Buddhist worship as a trumpet or offertory vessel and symbolizing the spoken word of Buddha. |
Vase (bum-pa): used as the storage urn of a sacred receptacle and symbolizing hidden treasures. |
|
|
|
|
Umbrella (gdugs): a token of loyalty and symbolizing the protection of the Dharma (faith). |
Endless Knot (apal-be): an auspicious geometric diagram symbolizing devotion. |
|
|
|
|
Dharma Wheel (chakra): symbolizing the unity of all things and Sakyamuni himself. |
Golden Fish (gser-na): symbolizing spiritual liberation. As water allows fish to swim freely, so Buddhist belief emancipates the soul. |
|
|
|
|
Lotus flower (padma): symbolizing purity. As the flower rises from muddy roots, so Nirvana arises from this shabby world. |
Banner of Victory (dpal-be): a unique Buddhist object, with the cylindrical layered banner symbolizing victory over ignorance and death. |
