CULTURAL COLUMN – THE 8 AUSPICIOUS SYMBOLS

21 Nov CULTURAL COLUMN – THE 8 AUSPICIOUS SYMBOLS

Throughout the autumn, on our social media channels we have curated a cultural column dedicated to the Eight Auspicious Symbols, these are eight emblems associated with the Buddha. They have become one of the most widespread iconographic motifs since the very beginning of Buddhist art. They are: the parasol, the endless knot, the golden fishes, the victory banner, the white conch, the wheel of dharma, the lotus flower, the vase of treasure.

In ancient times the symbols represented a general iconographic motif of Indian art. Some of them were linked to the royal imagery, for example they were very common in depictions of coronation rituals of kings. Once integrated into Buddhist art, they then represented the offerings made by the gods to the Buddha after his awakening.

Here is a summary of the appointments of the cultural column, enjoy your reading!

1 – THE PARASOL

2- THE GOLDEN FISHES

The golden fishes symbolize the auspiciousness of all living beings in a state of fearlessness, without danger of drowning in the ocean of suffering and migrating from place to place freely and spontaneously, just as fishes swim through the water, freely and without fear.

3 – THE WHITE CONCH

The white conch which coils to the right symbolizes the profound, far-reaching, and musical sound of the Dharma teachings, which being appropriate to different natures, predispositions, and aspirations of disciples, awakens them from the deep slumber of ignorance and urges them to accomplish their own and others’ welfare.

4 – THE VICTORY BANNER

The victory banner was initially a simple military insignia: it was raised on chariots to celebrate conquests and victories.

Once adopted by Buddhism, it became the emblem of the awakening of the Buddha, that is the victory of wisdom over ignorance. Legend says that the Buddha installed it on the peak of Mount Meru (a mountain that acts as an axis mundi in Buddhist mythology) to celebrate his overcoming over the whole universe.

Thus, It also stands for the complete triumph of the Buddhist Doctrine over all destructive and pernicious forces.

5 – THE DHARMA WHEEL

The wheel of dharma symbolizes the Buddhist teaching in its entirety. Usually golden, its eight rays represent the eightful path, a path of inner transformation that, according to Buddhist doctrine, allows you to overcome suffering.

The eight “stages” of the path are divided into three major-categories:

• insight, which includes the stages of right vision and right intention
• moral discipline, which includes right speec, right action and right livelihood (i.e. do not carry out work that includes the use of violence)
• concentration, which includes right effort (to let go of unhealthy mental states), right mindfulness (observing external phenomena with a non-judgmental attitude) and right concentration.

6 – THE INFINITE KNOT

The infinite knot symbolizes the interdependence of all phenomena, the union of wisdom and compassion and the profound connection between oneself and everything.

Do you know that on our online-shop we have the Interdependence la Shopper with the infinite knot? You can find it here

7 – THE LOTUS FLOWER

The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and purification of the contamination of body, voice and mind. It represents the spiritual path: it has its roots in the mud of attachment and desire, it fluctuates and filters the water that surrounds it and finally blossoms with a beautiful flower on the surface of the water, remaining intact and unchanged.

8 – THE VASE OF TREASURES

The vase of treasures represents an inexhaustible resource of virtues, such as happiness, health, longevity, prosperity, wisdom… It is precisely the emblem of wealth and abundance.

Our cultural column ends with this eighth and last symbol, hoping it would be an auspicious one for you who are reading