Sunday, April 12, 2009

Tibet Jewelry Art and Culture----Eight Buddhist Lucky Signs

The eight Lucky signs of Tibetan Buddhism consist of: a parasol, a pair of fishes, a treasure vase, a lotus, a white-spiraling conch shell, an endless knot, a victory banner, and a golden wheel.

Groupings of eight Lucky symbols were originally used in India at ceremonies such as an investiture or coronation of a king. An early grouping of symbols included: a throne, a swastika, a handprint, a hooked knot, a vase of jewels, a water libation flask, a pair of fishes, and a lidded bowl. In Buddhism, these eight symbols of good fortune represent the offerings made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha immediately after he gained enlightenment. The following expounds upon these symbols.

1)Golden Fish symbolizes happiness, soul emancipation, and salvation from the sea of suffering.

2)Conch symbolizes the sound of Dharma and the teachings of the enlightened people.

3)Banner symbolizes the victory of Buddhism over ignorance and death. The standard erected on the summit of the palace of salvation.

4)Knot symbolizes the unity of all things and the illusory character of time. The Mystic Diagram representing the Great Love of all the Buddhas; The thread which guides to happiness.

5)Vase symbolizes the innumerable qualities of Buddha's Body and stores the nectar of immortality and hidden treasure.

6)Wheel symbolizes the things which lead to perfection.

7)Lotus symbolizes purity and spiritual enfoldment.

8)Parasol symbolizes loyalty, faith and Dharma protection from all evil.





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