Monday, February 18, 2008

The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism

A constant intriguing factor in the imagery of the Great Buddha is the group of three curving conch-like lines on his neck. In the varied world of Buddhist art this is one common characteristic that shines across all aesthetic traditions. Like other Buddhist motifs, it too is soaked in rich spiritual symbolism. It is said to represent Buddha's deep and resonant voice, through which he introduced his followers to the path of dharma.

The association of the conch shell with Buddha's melodious voice, sweet with the tenor of his uplifting message, has both an archetypal simplicity and universal appeal. It is a hard-hitting symbol which associates a primordial object (deemed sacred in all ancient traditions) with the actual physical body of the Buddha. Indeed, though much of Buddhist philosophy is esoteric, when it comes to aesthetics, Buddhist art is justly famous for giving a physical, easily recognizable representation to abstract philosophical truths.

Buddhism has evolved over the centuries a complex, yet discernable scheme of symbolism which has found adequate expression in Buddhist art. Undoubtedly, the most popular of such symbols is the group of eight, known in Sanskrit as 'Ashtamangala,' ashta meaning eight and mangala meaning auspicious. Each of these symbols is also individually associated with the physical form of the Buddha.

These eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism (Tib. bkra shis rtags brgyad) are:

1). A Conch Shell

2). A Lotus

3). A Wheel

4). A Parasol (Umbrella)

5). An Endless Knot

6). A Pair of Golden Fishes

7). A Banner Proclaiming Victory

8). A Treasure Vase



This article by Nitin Kumar
Editor
http://www.exoticindia.com

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Obviously, it very interesting and full with spiritual and philosophical meaninings.Glory to the Oim! A healing word.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much i loved your article it helped me so much in my school article on Indian Culture.

Anonymous said...

OM is GOD. OM is You and Me. Om is Gayatri. OM IS(AUM)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for wondeful article about OM. All the articles in this website are full of knowledge and educational.
It is a great website to learn about Hinduism. I love your this website and recommend my friends this for their knowledge.
Thanks for excellent work.
Wish you all the best...

Popular content