Symbols of Zen Buddhism and their meaning. Symbols of Buddhism and their meaning - what do the signs and images tell us? Good symbols: precious vase and lotus flower

Buddhist symbolism. The main groups of symbols of Buddhism. Eight symbols of luck

Some of the main auspicious symbols in Buddhism are grouped together. However, they can also occur separately.

Eight symbols of luck


are considered gifts presented by the gods to Buddha Shakyamuni after he gained Enlightenment


once presented to Buddha by the lord of the gods, Mahadeva, as a head ornament. Symbolizes protection from disease, evil spirits and suffering in this and future lives. On a spiritual level, it dispels anger, passion, pride, envy and stupidity.

was given to Buddha by the god Vishnu as an ornament for his eyes. Symbolizes freedom from the fear of drowning in the ocean of suffering and spiritual liberation.

was presented to Buddha by the god Indra as an ornament for his ears. Symbolizes the sound of the Buddha's Teachings spreading freely everywhere and awakening disciples from the sleep of ignorance.

A lotus with a thousand petals was given to Buddha by the god Kama as an ornament for his tongue. Symbolizes the purity of teaching and purification of body, speech and mind, leading to Enlightenment.

presented to Buddha by the god Shadana as an ornament for his throat. Symbolizes the fulfillment of all desires, both temporary (gaining longevity, wealth and merit), and the highest - gaining liberation and Enlightenment.


given to Buddha by the god Ganesha as an ornament for his heart. Symbolizes the changing nature of time, the impermanence and interconnection of all things, as well as the unity of compassion and wisdom.

presented to Buddha by the god Krishna as an ornament for his body. This cylindrical multi-tiered figure symbolizes the victory of the Buddha's teachings over ignorance and death.

with a thousand spokes was given to Buddha by Brahma as an ornament for his feet. It began to be called "Wheel of Dharma". Its rotation symbolizes the preaching of the Buddha's Teachings, bringing liberation to all living beings. Usually depicted with eight spokes, which represent "The Noble Eightfold Path" Shakyamuni Buddha:

1 - Right view.
2 - Right thinking.
3 - Correct speech.
4 - Correct behavior.
5 - Correct lifestyle.
6 - Correct effort.
7- Right mindfulness.
8- Right contemplation.


(in Tibetan "Tashi Tagye") - these are all eight symbols drawn together. They are often depicted on the walls of houses, in monasteries, temples, on doors and curtains.



Year of manufacture: 1999
Country Russia
Translation: Not required
Director: Golden Age
Quality: VHSRip
Format: AVI
Duration: 01:00:00
Size: 705 MB

Description: The film talks about spiritual experience in line with the Buddhist tradition, about the highest potential of the human spirit, about insight, about sacred knowledge, meditation and Buddhist symbols. For any audience.

Download from turbobit.net (705 MB)
Download from depositfiles.com (705 MB)


Hello, dear readers – seekers of knowledge and truth!

Tibet attracts with its mystery and mystery. It is replete with unusual symbols, bizarre images, which are very difficult for an ignorant person to understand. This article will tell you about Tibetan amulets and their meaning, will lift the veil of secrecy about the magical side of Tibet, and explain what talismans are made of and how they gain their power.

Introduction

World magic symbols Tibet is huge, and their diversity excites the imagination. Protection from the evil eye, attracting money, procreation, maintaining health, catching luck by the tail, defeating diseases - this is only a small part of the magic that amulets can perform.

They are all called "sung", which is translated from Sanskrit as "protection". It’s not at all surprising, because their main task is to protect their owner from all kinds of misfortunes.

It's difficult to say exactly when they appeared. But Tibet is a place where eras converged, two powerful cultures collided: that which came straight from India, and that which dominated here before the arrival new religion. Each civilization had its own concepts of the world order, teachings, and therefore symbols, attributes, talismans.

Modern talismans of Tibetan origin are a symbiosis of two schools of thought, a harmonious, unique combination Buddhist religion with Bonskaya.

What are their amulets made of?

The imagination of the Tibetans was indefatigable - amulets of various shapes, sizes, with images and patterns were made from everything that was available. Thus, there are talismans made of metal, paper, clay, birch bark, fabric, and the most outlandish among them is made of yak bone and its horns. They are placed, hung around the house, worn on the body, or even taken orally as a medicine.

Very strong protective apotropaia are special symbols that are used to paint walls and ceilings in the interior and exterior of a house. They are able to call upon spirits and protect residents or guests. Also, these letters, phrases or mantras can be applied to special canvases and flags flying near the entrance.

Similar amulets with individual phrases written on paper can also be worn on the body. In some cases, special leaves are rolled into prayer balls and then swallowed - it is believed that this can improve health by curing diseases.

More complex are talismans with motifs of deities, pictures shown in sutras, images of religious figures. They promise good luck, longevity, wealth, happiness, and also drive away evil spirits.


Metal objects - made of silver, gold, copper, and their alloys - have powerful energy. They do not need to apply additional images such as mantras or traditional Buddhist signs, because they can fight evil on their own.

From the point of view of the European view and traditional astrology, it is generally accepted that gold corresponds to the Sun, and silver to the Moon. Incredibly, it is only among Tibetans and Germans that the opinion has taken root that the Moon is a male celestial body, and the Sun is female.

Types of talismans

Among the variety of fancy names and patterns unknown to Europeans, the most surprising and beloved are the following:

  • Om sign;
  • Dzi stones;
  • Ryu amulet.

Sound Om

The first song of the Universe after its birth, the main sign that unites Buddhism and Hinduism - Ohm. It was with this sound that our Universe appeared, and it sounds like “ aum" It calms with its vibrations, gives peace of mind, and transforms human energy into universal energy.

The image of this syllable is applied everywhere: on clothing, jewelry, household items, buildings, and even transferred into nature, carved on stones, trees, sand. This divine sign protects from bad forces both from the outside and from the inside, saves both from evil creatures of the external world and from the negative energy of the internal space.

Mandala

This word is probably known to many of today's fashionistas and followers of popular trends. Mandalas have now gained enormous popularity, occupying entire bookshelves, racks of magazines, and notepads. Of course, these patterns are an excellent sedative in our time of stress and depression.

Anti-stress, art therapy – whatever they call this newfangled trend now. But not everyone knows that they appeared many centuries ago, and among true Tibetans they are no less popular than among us. They were carved, painted, created from sand of various colors.


Tibetan monks, working on one complex sand mandala for many weeks, then sweep it away overnight in a special ritual to emphasize detachment from things and to understand the illusory nature of this world. The patterns are numerous, each has its own meaning, influencing a certain aspect of a person’s life.

Dzi beads

Beads Dzi- these are stones made of agate or quartz, having a special, usually oblong, tubular shape. A variety of paintings are applied to them: most often eyes, and sometimes stripes, geometric figures, flowers. Tibetans believe that these small stones attract great luck for their owner, promising him mountains of gold and good health.

Dzi beads are as ancient as the Bon civilization - that is where they originate. There is a funny legend associated with them, according to which Dzi was worn by demigods as jewelry. When the stones deteriorated, the deities threw them from heaven to earth, and they turned into insects, burying themselves in the soil. But when these insects were touched by a person’s hand, they again acquired their original appearance, promising unearthly happiness to the finder.

Amulet of Ryu

This is a tantric amulet that protects against the evil eye and damage. Stops negative impact people and spirits, prevents the appearance of mental illnesses.

How it works

For magical artifacts to “work”, it is not enough to simply create them. A special rite of monks is needed, which sanctifies the object, endowing it with magical properties. The Lama conducts a luxurious solemn ritual over him in accordance with all the rules, observing the sequence of actions, and can also simply read. Body amulets often wrapped with multi-colored threads so as to hide them from prying eyes.


Any such item is individual and helps only one person or family. If he was lost and then other people found him, then he will not be a protector for them. But the most important thing about the amulet, which gives it limitless power, is that you need to believe in it. Sincerely, unconditionally, selflessly.

Conclusion

Thank you very much for your attention, dear readers! Support the blog - share the link to the article in in social networks, if you liked it, and we will search for the truth together.

Buddhist symbols carry a deep hidden meaning, which is why they have become very popular in tattoo art as a motif for boys and girls. This article presents Buddhist tattoos and symbols that, when applied to the body, can give you happiness, protection and enlightenment.

Buddhist tattoos and designs for women and men

Buddhist tattoos have become synonymous with divinity and spirituality. Therefore, tattoo lovers around the world choose this design to symbolize their faith. Today, there are a large number of options available for application to the body, which we will discuss below.

Buddha tattoo

The image of Buddha is a wonderful option for a tattoo: it represents absolute calm and serenity. A Buddha tattoo can include additional elements to make the design more meaningful and attractive, such as trees, flowers and birds.

This Buddhist tattoo will look most successful on the forearm, on the back or on the chest.

Yantra Tattoo

The Sri Yantra tattoo refers to sacred geometry and is a diagram of the Indian goddess of happiness, beauty and love Lakshmi, also called Sri.

Yantra tattoo has special meaning: It is designed to balance the energy in the world.

The Buddhist tattoo consists of 9 large intertwined triangles that form 43 small triangular shapes representing the universe and creation. The triangles are surrounded by two lotus flowers with 8 or 16 petals. Also, the tattoo may contain a square, symbolizing a four-door temple.

Sak Yant

Sak means tattoo, Yant means Yantra. Buddhist hieroglyphs have magical power, which is why they have been used by monks for centuries. This sacred form of tattooing is especially common in Southeast Asia, which is why many people get it while traveling to Thailand. There are different variations of Buddhist Sak Yant tattoos, which are characterized by very different geometric shapes.

Among the most famous Sak Yant motifs are Hah Tew, Gao Yord and Paed Tidt.

Angelina Jolie wears Buddhist Hah Tew patterns on her left shoulder blade. Five lines represent magic spells, which protect the owner from evil and bring him luck, health and success.

Chakra tattoo

The chakra system originated many centuries ago in India. Each chakra is an energy center that rotates like a wheel.

Buddhist chakra tattoos provide a balanced and happy life.

If the speed is high, this chakra is too open. If the wheel rotates slowly or does not rotate at all, this means that the chakra is closed. For good health All chakras must work harmoniously and be in harmony.

Hand of Hamsa (Fatima)

This symbol is very popular in many cultures and religions. In Islam it is known as the "hand of Fatima", named after the daughter of Muhammad.

In Buddhism and Hinduism, a hand with five fingers represents five of the seven chakras. The Hamsa Charm protects against any misfortune or danger, however, for optimal protection and good luck, the fingers should point downwards.

Lotus flower

Lotus flower growing in muddy water, but it does not have a detrimental effect on its petals: they float on the surface of the water and amaze with their extraordinary beauty.

The lotus is one of the oldest symbols and has many meanings.

The lotus flower in Buddhism symbolizes purity of heart and enlightenment. The symbol also denotes rebirth, new beginnings and the path to Nirvana: these are the most common Buddhist tattoos.

Ganesha tattoo

Ganesha is the Hindu god of luck. He is also known as the "Overcomer of Obstacles" and the "Destroyer of Evil."

Its large elephant head signifies intelligence, and its curved body signifies strength and feelings. As a rule, a person gets a Buddhist Ganesha tattoo when he needs good luck and success in his endeavors.

Shiva tattoo

God Shiva is the father of Ganesha and one of the three main gods in Hinduism. Shiva is pure consciousness from which his energy (Shakti) emanates.

However, Shiva has both a positive and destructive aspect. In other words, something must end in order for something new to appear: this dissolves old habits and thereby creates space for a new beginning. This is why he is the God of transformation and change.

Unalome

The Unalome tattoo is a Hindu symbol that represents the path to enlightenment. Often this sign is combined with a lotus flower and the Om sign.

Unalome is ideal as a small tattoo on the back, neck or wrist.

Buddhist sign Om

The sacred symbol Aum in Buddhism means the vibrations of the universe and all states of human consciousness. It is often chanted at the beginning and end of a yoga class and used during meditation. The idea behind Om is that everything in the universe began with vibration, it became sound, and that sound is Om.

The Buddhist symbol tattoo looks like the number 30 and allows for many associations: the three gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the three levels of heaven, earth and the underworld, etc. This is a kind of classic tattoo that symbolizes Buddhism.

Other symbols and concepts

This is a special mystical formula of sounds. The word itself in Sanskrit means protection (“traya”) of the mind (“manas”). Repeating the sounds of a mantra in combination with special body positions (asana), ritual gestures (mudra) and special visualizations can quickly awaken Buddha nature - the enlightened essence of the practitioner's mind. Mantras have been used since ancient times in various spiritual traditions of India.



A symbol of absolute purity in the Buddhist tradition. Usually the lotus grows in dirty water, revealing amazing purity and beauty. Therefore, it also symbolizes renunciation of worldly things. The image of Buddha sitting or standing on this flower means that he is beyond the cycle of rebirth. He no longer knows anger, desire, pride, lust, jealousy. The lotus is revered as a divine flower; the feet of deities and bodhisattvas rest on it. Also lotus is one of the female symbols in tantra. White lotus (pundarika) is an attribute of the bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Tara. It also symbolizes rarity and transience. The pink lotus (kama-la) in Tibetan Buddhism symbolizes the sun, as well as passion. The blue lotus (utpala) or “night” lotus is an attribute of many deities.


"OM" or "AUM". The syllable of the Universe, a symbol of the absolute. Another way to pronounce "OM" is "AUM". According to the Upanishads, “OM” means four stages of consciousness: “A” is awakening, “U” is the state of sleep, “M” is deep sleep, and the fourth stage of the entire syllable is enlightenment. In Buddhism, “OM” is a symbol of the Body of all Buddhas or Nirmanakaya - the visible, manifested aspect of the Buddha.

This is the pure dimension or abode of Buddhas, made of light. It is presented in the form of a palace or temple with doors located in the four cardinal directions. All symbols, attributes, deities are depicted according to strict tradition. In the center of the mandala palace, a special seed syllable is visualized, from which, depending on the type of practice and tradition, the body of the yidam gradually or instantly emerges, inseparable from the consciousness of the practitioner.

Mandalas are depicted in the form of a symmetrical diagram, which is the plan of the deity's palace. Images of mandalas for various deities are strictly canonized. Sometimes the entire universe is called a mandala. Mandalay is also the name for a set of round dishes that are placed on top of each other on the altar, filled with rice and symbolize the offering of all the riches of the universe to the Buddha.




A structure symbolizing the enlightened mind of Buddha. Therefore, it is the most sacred building in Buddhism.

It is also a vertical model of the universe (as opposed to a mandala - horizontal). Her
the parts mean the five elements that make up the Universe (earth, fire, wind, water, space), and the steps at the top are the levels of meditation for achieving Enlightenment.

The stupa also symbolizes the five chakras and the body of Buddha. The base of the stupa represents the throne of Buddha, the steps rising up from it are his crossed legs, the dome is the torso, the turret under the spire all-seeing eyes, the top is the earlobe, the bulge present on the crown of the Buddha.

Stupas began to be installed after the death of the Buddha in places associated with him, as burial mounds for the burial of the ashes of the Buddha and other devotees. According to tradition, great lamas and saints are buried in them. A stupa can perform a protective function, and also serve as a sign of the intersection of cosmic energies in a given place.

IN different countries have their own traditional forms of stupas. In Tibet, there are 8 canonical types of stupas. In Nepal, small stupas are called chaityas. In addition, the largest stupas of Swayambhu and Boudhanath are located in the Kathmandu Valley.


One of the ancients auspicious symbols, found in most Eastern traditions. Unfortunately, it was adopted by the Nazis, and many people associate it with them, which is completely wrong. Translated from Sanskrit, “Swastika” sounds like “Do good for others.”

The swastika is the sign depicted on the foot of Buddha. Buddhists believe that it is a sign of Enlightenment and eternity, a symbol esoteric teaching Buddha. The four ends of the swastika represent the four immeasurable qualities: impartiality, compassion, love and joy. The swastika can twist in both directions. In Buddhism and Hinduism, it usually twists clockwise, and in the ancient Tibetan religion of Bon and Iranian Mazdaism, it twists counterclockwise.


Symbol of the three jewels, the Buddhist Refuge - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.


Lungta. A prayer flag or flags of five colors (white, yellow, red, green, blue) symbolizing the five basic elements. These flags are written sacred texts, images of gods and mystical diagrams. Lungta are hung in special places (on mountain tops, passes, rooftops or between trees). It is believed that the wind waving the flags activates the mantras written on them, and this harmonizes the surrounding space and creates a favorable living environment.

A drum rotating on a handle, inside of which are placed numerous scrolls of thin paper with sacred mantras. Prayer wheels are very popular in Tibet. They vary in shape and size. Usually inside the drum is the mantra "Om Mani Pad-me Hum", the main mantra of Tibetan Buddhism, developing compassion for all beings of the six worlds. There is a belief that by rotating the drum clockwise, the energy of the mantras located inside it is activated, which benefits the one who does this work, and this person also harmonizes the surrounding space.

This is the wheel, concentration mystical power and absolute completeness. Symbol of perfection in Buddhism. The chakra also symbolizes the power of Krishna and Vishnu in Hinduism.

These are energy centers in the human subtle body, located along the central channel. Tibetan tantras and medicine are listed in different. traditions have five, and sometimes only four, chakras.

Gau. Gau is a medallion containing a protective deity or sacred objects inside. Gau should always be with a person, wherever he goes. Gau is also used in religious rituals. It is believed that the deity within the gau helps achieve goals and protects the person. Gau is usually made of metal, decorated with jewelry, stones, embossing, etc.

The lion, the king of beasts, was a symbol of dominion and protection in ancient Indian culture. In Buddhism, the lion became an important symbol of the Buddha, one of whose names was Shakyasimha, i.e. "King of the Shakya family." The Buddha's speech is sometimes called the "Lion's Roar", which symbolizes the superiority of his teachings over all other doctrines. The Buddha is often depicted on a throne carried on his back by eight lions, which represent the eight great fearless Bodhisattvas.

Together with Buddhism, the lion “flew” across the Himalayas to Tibet. The white snow lion with a turquoise mane has become the national symbol of Tibet. His image can be seen on the Tibetan national flag, on seals and stamps, on coins and banknotes, on badges and the personal coat of arms of the Dalai Lama. Thangkas often depict a pair of snow lions playing on top snowy mountain. The snow lion is often depicted next to yogis. The esoteric meaning of this is that the spiritual realization of the yogi is like a lion: the mane symbolizes possession secret teachings, looking into space is a renunciation of the worldly, and the ability of a snow lion to jump from one peak to another indicates that the yogi has gained absolute freedom.



Thangka.
This is a Tibetan icon painted with mineral paints. Thangkas depict Buddha or various Bodhisattvas. The first tanks appeared in Tibet in the 8th century. Thangka is drawn by |monks or people with special dedication. In addition to paints, artists also use real gold and silver, which increases its value. Images obey a strict canon of proportions. Thangkas, made in strict accordance with the rules, are written only to order and are very expensive.

Thangka. This is a Tibetan icon painted with mineral paints. Thangkas depict Buddha or various Bodhisattvas. The first tanks appeared in Tibet in the 8th century. Thangka is painted by monks or people with special dedication. In addition to paints, artists also use real gold and silver, which increases its value. Images obey a strict canon of proportions. Thangkas, made in strict accordance with the rules, are written only to order and are very expensive.

. A universal mantra of compassion that manifests this quality in every living being.



Made from wood or human skull. People who hold a begging bowl made from a skull in their hand have shamanic or magical powers. However, in practice, this cup is used by ascetics to collect donations;


Phallic symbol god Shiva and his omnipotence. The shape of the linga symbolizes the formlessness of nature and pure consciousness. The Lingam is often depicted together with the Yoni, the female sexual organ, which symbolizes the source from which creation comes.


. Symbol of Vishnu. A rod made of human bone with a skull at the end is worn by Durga, Kali, Bhairab.

Book (Pustaka). Pustaka is a religious book called "Potti" in Tibetan language. Is a repository spiritual knowledge and the teachings of Buddha. She is highly revered by devotees. In accordance with the Buddhist tradition, such a book is depicted on a lotus flower.


In Tibetan Buddhism, a mirror symbolizes the emptiness of the world. During funeral ceremonies, the priest shows a mirror, while reading sacred texts, to the soul of the deceased, so that he realizes the emptiness of the universe.


This is a mask of illusion, a manifestation of the divine. It is used in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddhist monks it is used during festive ceremonies, at the Mani Rimdu and Bakpa festivals, which are usually held in the Himalayan highlands. This mask is designed to scare away demons.


Sukunda. This is the name of an oil lamp with an oil reservoir used as a donation lamp.

Deepa (Lamp). The fire of this lamp signifies the enlightenment of a person’s mind. Used during the ritual ceremony of offering to deities. To do this, inside such a lamp there is usually ghee.
Kalasha (Vase). It has a high neck and is used to store holy water. It is believed that holy water is an elixir, after drinking which a person gains immortality. However, according to Buddhism, this water purifies the human mind and is one of the eight good symbols.



A jug of water used during rituals as a vessel for purification. Has no handle and is richly decorated precious stones and metal carvings. Water or nectar from it is poured onto the hands of those starting the ritual, as a symbol of purification before meeting the deity. The bumpa is considered an important ritual object and is placed on the altar.

They are found only in Tibet, so the name is not translated. They are cylindrical pieces of black agate with a white pattern in the form of symmetrical stripes and “eyes,” apparently of artificial origin. In Tibet they are considered universal and the strongest protective amulet from any harmful influences, diseases, failures and influence of planets. There are different classifications of zi and two forms - - for men and women. There are several legends about the origin of the drawings on this stone. Thus, they are associated with fossilized extinct worms, or the treasures of the gods that they dropped to the ground, the fruits of the wish-granting tree, or the secretions of the mythical bird Garuda. The origin of the drawings is attributed to the masters (sid-dhams) of ancient times, who produced them with their magical powers. The secrets of the stone etching technique for making such designs have long been lost. There are very few genuine ancient zi and they are very expensive (for example, a stone with 2 eyes is estimated at 2000 dollars, and for the most expensive ones, with 9 eyes, they ask for 200-250 thousand dollars). Now very good modern copies are made in stone. They should not be confused with cheap plastic imitations. Chinese character duality and unity of opposites, Samsara (the cycle of reincarnation) and Nirvana.


This sign symbolizes the first turning of the wheel of Dharma (first sermon) that Buddha made, and is considered one of the main emblems of Buddhism. During the sermon, in addition to the five disciples, according to legend, two deer were present. Usually this bas-relief is installed on the monastery gate or in the center of the façade of the monastery roof.


The Puranas (sacred traditions of Hinduism) describe the origin of rud-raksha as the tears of Shiva. For many years he meditated for peace on earth, and when he opened his eyes, he dropped a few tears, from which mother earth gave birth to the Rud-raksha tree. Wearing the fruit of this tree is believed to provide fearlessness on the path to enlightenment and liberation.


abstract shaped mandala, a diagram of interconnected lines used in meditation to concentrate and visualize energy. There are different types of yantra, which can be made from different materials, such as rock crystal.


Sink. Shankha is the name given to a smooth and shiny shell in Sanskrit. They believe that if you blow into a conch shell with skill, then evil spirits will fly away. The shell can also be used to prepare Ayurvedic medicines. A certain proportion of the powder obtained from it can cure hepatitis and gallbladder diseases. Hindus, like Buddhists, drink water from the sink immediately after completing their retreat. Many prayers are accompanied by playing on the conch shell.

There is a strong belief that the shankha took its form when holy water flowed from heaven to earth. Thus, it is considered a divine jewel, which is always in right hand held by god Vishnu. It is customary to make jewelry for women from the shell - bracelets, necklaces, belts in order to scare away evil spirits.

Herbal paper. This is paper that is made from the cannabis plant that grows at an altitude of 2000-3500 meters in the mountains of Tibet. The peculiarity of this plant is that its plantations are completely restored after 6-8 years. Grass paper, or “lokta” as it is also called, is distinguished by its durability and special texture. Thanks to these qualities, ancient Indian and Tibetan manuscripts, royal edicts and important government documents have been written on this paper for centuries. The process of making it consists of boiling the plant, beating it with a special wooden hammer and drying it in the sun. The entire process is done manually.




Year of manufacture: 1999
Country Russia
Translation: Not required
Director: Golden Age
Quality: VHSRip
Format: AVI
Duration: 01:00:00
Size: 705 MB

Description: The film talks about spiritual experience in line with the Buddhist tradition, about the highest potential of the human spirit, about insight, about sacred knowledge, meditation and Buddhist symbols. For any audience.

Download from turbobit.net (705 MB)
Download from depositfiles.com (705 MB)


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In the Hindu religion there are eight symbolic objects - ashtamangala, which means “eight auspicious”. At first, these items were used during the coronation of kings. Among them were: a throne, a swastika, a vase, a hooked scepter, a bottle... But over time, the set of such signs and symbols changed. The most popular are eight symbols that developed in the traditions of Buddhist mythology. Ancient legend states that all the items were brought as a gift to Prince Guatama when he achieved enlightenment. Each item has its own history and meaning. The set of all of them is called the eight emblems of glory or the eight signs of happiness.

(Shankha) The shell is similar in shape to the “horn of Triton”. This is the name in Europe for the shell of large mollusks that live in the seas off the coast of Southeast Asia. In myths ancient Greece Triton is the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite. He is often depicted with a shell that acts as a forge. From the shell of the “horn of Triton” you can really make something like a musical wind instrument - a large horn. Therefore, the image of shankha in Buddhism is a symbol of the call to realize the precepts of the Buddha during his lifetime.

An auspicious symbol of Ashtamangala are shells twisted only in a spiral to the right; this direction gives a hint of the movement of the heavenly bodies. Modern stores sell a variety of gastropod shells. When giving such a gift, tell about ancient meaning this symbol in Buddhism.

(Srivatsa) Another name is the Tibetan knot. The knot symbol is depicted in the form of an intertwined ribbon, bent at right angles and which has no end. In modern Chinese souvenirs, the cords are so skillfully intertwined that they resemble an “endless knot.”

It is generally accepted that the prototype of the node was ancient symbol- a ball of intertwined snakes that are associated with kundalini energy and its movement along the right and left channels human body. In the traditional cultures of India, China, Tibet and Mongolia, the “endless knot” has its own meaning, symbolizing the endless cycle of existence, and the complex interrelation of opposite principles, as well as the wisdom of the Buddha, which is inseparable from his compassion. There are other interpretations related to the passage of time and complex spiritual quests.

The Western horoscope also contains the sign of Pisces, but unlike it, in this symbol the Pisces are turned with their heads towards each other. In a more ancient interpretation they were compared to two sacred rivers India - Ganges and Yamuna. In the modern interpretation - with the eyes of Buddha. IN Hindu mythology fish is the first of the main ten avatars of the god Vishnu. By incarnating as a fish, Vishnu saved the founder of the human race from the flood. The most common interpretation of the symbol of two fish is associated with Samsara - the ocean of the cycle of life and endless rebirths. For fish, water is their native element, so they are compared to sages, for whom the storm of life is not terrible. Two fish mean liberation from the burden of passions; their gold color is a symbol of victory.

IN Ancient China fish, as a gift, was presented to the bride's parents on the occasion of their daughter's betrothal; amulets and talismans with a pair of fish are given to newlyweds for their wedding. It is believed that this amulet protects against misfortunes. It doesn’t matter at all what kind of fish are depicted, but if the fish has its own symbolism, then the effect of such an amulet is enhanced.

(Padme) It would be strange if among the symbols of Ashtamangala there was no lotus. Indian or sacred lotus is a common plant; thickets of its large rounded leaves can often be found in water bodies of Southeast Asia. In temples in India and Southeast Asia, you can see images of various deities seated on a giant lotus. Thus, lotus petals often surround the seated Prince Guatama, the founder of Buddhism. In this case, the lotus acts as a symbol of creative power, the place where it is born. Buddhist heaven is sometimes depicted as a place where people rest on lotus flowers. There is a myth in which a lotus emerges from the body of the god Vishnu, the petals of which give rise to mountains, valleys and rivers. In Indian mythology, the god Brahma was often depicted sitting on a lotus flower. The Indian goddess of fertility Lakshmi swam across the ocean on a lotus flower. Lotus figurine made of pink crystal is a symbol of love and good luck.

In Japanese culture, the image of a lotus is often used in jewelry. A crystal lotus is considered a positive amulet in Feng Shui. The transparent petals of a flower pass through negative energy sha, converting it into qi and distributing it evenly throughout the room. Crystal lotus fills the whole family with excellent health.

(Chhatra) The sacred umbrella in Hinduism is one of the attributes of Varuna - the god of the world's waters and the guardian of justice. The chhatra image can be seen next to other Indian deities.

The chhatra umbrella in India is a symbol of royal power. In European culture it corresponds to a canopy. According to one version, there is a connection between the shape of the chhatra and the mushroom caps that are used in traditional Tibetan medicine. At the same time, the chhatra umbrella represents protection from unfavorable higher forces. Remember this symbolism when presenting a souvenir in the form of an umbrella.

(Bumpa) The vessel is depicted as a jug with a lid, decorated with ribbons. When making jugs, such a ribbon turns into an ornament. In the drawings, a crystal is depicted on top of the lid, symbolizing a jewel. One of the incarnations of Buddha, Amitabha, is often depicted with a “precious vessel”, inside of which is the elixir of immortality. Therefore, the symbolic meaning of the vessel arose - a wish for long life. According to another interpretation, inside the vessel there are inexhaustible jewels, but which should not be perceived as material goods, these are rather the treasures of the soul, which is ready to generously share its gifts with the outside world.

A vase in the house increases spiritual and material wealth, protects the room from adverse information influences.

Wheel of Dharma

(Dharmachakra) The Indian flag features a wheel. The same wheels, with six or eight spokes, are located in ancient Indian temples. In the philosophy of Buddhism, such a symbol means the continuous cycle of samsara - birth and death, in which the human soul seeks liberation. The word “dharma” itself comes from the Sanskrit dhar (“to support”) and in in a broad sense denotes faith, religion, which helps to perform the right actions, supported by the moral law of life. The eight spokes of the dharmachakra are the components of the path that must be followed to get rid of suffering and find peace of mind.

A person striving for such a state must change his thoughts and aspirations, behavior and lifestyle. He must learn to concentrate, think correctly and express his thoughts correctly. Then he will become free and get rid of karma - the burden of wrong actions committed in previous generations. In Indian iconography, the bhavachakra is also depicted in the form of a circle similar to a wheel. This symbol is close to the dharmachakra - the ever-rotating “wheel of life”. A gift in the form of a stylized image of such a “wheel” will speak of a desire to change life for the better, to make it brighter and more spiritual. This is a desire to get rid of bad thoughts and gain spiritual freedom.

(Dhwaja) Symbolic images of such banners can be seen on the roofs of the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa. These sculptural decorations look like small towers. The dhwajas are not at all similar to the usual banners accepted in European culture. Rather, they resemble a canopy or standard with hanging ribbons of red, yellow, green and blue silk. It is believed that this is the standard that adorns the mythical Mount Meru, which in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology is the center of the world. With the help of its main peak, Mandara, the gods, led by Brahma and Vishnu, churned the world ocean like a whorl to obtain amrita - the elixir of immortality.

In ancient times, standards with ribbons were used by the Hindus in military skirmishes. In Buddhism, the "banner of victory" is one of the eight symbolic objects that were given to Prince Gautama. Dhvaja should be perceived as the victory of the prince over the temptations sent to the Buddha by the evil deity Maara. In this interpretation, the “victory banner” souvenir means the triumph of the spirit, an undeniable victory over the temptations of life.



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