Astamangala, the eight auspicious symbolize the eight-fold path of Buddhist practice. Each symbol represents an aspect of Buddhist teaching and has its specific meaning and when they appear together, their powers are multiplied. These eight symbols are frequently witnessed symbols of Buddhism. These symbols are a group of lucky Buddhist symbols that appear on many Buddhist textiles, objects, and paintings. In Buddhism, these eight symbols represent the offerings made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha immediately after he gained enlightenment. The eight auspicious symbols consists of the following:
- Parasol or chattri
- Golden fish or suvarnamatsya
- Treasure Vase or kalasha
- Lotus or padma
- Conch shell or sankha
- Endless knot or shrivasta
- Victory banner or dhvaja
- Dharma Wheel or dharmachakra
The
Parasol known as chhatraratna in Buddhism symbolizes for ‘protection’
and also ‘royalty’. The shade of the parasol symbolizes protection of
beings from illness, harmful forces, obstacles and so forth.The dome of the umbrella is held aloft by a vertical hand, which is identified with the central axis upholding the world. The umbrella is carried above an important dignitary or the image of a deity, to indicate that the person or symbol below the umbrella is in fact the centre of the universe, and also its spiritual support.
The dome symbolizes wisdom, and the hanging skirt, compassion. Thus the composite form of the parasol signifies the union of these dual elements.
2. The Golden Fish
The next important symbol under the Ashtamangala is
the Golden Fish. This symbol consists of two fish, standing in a
vertical position with their heads turned inwards, towards each other.
It is believed that the symbol of the two golden fish actually belongs
to the pre-Buddhist era, where the two fish represented the holy Indian
rivers of Ganga and Yamuna respectively.The golden fish symbolizes the auspiciousness of all living beings in a state of fearlessness, without danger of drowning in the ocean of sufferings, and migrating from place to place freely and spontaneously, just as fish swim freely without fear through water.
3. The Treasure Vase
The next symbol is the treasure vase or kalasha.
In Buddhism, the treasure vase is portrayed as a fat vase with a short,
but slim neck. As per Buddhist philosophy, the treasure vase symbolizes
an endless rain of long life, wealth and prosperity and all the
benefits of this world and liberation. It is said to have a harmonious
effect on its surroundings. Therefore, it is a common Buddhist practice
to bury similar treasure vases in mountains, water springs, and to place
them at altars.4. The Lotus
The
lotus flower symbolizes the complete purification of the defilement of
the body, speech and mind, and the full blossoming of wholesome deeds in
blissful liberation.The color of the lotus too has an important bearing.
White Lotus : This represents the state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity. It is associated with the White Tara and proclaims her perfect nature, a quality which is reinforced by the color of her body.
Red Lotus : This signifies the original nature and purity of the heart. It is the lotus of love, compassion, passion and all other qualities of the heart. It is the flower of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion.
Blue Lotus : This is a symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, and signifies the wisdom of knowledge. Not surprisingly, it is the preferred flower of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom.
Pink Lotus : This the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity. Thus naturally it is associated with the Great Buddha himself.
5. The Conch Shell
The fifth symbol is the conch shell or sankha.
The conch shell is a much-respected object in the Indian culture. It is
said to ward off evil, and is believed to be a symbol of power and
authority. The white conch which coils to the right symbolizes the deep,
far-reaching and melodious 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.6. The Endless Knot
The sixth symbol from the ‘Eight Auspicious Symbols’ of Buddhism is the ‘Endless knot’ or shrivasta.
If a close inspection of this Buddhist symbol, you will find that it is
made up of lines that are intertwined and are all at right angles. This
symbol is indicative of the endless wisdom possessed by Lord Buddha and
the inter-winding reminds us how all the phenomena are conjoined and
yoked together as a closed cycle of cause and effect. It is said that
this Buddhist symbol has a Naga inspiration behind it.7. The Victory Banner, Dhwaja
The
victory banner was adopted by early Buddhism as an emblem of the
Buddha’s enlightenment, heralding the triumph of knowledge over
ignorance. The flag of victory also denotes Buddha’s triumph over Mara,
who personifies hindrances on the path to spiritual realization.
Specifically, there are said to be four types of Maras, each one
representing an individual hurdle on the path to spiritual progress.
These are:- The Mara of Emotional Defilement
- Mara of Passion
- Mara of the Fear of Death
- Mara of Pride and Lust
Cylindrical victory banners made of beaten copper are traditionally placed at the four corners of monastery and temple roofs. These signify the Buddha’s victorious dharma radiating to the four directions and also his triumph over the four Maras.
8. The Wheel of Life
The eighth and the last symbol of the Ashtamangala is the ‘Wheel of life’ or the dharmachakra.
The ‘Wheel of Life’ is the most important of all the ‘Eight Auspicious
Symbols’. This is because the ‘Wheel of Life’ represents the teachings
of Lord Buddha. The wheel symbolizes the spiritual change that it
brought about by the teachings of Lord Buddha. His first religious
teaching, which took place at the Deer Park in Sarnath is said to be the
‘first turning of the dharmachakra’. The discourses given by Lord Buddha in Rajgir and Shravasti make the second and the third turning of the dharmachakra respectively. The eight spokes of the dharmachakra stand for the Eightfold Path, as prescribed by Lord Buddha in his teachings.Check out our store for various Buddhist Ritual Items, including beautiful sankhas in very reasonable price.
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