Aṣṭamaṃgala silver pendant "the eight auspicious symbols" with coral (large)

The Eight Auspicious Symbols

This set of symbols is very popular in Tibet, but is also known in Sanskrit as "Ashtamangala," Ashta meaning eight and Mangala meaning auspiciousness.

The umbrella or parasol (chhatra) symbolizes wealth or royalty, as to own it and pay its holder, one had to be wealthy. It symbolizes the "royal serenity" and power experienced through practicing Buddhist detachment. Furthermore, its daily use also symbolizes protection from evil, dark forces, and the enjoyment of the results under its cool shade.

The lotus does not grow in Tibet, so Tibetan art only depicts stylized versions. Nonetheless, it is one of the most recurring motifs in Buddhism, since every important deity is associated in some way with the lotus, either depicted sitting on it or holding one in their hands.

The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows through the water, and the richly fragrant flower sits above the water, basking in the sun. This growth pattern signifies the soul's progression from the primordial mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and under the sun of enlightenment. Although other aquatic plants flourish above the water, it is only the lotus that, due to the strength of its stem, regularly rises eight to twelve centimeters above the surface.

The Lalitavistara says: "The spirit of the best of men is without blemish, like the lotus that does not cling to muddy water." According to another scholar, "in esoteric Buddhism, the heart of beings is like a closed lotus: lotus flowers bloom as the Buddha's virtues develop. This is precisely why in many depictions, the Buddha is seated on a lotus flower."

Significantly, the color of the lotus also has a strong influence on the symbolism associated with it:

1). White Lotus (Pundarika in Sanskrit, Tib. Pad MA dkar PO): represents the state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity (bodhi). It is associated with White Tara (image on the left) and proclaims her perfect nature, a quality reinforced by the color of her body.

2). Red Lotus (kamala in Sanskrit; Tib: pad ma Chu skyes): symbolizes the original nature and purity of the heart (hrdya). It is the lotus of love, compassion, passion, and all the other qualities of the heart. It is the flower of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

3). Blue Lotus (utpala in Sanskrit; Tib. ut pa la): It is a symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, and signifies the wisdom of knowledge. It is the favorite flower of Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom.

4). Pink Lotus (Padma in Sanskrit; Tib. Pad MA dmar PO): This is the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity. Thus, naturally, it is associated with the Great Buddha himself.

Teoh Eng Soon, in his book "The Lotus in Buddhist Art of India," identifies the first appearance of the lotus in Buddhist art in the pillars built by Asoka in the 3rd century BC. However, the lotus is frequently found in early Buddhist texts.

The conch shell (shankha), which is also used as a horn, symbolizes the depth and far-reaching melodious sound of the teachings, which are suitable for all disciples and awaken them from the slumber of ignorance to realize the well-being of all beings.

The Endless Knot (shrivatsa) is a geometric pattern that symbolizes the nature

of reality, where everything is interconnected and exists only as part of a network of karma (actions) and its effects. Having no beginning or end, it also represents the infinite wisdom of the Buddha, and the union of compassion and wisdom. It also represents the illusory nature of time.

The Victory Banner (dhvaja) symbolizes the victory of the Buddha's teachings over death, ignorance, disharmony, and the victory over all the negativities of this world. The roofs of Tibetan monasteries are often decorated with victory banners of various shapes and sizes.

The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra), it is said that after Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, Brahma came to him, offering him a Wheel of Dharma to ask the Buddha to teach. It represents Buddhist doctrine (see above).