Buddhist signs. Symbols in Buddhism

There is a legend that when the Divine Sage of the Shakya family achieved Perfect Enlightenment, he was presented with eight auspicious symbols (Sanskrit aṣṭamaṅgala; Tib. bkra shis rtags brgyad): golden fish, conch shell, precious vessel, lotus flower, wheel, victory banner, endless knot and umbrella. These symbols are popular in Tibet and in countries where Buddhism spread through the northern branch. Images of the Eight Auspicious Symbols are often found in Buddhist monasteries; many believers keep them in their homes as symbols of well-being and prosperity.

The Eight Auspicious Symbols are very ancient and are also found in Hinduism and Jainism.

In the northern tradition of Buddhism, the symbolic transmission of the Teachings has developed. What is the meaning of Buddhist symbols? Without understanding their meaning, symbols become mere decorations, pretty pictures and trinkets. Let us consider the meanings of the Eight Auspicious Symbols and reflect on their meaning.

Golden fish

Two goldfish are a symbol of overcoming the Ocean of Samsara and achieving Nirvana. The achievement of Nirvana in Buddhist sutras is compared with the achievement of That Shore. What does "that shore" mean? There is this shore here. “This shore” means the rough world, the World of Passions. It can also be said that this is the world of six paths. Further, our subconscious has a close connection with the World of Forms and is directly related to our rebirth, and it is called the ocean of rebirths. The one who sailed into this ocean is again and again carried into the World of Passions - this is how the process of rebirth repeats again and again. Where is That Shore? This is the World Without Forms. If we have many worldly desires, when we try to reach That Shore, they will become an insurmountable obstacle, like raging waves in the ocean. And for a saint who has entered this ocean of rebirth, no obstacles will arise, since he has won victory over his own worldly desires. Therefore, goldfish (Sanskrit suvarṇa matsya, Tib. gser nya, lit. golden fish) are also a symbol of victory over worldly desires: fish are not afraid of the ocean and swim wherever they want. The golden color symbolizes merit gained through spiritual practice. Why two fish? Isn't this a hint that in spiritual practice it is important for us not only to accumulate merit through virtuous actions of body, speech and thoughts, but also to develop wisdom?

There are other interpretations. Golden fish are two rivers of India: the sacred Ganges and the Yamuna, its longest and deepest tributary. This is the pre-Buddhist interpretation of the ancient symbols. IN ancient symbolism these rivers merging into one personified the right and left channels in the subtle body of a person.

In an ancient text called the Aryamangalakutanama Mahayana Sutra, the Buddha's eyes are figuratively compared to two goldfish.

Sink

A white shell with a spiral twisting to the right is the news of Buddha’s Enlightenment, as well as good news to all beings about the opportunity for everyone to realize Buddha nature. The shell (Sanskrit śaṅkha, Tib. dung – lit. shell; Tib. dung dkar g.yas "khyil, dung dkar g.yas su "khyil ri can – lit. white shell with a spiral twisted to the right) in ancient times was a musical wind instrument instrument, so it is natural that it symbolizes sound.

In nature, shells with a left-handed spiral are often found, so rare shells with a right-handed spiral were associated in people’s minds with special features, and they were considered sacred. The direction of twisting of their spiral was associated with the direction of movement of the celestial bodies across the sky: the sun, moon, planets and stars.

Just as the sound of a conch shell spreads in all directions, so the Teachings of the Buddha spread everywhere, causing sentient beings to awaken from the sleep of ignorance. However, some creatures perceive the meaning in these sounds, while others, due to their obscurations, do not understand anything.

Precious vessel

A precious vessel (Sanskrit nidhānakumbha, Tib. gter gyi bum pa, lit. jar of treasure) is a symbol of long life and health. It is also considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. "Kumbha" in Sanskrit means water pot, pitcher, so the precious vessel has a corresponding shape. The lid of the vessel is crowned with a large jewel, which means that this is a precious vessel. The jewel crowning the lid of the vessel is a jewel that fulfills its intended purpose (Sanskrit cintamani). There are two interpretations regarding the contents of the vessel. The first is the nectar of immortality inside. Let us remember that on the thangkas both Buddha Amitayus and Mandarava, a disciple of Padmasambhava, who realized the level of vidyadhara of immortality with Guru Rinpoche, hold such a vessel with the elixir of immortality. (“They acquired the siddhis of vidyadhara of eternal life, so that they became immune to aging and death.” From the biography of Mandarava.) However, the Teachings of the Buddha tell us: nothing is eternal in the Three Worlds, only our original nature is eternal - a state beyond birth and death. By practicing long life, the practitioner can remove obstacles to life and prolong life. Such an obstacle may be a lack of vital energy. Extending life acquires special value if a person practices to achieve Liberation, accumulates merit and wisdom, improves in holy love and compassion, and is therefore needed by many living beings.

In an esoteric sense, the nectar of immortality means continuity of consciousness. Gaining continuity of consciousness will allow you to transfer the knowledge and experience of this life into your next life without distortion. You will be able to experience from your own experience what the nectar of immortality flowing from above is when you reach the stage of pleasure from the process of joy-pleasure-silence-lightness. Thanks to the nectar of immortality, consciousness becomes clear and continuous.

According to another interpretation, a precious vessel is a vessel filled with jewels. No matter how many of them are taken from the vessel, the precious vessel is not emptied. What do these jewels represent? This is a good reward for the virtuous deeds that we perform. If we accumulate good karma, we will definitely reap the fruits of happiness. And more about the meaning of cintamani. A jewel that fulfills its intended purpose is an attribute of Buddha Ratnasambhava and the Ratna family. Beings who have accumulated merit through strong will enter the World of Ratnasambhava. This means that, in parallel with virtuous actions, we should strengthen ourselves in patience, steadfastly enduring the return of bad karma for our negative deeds committed in the past. A jewel that fulfills a plan is a symbol of great merit acquired as a result of correct spiritual practice, a symbol of merit that makes it possible to carry out a plan.

Lotus
The lotus flower (Skt. padma; Tib. pad ma, lit. lotus) is a symbol of holy love and holy compassion. And holy love and compassion, which are included in the four immeasurables, point to the soul of a bodhisattva.

If the lotus is white, then it also symbolizes spiritual purity and holiness. However, such a lotus is called “pundarika” in Sanskrit, and the word “padma” means a pink lotus. The pink lotus symbolizes the Savior, and therefore the Buddha himself.

The lotus roots go into the mud, its stem passes through the water, and the lotus petals rise above the water, they are clean and open to the sun. The consciousness of a saint is free from impurities; the three root poisons cannot poison the mind of an enlightened one, just as muddy water cannot stay on the pure petals of a lotus.

Wheel of Dharma

The golden wheel (Sanskrit cakra; Tib. "khor lo, lit. wheel) with eight spokes symbolizes the Dharma, the Word of the Buddha. The eight spokes of this wheel symbolize the Noble Eightfold Path.

The turning of the Wheel of Dharma in Buddhism is associated with the discovery and presentation of the true Law. The Buddha's first sermon after achieving his Perfect Awakening was called "The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma." The Four Noble Truths were explained by the Buddha in three cycles, or revolutions of the Wheel of the Law.

Victory Banner

The Banner of Victory (Sanskrit dhvaja, Tib. rgyal mtshan) symbolizes the victory of Dharma over ignorance, and at the same time the overcoming of the obstacles of Mara. The banner is installed on the top of Mount Meru (Sumeru).

Sumeru, or the universal Mountain of Perfection, is believed to be indestructible as long as our Universe exists, including the World of Passion and the Heaven of Brahma. The Victory Banner is installed on the top of Mount Meru - isn't this a symbol that the Teachings of the Buddha cannot be destroyed, since it is the Law of the Universe?

Endless knot

The endless knot (Sanskrit śrīvatsa (?), Tib. dpal be"u) has several interpretations. Some interpret it as a representation of the endless cycle of existence, others as a symbol of eternity, others as a sign of the inexhaustibility of the Buddha’s knowledge. It is also a symbol of interdependence of all phenomena in the Universe. This is also the complex relationship between wisdom and compassion in the process of achieving Buddhahood. Here we can add that to achieve Buddhahood it is necessary to follow the infinitely long path of the Mahayana. The path of a bodhisattva is immeasurably long, it is not limited to a few kalpas.

There is also an assumption that the endless knot is a reflection of an older symbol consisting of two intertwined snakes. Snake - very ancient symbol kundalini, possibly coming to India from Ancient Egypt. It is likely that the intertwining snakes symbolized the movement of kundalini along the right and left channels of the subtle body, and then the endless knot is related to the chandali.

Umbrella

The precious umbrella (Sanskrit chattra, Tib. gdugs - lit. sun umbrella, Tib. gdugs mchog - lit. precious umbrella, supreme umbrella) is a symbol of protection from obstacles that bodhisattvas and buddhas give us while we walk the path of Enlightenment to our attainment of Buddha nature.

In India, the sun umbrella has traditionally been a symbol of protection as well as royal majesty. Since the umbrella is held above the head, it naturally symbolizes honor and respect. Secular rulers had umbrellas made of peacock feathers. In religious consciousness, protection from bad weather was associated with protection from pollution, vices and passions that prevent spiritual development. Just as an ordinary umbrella protects us from rain or the scorching rays of the sun, so a precious umbrella protects us from obstacles on the path to Awakening.

In the Tibetan version, the shape of the umbrella was borrowed from the Indian and Chinese prototypes of the sun umbrella. It consisted of a wooden frame with spokes and a silk dome, along the edges of which there was a frill or fringe. The wooden handle of the umbrella was painted gold or red, the silk was white, yellow, red or multi-colored. In Tibet, an umbrella indicated the status of its owner: the umbrella was considered both a symbol of secular power (an umbrella made of peacock feathers) and a symbol of spiritual power. It is said that Master Atisha was so revered that he was accompanied by thirteen umbrellas.

Hello, dear readers – seekers of knowledge and truth!

Today we invite you to talk about Buddhist attributes. We will talk about objects that are often used during Buddhist practices, as well as about the attributes of Buddhas and bodhisattvas in iconography. For your convenience, we have arranged them in alphabetical order.

You will also learn about the eight noble symbols of Buddhist teachings.

Attributes of practice

The attributes of the practice are used by monks and lay Buddhists during various rituals - events held in temples.

Bumpa- a special jug without a handle, filled with water during cleansing rituals. It is often decorated with precious metals and stones. In normal times it is kept near the altar.

Damaru- Tibetan drum used in rituals. Previously, they were made from two skulls - male and female, which showed the impermanent nature of samsara and duality. When the damar was struck, a single sound was produced that united the two parts of the dual world. Nowadays the frame is usually made of wood wrapped in leather.

Lamp- a candle with a bowl into which ghee is poured during rituals. The light of the candle symbolizes the future enlightenment of the worshiper.

Lungta– one flag or several multi-colored flags on which mantras and passages are applied scriptures, yantras. When it comes to several flags, the colors alternate: yellow, green, white, blue, red. They are hung on roofs, between trees, in the mountains, and every time the wind blows the canvases, the mantras written on them are read.

Copper plates- an instrument used in music in the form of two metal bowls. Also known as dulcimer. Emitting a loud ringing sound when played, they personify the sound as a whole. They are often placed on the altar, acting as offerings to the deities.

Prayer drum– inside the drum there are scrolls on which the mantra is written several thousand times. It is believed that every time a person spins the drum clockwise, he repeats this mantra out loud repeatedly and fills the space with its energy. Buddhism also has small hand drums.

– icon painting in Tibetan. It consists of paintings depicting Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. They can even be made of gold and silver - such masterpieces are very expensive.

Beads– special beads for reading mantras. 108 beads are strung on a thread and fastened together. They are crowned by the main, 109th bead, which is also called the “Buddha’s head”.

Attributes of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

Buddhas are depicted with these attributes on thangkas; they symbolize some special ability or feature. Some of them are also used in rituals, and in addition, deities are depicted with them.

Amrita- nectar that promises immortality.

Battle ax- found among the warlike creatures of the pantheon and illustrates deliverance from the attachments and passions of our world. The ax handle is often decorated with a vajra.

Vajra– translated means “lightning strike” or “diamond stone”, also known as “dorje”. Initially, it was an enduring attribute of the god Indra, but then it became widespread in Buddhist iconography and began to personify indestructibility, the inability to destroy.

It looks like this: the central part is in the form of a ball, from which two ends with 5 petals emanate as a reflection of the five wisdoms. You can see it in this photo.

The vajra is used in Tibetan Buddhist rituals. It is often supplemented with a bell. In this case, the bell is squeezed in the left palm, and the vajra in the right.

Digug– also known as a cutter. This knife, bent in the shape of a crescent, is common in Tibet. Previously, it was used as a tool for butchering animals, but now it has more of a symbolic character - it cuts off internal poisons and helps to get rid of one’s own ego.

Mirror– reflects the purity of the teaching and its boundless knowledge. It is also known as melong and is shaped like a circle and is usually framed with a copper alloy.

Kapala- a bowl that was made from the top of a human skull. In Buddhist paintings, angry or warlike deities are usually depicted with a kapala in their hands. It may seem strange at first glance, but dripping is considered a sign of compassion.

Nowadays such bowls are made of metal, covered with bronze, and sometimes even with gold and jewelry. They are used in tantric rituals, filled with wine and presented to deities as offerings.

Book- as an attribute of many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, it is associated with the Prajnaparamita Sutra and symbolizes the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings as a whole.

Bell– often goes in tandem with a vajra, which is attached to the handle of the bell. Buddha Vajradhara is always depicted with a bell and a vajra. In tantra it is associated with the feminine principle.

Khatwanga– a rod with two skulls, a vajra, a trident and a vessel on top. This vessel is filled with a liquid that grants immortality. Initially it was possessed by Shiva, and now Padmasambhava and the dakini Vajravarahi are depicted with a khavatanga in their hands.

Lute- a musical instrument with seven strings. He is an integral companion in the images of Saraswati - the goddess of knowledge, wisdom and art.

Sword- the weapon of the bodhisattva Manjushri, helps to cut off passions and attachments, thereby relieving suffering. It also reflects wisdom.

Swastika– refers to the 65 Buddha symbols. It was seen on the foot of Buddha Shakyamuni, and later he was often marked with a swastika on his chest, as well as on his throne.

Despite the obsessive associations of the swastika with Nazi Germany, this attribute appeared in Buddhism much earlier, symbolizing good luck. This is confirmed by the translation of the word “svasti”, which means “success”.

Mortar- a place where the relics of great Buddhists are kept, and therefore it is considered sacred. Worship takes place here. Also called "chaitya", they are constructed with a circle or square base.

They have a center and four sides, which correspond to the cardinal directions and the five dhyani buddhas - the wisdom buddhas. can be found especially often in Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal, Cambodia and the rest of the Buddhist world.

Eight Noble Symbols

As a supplement, we also suggest that you familiarize yourself with the eight most common symbols of Buddhism. They are often used as talismans - they decorate the home with them and carry them with them. They remind a person to follow the spiritual path.

1. Two goldfish

Pisces in the sea represent a person’s struggle with attachments and further victory, because they are not afraid of water and go wherever they want. The golden hue indicates achievements during meditation and success on the path of Buddhism.

The number of fish speaks of the duality of our nature and the need to achieve harmony between two components: good actions and accumulated wisdom. There is another view on the symbolism of the two fish: some believe that this is the sacred river Ganges and the Yamuna, or Jamna, flowing into it.

First of all, it is a symbol of mercy, love and purity. A lotus flower grows in a swamp, I rise from the mud through dirty water, it reaches the top and opens, remaining clean. It’s the same with people who follow Buddhist philosophy: they may be surrounded by dirt and filth, but they themselves remain pure in thoughts and deeds.

The shades of the value depend on the color of the bud:

• pink - leads to a bodhisattva or to the Buddha himself;
• white – conveys spirituality and immaculate purity, morality, openness.

3. White sink

It is twisted to the right side and symbolizes the awakened state, the appearance of the Buddha and his teachings, which brings light to the lives of thousands of people. The white shell itself becomes a sign of good news and reminds sentient beings that Buddhahood can be achieved.

It is not for nothing that the shell used to be a wind instrument - it awakened the soul, just as Buddhist philosophy awakens a person from the sleep of ignorance.

4. Precious vessel

His images can be found everywhere: on thangkas, in the stucco moldings of monasteries, in sculpture. It accompanies many deities, because it promises healthy, rich, happy life and longevity.

5. Wheel of Law

It is also called the Wheel of Dharma or Dharmachakra. This is a wheel with eight spokes that represent the essence of the Eightfold Path, sacred to Buddhists. The best character traits of a true Buddhist and wisdom converge at the central point.

6. Victory banner

It symbolizes the power of Buddhist teachings, which constantly defeats the shackles of ignorance. Dharma will live as long as the Universe lives. The victory banner is located on the top of the sacred Mount Meru, or Sumeru - where the center of the universe is located.

7. Infinity knot

The symbolism of this attribute is multifaceted. It reflects the continuous series of rebirths in samsara, the infinity of our world, and the inexhaustibility of Buddhist knowledge. The knot indicates the mutual dependence of all things in nature, and in particular wisdom and mercy.

IN modern culture the infinity node is considereddecorationand a miraculous accessory that brings good luck to its owner. Often a knot is woven with one’s own hand: by tying the thread, you can capture energy, and by untying the knot, on the contrary, you can release it.

An umbrella, as you know, in ordinary life helps a person escape from the rain on the way somewhere. The precious umbrella works in the same way in Buddhist thought - it accompanies people on the path of dharma, helping them cope with difficulties.

Conclusion

Thank you very much for your attention, dear readers! We hope you learned something new today. If you liked the article, share it with your friends and subscribe to the mailing list so as not to miss new interesting articles. Let knowledge fill your every day!

See you soon!

Ashtamangala. 8 Sacred Symbols of Buddhism

WHAT:8 jewels, 8 auspicious signs, 8 sacred symbols.

In Sanskrit the 8 Buddhist Jewels are: Ashtamangala (ashtamangala), ashta - eight, mangala - sacred. They symbolize the corresponding qualities of someone who has achieved enlightenment, while simultaneously personifying the rewards received when achieving each of these qualities.

WHERE:Possessing deep symbolism and connection with the essence of the Teaching, 8 favorable signs became powerful energy structures and turned into yidams each individually. Today, 8 sacred symbols can be found in every Buddhist monastery, in the decoration of ritual objects, in thangkas, in ancient and modern Buddhist ornaments.

WHICH:

Precious umbrella (chhatra ) symbolizes noble lightness, boundless freedom and protection, expanding opportunities for those who have taken refuge in the Dharma. Just as an umbrella protects from rain and sun, so a sacred umbrella protects the mind from excessive heat, falsity and the suffering of samsara. Another meaning is that one who has achieved enlightenment takes responsibility for all living beings and carries an umbrella of good deeds in order to protect them from the suffering of the three higher and three lower worlds.

In physical terms, the umbrella represents the concept of wealth and nobility, since previously only rich, noble people could afford such a canopy umbrella and the person who would carry it.

Golden fish(matsya ) is a very ancient symbol of wealth and abundance. In Buddhism, a symbol of limitless wealth found in the waters of the ocean of Teaching. Just as a fish swims in water without knowing any barriers, so a person who has achieved enlightenment knows no boundaries or obstacles. And just as a fish plunges into water and swims further and further, so the practitioner knows no fear and can swim freely in the waters of the ocean of suffering.

Physically, fish are symbols of wealth and fertility, as clear lakes contain a lot of fish.

Precious vase (bumpa ) is the repository of realizations that are born from merits and virtues. Physically, it is a symbol of long life, prosperity and all virtues.

Lotus(padma ) symbolizes deliverance from all obscurations and liberation. Just as a lotus is born from the muddy water of a swamp, sprouting a beautiful flower, so a person who has cleansed his body, mind and speech from the darkness of samsara achieves liberation in order to show the goodness of his deeds to the world.

On the physical plane, this is purity, the elevation of the enlightened mind above delusions.

Sink(shankha ) symbolizes the deep, loud and melodic sound of the Teaching. Just as the sound of a conch shell spreads unhindered over long distances, the Teaching spreads everywhere, reaching the depths of the human heart and awakening them from the sleep of ignorance.

Sacred/Endless Knot (shrivatsa ) is a geometric diagram that symbolizes the nature of reality, where everything is interconnected and exists only as part of karma and its consequences. Having no beginning or end, the Knot represents the infinite wisdom of the Buddha and the connection between compassion and wisdom. Also, it reveals the illusory nature of time and long life, which are essentially endless.

Victorious Banner(dhvaja) represents the final victory of the Buddha's Teachings over death, ignorance, demons, obscurations and everything negative in the world.

Wheel of Dharma(Dharmachakra ) is the wheel of Dharma, the wheel of law. The spoke means Wisdom, experience, concentration, the axis means morality. The eight spokes of the wheel symbolize the “noble eightfold path” of Buddha Shakyamuni:

1. Correct view.
2. Correct thinking.
3. Correct speech.
4. Correct behavior.
5. The right way of life.
6. The right effort.
7. Correct awareness.
8. Correct contemplation.

This symbol represents the protection of the mind from the sultry heat of obscurations, and also protects from suffering. A symbol of good deeds performed to protect living beings from diseases, harmful forces, obstacles, as well as the suffering of the three lower and three higher worlds. Just as an ordinary umbrella protects from rain and heat, so a precious umbrella provides protection from the adversities and misfortunes of samsara.

The umbrella is a traditional symbol of noble birth and protection. Its shadow protects from the scorching sun, its coolness symbolizes protection from the painful heat of suffering, desire, obstacles, diseases and harmful forces. As a symbol of noble birth and special wealth, an umbrella indicates position in society: the more umbrellas carried by those around you, the higher the status. Traditionally, thirteen umbrellas corresponded to the status of a king, and early Buddhism in India adopted this number as a symbol of the Buddha's supreme position - the "universal monarch" or Chakravartin. Thirteen umbrella-shaped wheels connect to form conical stupa spiers that mark major events in the life of the Buddha or contain his relics.

Umbrella over your head naturally signifies glory and respect, which led to its emergence as a significant symbol in early Buddhist art. A precious white umbrella was 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.

According to another version, it is believed that the Naga king presented the Buddha with an umbrella decorated with precious stones. The umbrella was made of gold, and the stones along its edges exuded nectar. Melodious bells hung from it, and the handle was made of sapphire. In the images there is often a large white umbrella of fine workmanship above the head of the Buddha, and this large white umbrella later evolved into the Vajrayana goddess Dukar. “White Umbrella” is one of the most complex yidams of the Vajrayana - thousand-armed, thousand-legged, thousand-headed and looking with “thousands of millions” of eyes. Her two-armed form is often depicted holding a white umbrella over a seated Buddha. A typical umbrella in Buddhism consists of a long white or red sandalwood handle or shaft, topped with a small golden lotus, a vase and a jeweled tip. Its dome-like frame is covered with white or yellow silk and folds of silk fringe edge the edges along with multi-colored silk pendants and frills. Sometimes the umbrella is also decorated with peacock feathers, hanging necklaces made of precious stones and pendants made of yak tails.

The ceremonial silk umbrella is usually just under one and a half meters in diameter, allowing it to be held at least a meter above the head. Square or octagonal umbrellas are also common, and large yellow or red umbrellas are often hung above the throne of the chief lama, as well as above the image of the central yidam in monasteries and temples. A white or yellow silk umbrella is a symbol of spiritual dominion, while a peacock feather umbrella more often represents temporal power. The umbrella's dome symbolizes wisdom, and its hanging silk frills represent various methods of compassion or skillful means. The white umbrella that was offered to the Buddha most symbolizes his ability to protect all beings from delusions and fears.

2. Goldfish

They are called so because of the shine emanating from their scales, similar to the shine of gold. Usually, fish is a decoration and a sign of the well-being of rivers and lakes. So these fish represent full-fledged wealth. A symbol of deliverance from suffering and achievement of spiritual liberation. Just as a fish swims in water without knowing any barriers, so a person who has achieved enlightenment knows no boundaries or obstacles.

In Sanskrit, two fish are known as matsyaungma, which means “pair of fish.” This indicates their origin from the symbol of the two sacred rivers of India: the Ganga and the Yamuna. Metaphorically, these rivers represent the solar and lunar channels or psychic nerves (nadis) that arise from the nostrils and carry the intermittent rhythms of breath or prana.

In Buddhism, golden fish represent happiness and as they have complete freedom of movement in the water. They are also fertile and can reproduce very quickly. freedom from caste restrictions, easy to mix, touch

Fish often swim in pairs and in China a pair of fish symbolizes marital unity and fidelity. Two golden fish, female and male, are usually depicted symmetrically and in the shape of a carp with graceful tails, fins and gills, as well as long antennae starting from upper jaw. Carps are traditionally considered the holy fish of the east due to their elegant beauty, size and longevity, as well as their association with certain benevolent deities. Golden fish are an attribute of the Indian Mahasiddha Tilopa, and symbolize his realization as well as his ability to liberate people from the ocean of cyclical existence - Samsara. According to one version, a pair of golden fish 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.

3. Precious Vase

The precious vessel that fulfills all wishes was presented to the 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. The storehouse of all realizations, which is the basis of priceless virtues and pure virtues.

Symbol of long life, wealth and prosperity. The Vase of Jewels is mainly a symbol of some yids of wealth such as Dzambhala, Vaisravana and Vasudhara, it is their attribute and is usually placed at their feet. One form of the goddess of wealth Vasudhara stands on a pair of horizontal jewel vases from which flow an endless stream of precious stones.

As a sacred "vase of abundance" (Tib. bumpa zangpo), it has the property of spontaneous manifestation: no matter how many jewels are taken from the vase, it remains invariably full. A typical Tibetan jewel vase is depicted as an ornate golden vase with a lotus petal motif encircling its various parts. A single wish-granting jewel or a group of three jewels crowns its top edge as a symbol of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The great vase of jewels, as described in the Mandala offering, is made of gold and adorned with numerous precious stones.

A silk scarf from the world of the gods is tied around its neck, and the top is sealed with a wish-granting tree. The roots of this tree exude concentrated water of longevity, miraculously creating all kinds of wealth. Sealed vases of jewelry can be placed or buried in sacred places of the earth, such as mountain passes, pilgrimage sites, springs, rivers and oceans. In this case, their function is to spread abundance and pacify the spirits living there.

4. Lotus

A white lotus flower 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.

Like a lotus flower, born unsullied from mud, so here it personifies non-attachment to samsara, although it resides in it. In Buddhism, it is a traditional symbol of purity. The lotus is born in muddy swamp water, but emerges unsullied and pure.

Likewise, beings born in one of the worlds of samsara, but who sincerely practice the noble teachings of the Buddha, are able to get rid of delusions over time. It represents the flowering of noble qualities that manifest themselves completely independently of the imperfections of cyclical existence. The lotus on which the buddha aspects sit or stand represents their sacred origin. They are spontaneously manifested, innately perfect and absolutely pure in body, speech and mind. These aspects appear in cyclical existence, but are completely uncontaminated by its shortcomings, emotional obstacles and mental veils. The lotus is the emblem of Amitaba - the red Buddha of the west and "the head of the lotus family or padma family."

The qualities of Amitaba are associated with the redness of fire, vital fluids, evening twilight, the summer season and the transformation of passion into discriminating wisdom. Amitaba's wife is Pandara and the red lotus is her attribute. The main bodhisattva of Amitaba is Padmapani Avalokiteshvara - “Lotus Holder” - the bodhisattva of great compassion. A lotus in Buddhism usually has four, eight, sixteen, twenty-four, thirty-two, sixty-four, one hundred or one thousand petals. These numbers symbolically correspond to the inner lotuses or chakras of the subtle body, as well as to the number of components of the mandala. As an attribute held in the hand, the lotus is usually pink or light red with eight or sixteen petals.

Lotus flowers can also be white, yellow, gold, blue and black. White Tara, for example, holds a sixteen-petalled white lotus utpala in her hands. The yellow or golden lotus is commonly known as padma, while the more common red or pink lotus is called kamala. The Sanskrit term utpala specifically refers to blue or black "night lotus", but its Tibetan equivalent under the same name can refer to any color lotus.

5. White shell, with a curl turned to the right

The white shell, twisted clockwise, was presented to the 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.

This shell is very rare. It is believed that a mollusk acquires it after five continuous births as an ordinary mollusk. The sound of the conch shell represents the euphonious voice of Dharma. A symbol of spreading the Buddha's teachings and awakening from the sleep of ignorance. Just as the sound of a conch shell flies unhindered in all directions, so the teachings of the Buddha spread everywhere, awakening sentient beings from the sleep of ignorance.

The white shell, whose spiral turns clockwise, is a famous Indian attribute of the heroic gods, whose mighty shells proclaimed their courage and victories in war. The fire-spewing conch shell of Vishnu was called Panchajanya, which means “having control over the five types of beings.” Arjuna's conch was known as Devadatta, which means "given by God" and its triumphant voice would strike terror into the enemy. The shell is akin to the modern horn as a war trumpet, as an emblem of strength, power and dominance. It is believed that her auspicious voice drives out evil spirits, wards off natural disasters and scares away harmful creatures.

Vishnu's fire conch (Panchajanya) is in his upper left hand and corresponds to the wheel or chakra in his upper right hand. The first five of the ten avatars of Vishnu hold these two attributes in their hands. In the Hindu tradition, Buddha is considered the ninth of the ten rebirths of Vishnu. When the great gods of the heavens Indra and Brahma are usually depicted in front of the Buddha's throne, they usually hold the attributes of Vishnu - a conch shell and a wheel - which is probably not a mere coincidence. Vishnu is also commonly known as " great person"(Sanskrit mahapurusha) or "god of the right hand" (Sanskrit dakshinadeva). The same can be applied to the Buddha with his hair curling to the right and his body marked with thirty-two signs of auspicious birth (Skt. mahapurusha-lakshana). Early Hindus classified shells by gender, with thicker convex shells considered male or purusha and thinner, graceful shells considered female or shankhini.

The Hindu division into four castes also found its application to shells: smooth white shells corresponded to the Brahmin priestly caste, red ones to the Kshatriya warriors, yellow ones to the Vaishya merchants, and dull gray ones to the simple worker Shudras. There was another division based on the type of spiral. Common shells that twisted to the left were called vamavarta, and the rarer ones that twisted to the right were called dakshinavarta - and were considered most suitable for use in rituals. The top of the shell is sawed off to form a horn and the wind swirling in a right-handed spiral to create sound symbolizes the true (“right-hand”) proclamation of the Dharma. Brahmanism adopted the heroic conch as a ritual symbol of religious supremacy. Early Buddhists similarly adopted this symbol as an emblem of the superiority of the Buddha's teachings. Here the conch shell symbolizes fearlessness in proclaiming the truth of the Dharma and his call to awaken and work for the benefit of others. One of the thirty-two symbols of the Buddha's body is his deep and sonorous voice, reminiscent of the voice of a conch shell, which spreads to all ten directions of space. In iconography, this feature is depicted by three shell-shaped curved lines on his throat.

As one of the eight auspicious symbols, the shell is usually turned vertically, often with a ribbon running across its bottom edge. The right direction of the spiral is indicated by the bend and the entrance hole pointing to the right. The sink can also be turned horizontally, in which case there will be aromatic liquids or oils inside. As an attribute that is held in the hand and symbolizes the proclamation of the Buddha's teachings, as one of the aspects of speech, it can usually be found in the left hand - the hand of “wisdom”.

6. Endless knot

Just as this knot has no end, so this symbol personifies the complete acquisition of the Immeasurable Virtues and the Five Types of Primordial Wisdom. A symbol of the interdependence of all phenomena and living beings in the Universe. The Sanskrit term "srivatsa" means "beloved Sri". Sri is the goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu, and srivatsa is an auspicious sign that adorns the chest of Vishnu. The distinctive feature of Lakshmi on Vishnu's chest corresponds to the fidelity of his heart to his wife, and since Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and auspicious fortune, the srivatsa naturally becomes an auspicious symbol. This is usually either a triangular curl or an upturned diamond that closes at four opposite corners. Krishna, the eighth reincarnation of Vishnu, also has srivatsu in the center of his chest. This curl of hair has another name - nandyavarta - which means "curl of happiness", in which case its shape resembles a swastika or a Greek hook-shaped cross (gammadion).

In Indian and Chinese depictions, the Buddha often has a swastika in the center of his chest, which symbolizes his enlightened mind. Another likely variation of the swastika and endless knot comes from the S-shaped markings on the cobra's hood. This in turn gave birth to the Nagayantra, where two or more intertwined snakes form an endless knot or yantra. In its final development into the Buddhist geometric symbol of the eternal knot or "luck diagram" which "revolves like a swastika", this symbol can be related to the srivatsa swastika, as both symbols were used in early Indian traditions.

As a symbol of Buddha, the endless knot represents his infinite wisdom and compassion. As a symbol of the Buddha's teachings, it represents the continuity of the twelve links of dependent origination that underlie cyclical existence.

In one of the descriptions you can find the following words: the endless knot was 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.

7. Victory Banner

The victory banner was 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.

The banner means victory over the enemy and obstacles, personifies victory over demons, mara and adherents of false views. A symbol of the victory of the Buddha's teachings over death, ignorance, as well as over everything harmful and destructive in this world.

The Sanskrit word dhwaja means banner, flag or emblem, and was originally a battle flag in the ancient Indian art of war. This banner adorned back chariot of the great warrior and was installed behind the great or royal umbrella. Each flag bore a specific emblem of a king or warrior. Krishna's chariot, for example, was decorated with a garuda flag, and Arjuna's with a monkey flag. But most often the dhwaja was the emblem of Shiva, the great god of death and destruction, whose banner was decorated with a trident. This trident symbolized the victory of Shiva over the three worlds or “three cities” located on the earth, above the earth and below it. In the Indian art of war, the army banner often took on terrifying forms to instill fear in the enemy. This could be, for example, the head impaled on a stake and the skin of an enemy or victim flayed off. The heads and skins of ferocious animals were often used, particularly the tiger, crocodile, wolf and bull. Also on the banner were large images of other fearsome creatures such as a scorpion, a snake, a vulture, a raven and a garuda.

The crocodile-headed banner or so-called makaradhvaja was the emblem of Kamadeva, the Vedic god of love and desire. As a "tempter" or "deceiver", Kamadeva can be considered the Hindu equivalent of Mara, the "evil incarnate" who tried to prevent the Buddha from achieving enlightenment.

In early Buddhism, the image of Mara as a demonic creator of obstacles to spiritual progress was represented by a group of four maras or "evil influences". The idea of ​​these four maras was originally based on the four divisions of the army of Mara: infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots. The first of these four maras is the demon of the five accumulations of personality (skandha mara). The second is the demon of interfering emotions (klesha mara). The third is the demon of death (mrityu mara). And the fourth Mara - “son of god” (devaputra mara) - the demon of desire and temptation. It is this fourth Mara that corresponds to Kamadeva, the "king of the gods" highest level world of desires." The Buddha is believed to have transcended the veils of Kamadeva's sensual desires in the twilight before Enlightenment by meditating on the "four limitless qualities": compassion, love, sharing joy and equanimity. At dawn he overcame the Mara of accumulation and the Mara of interfering emotions. But only three months before the end of his life he managed to defeat the mara of death through the power of his fearless determination to enter the final nirvana (parinirvana). Early Buddhists adopted the crocodile-headed Kamadeva symbol as a symbol of the Buddha's victory over the four maras. Usually four such banners were installed in the main directions around the stupa of Enlightenment. In a similar way, the gods decided to plant a victory flag on the top of Mount Meru to glorify Buddha as the “victor” who defeated the armies of Mara.

This "banner of victory in ten directions" has a frame of precious stone, a crown with a moon and a sun, and a hanging triple flag of three multi-colored silks, decorated with "three victorious harmonious beings." In the Tibetan tradition, eleven variations of the victory banner correspond to eleven specific methods for transcending veils. Many variants of the banner are found on the roofs of temples and monasteries: four flags are usually placed at the corners of the roof, symbolizing the victory of the Buddha over the four maras.

The most traditional type of banner is a cylindrical banner on a long wooden post. The top of the banner follows the shape of a small white umbrella, and on top of it is a wish-granting jewel. This domed umbrella is edged with an ornate golden cross with makara tails at the ends from which hang waves of yellow or white silk scarf. The cylindrical base of the banner is draped with several vertical layers of multi-colored silk folds and pendants of precious stones. The base is decorated with a wavy silk apron with flowing ribbons. The upper part is decorated with a tiger skin rim, symbolizing the victory of Buddha over anger and aggression. Many aspects hold the banner of victory, particularly those related to wealth and power. For example, Vaishravana, the great King and protector of the North.

8. Wheel of Dharma

> The golden wheel of teaching with a thousand spokes was given to Buddha by Brahma as an ornament for his feet. It became known as the Wheel of Dharma. Its rotation symbolizes the preaching of the Buddha's Teachings, bringing liberation to all living beings.

This is the wheel of Chakravartin, the Lord of the world, just as it is the means of his transportation, with eight sharp spokes that cut through obstacles on the way, so this symbol personifies the means of advancement towards Enlightenment. The spoke means Wisdom, experience, concentration, the axis means morality. Also three types of Higher Education, Three Baskets of Teaching. The eight spokes signify the Eightfold Path.

The eight spokes of the wheel symbolize the “noble eightfold path” of Buddha Shakyamuni:

1. Correct view.
2. Correct thinking.
3. Correct speech.
4. Correct behavior.
5. The right way of life.
6. The right effort.
7. Correct awareness.
8. Correct contemplation.

The wheel is an early Indian solar symbol of supremacy, protection and creation. The earliest finds with this symbol date back to the 25th century. BC. The wheel or chakra is the main attribute of the Vedic god of protection Vishnu, his fierce wheels or discs with six spokes (sudarshana chakra) symbolize the wheel of the manifested universe. The wheel represents movement, duration and change, turning constantly, like the revolving ball of heaven. As a weapon, the rimless chakra had six, eight, twelve or eighteen sharply sharpened blades. It could be thrown like a discus or swung on a rope.

Buddhism adopted the wheel as the main symbol of the "wheel-turner" Chakravartin, but the wheel itself became the "wheel of dharma" dharmachakra (Tib. chokyi korlo), which literally means "wheel of transformation" or spiritual change. The rapid movement of the wheel corresponds to the rapid spiritual transformation that the Buddha's teaching reveals. The juxtaposition of the Buddha's wheel and the rotating tool of Chakravartin corresponds to the teaching's ability to cut off all obstacles and illusions.

The Buddha's first teaching at the Deer Park in Sarnath, where he taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, is known as the "first turning of the wheel of Dharma." His subsequent famous teachings in Rajgir and Shravasti are known as the second and third turning of the wheel of Dharma. The three components of the wheel - hub, spokes and rim - correspond to the three aspects of Buddhist teachings on moral discipline (vinaya), wisdom (abidharma) and concentration (sutra). The central hub represents moral discipline, which centers and stabilizes the mind. The sharp spokes represent wisdom or discriminating awareness that cuts away ignorance.

The rim corresponds to the meditative concentration that makes possible and carries out the movement of the wheel. The wheel with eight spokes symbolizes the Noble Eightfold Path and the spread of these teachings in the eight directions. The wheel, as an auspicious symbol, is described as being made of pure gold. This gold is mined in the Jambud River of our continent - Jambudvipa. Traditionally, the wheel is depicted with eight vajra-like spokes and a central hub with three or four “swirls of joy” that unwind outward like the Chinese yin-yang symbol. If there are three curls in the central hub, then they correspond to the Three Jewels - Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, as well as victory over the three poisons of the mind - ignorance, desire and anger.

When the four curls are depicted, they are usually painted in different colors, corresponding to the four directions and elements, and also symbolize the Buddha's teachings on the Four Noble Truths. The rim of the wheel may be depicted as a simple round ring, often with small round gold decorations projecting in eight directions. Sometimes he is depicted inside an ornate pear-shaped enclosure made of gold and precious stones. A silk ribbon often drapes the rim of the wheel, and the bottom usually rests on a small lotus flower.

Buddhism has long attracted the West.

There are many important symbols in Buddhism that are of great importance to followers of this movement.

The most important are the eight auspicious or good symbols. Let's look at these symbols of Buddhism and their meaning in more detail. For followers of the Buddha's teachings, these are assistants in business and protectors from troubles.

Auspicious symbols: umbrella and goldfish

The auspicious umbrella is the first of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism. It symbolizes a person’s protection from mental defilements. In addition, it protects living beings from various obstacles, suffering, illness and adversity. The umbrella is a symbol of noble birth and wealth. It has long been believed that the more umbrellas a person’s entourage carries, the higher his status.

An umbrella is a sign of respect, glory, admiration. The classic umbrella in Buddhism has a long white or red handle made of sandalwood, or a shaft, which is decorated on top with a golden lotus, a vase and a tip made of precious material. The umbrella dome is made of natural silk, white or yellow color, and the edges are trimmed with silk fringe. Sometimes the umbrella is decorated with peacock feathers and precious stones.

The umbrella's dome is a symbol of wisdom, and the frills and fringes hanging from it signify various manifestations of compassion towards other beings. The color of the umbrella also plays a role: yellow and white colors mean spiritual dominion; an umbrella made of peacock feathers means worldly power; white – the Buddha’s ability to protect all living beings from fears and delusions.

Fish is a sign of the well-being of lakes and rivers, full of wealth. Spiritually, fish are a symbol of achieving spiritual enlightenment. They protect living beings from suffering.

In addition, fish in Buddhism are a symbol of boundless happiness, freedom and spontaneity. Buddhists believe that an auspicious symbol helps to achieve abundance, wealth and fertility, because fish reproduce quickly and easily.

Fish are often depicted in pairs, since individuals of the opposite sex often swim in pairs. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are also a symbol of the unity of spouses and their loyalty to each other.

Usually two golden carp are depicted: this fish is considered sacred in the east. They received such recognition due to their beauty, grace and longevity, therefore they are often equated with deities.

Good symbols: precious vase and lotus flower

A precious vase is a symbol of realization, good intentions, and fulfillment of desires. She represents prosperity and longevity. That is why it is also called the vase of abundance. The precious vase has amazing property: no matter how much jewelry you take from it, it will still remain full. Commonly used in Buddhist rituals.

The vase of abundance looks like a vessel richly decorated with gold, precious stones and a pattern of lotus petals that wrap around the entire surface of the vase. The top edge of the precious vessel is inlaid with either a single jewel, which fulfills any desire, or a group, which consists of 3 jewels, which symbolize the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

The neck of the vase is tied with a silk scarf that belongs to the world of the gods, and the opening of the neck is sealed with a tree that fulfills any desire. According to legend, the roots of the wishing tree are the source of water for longevity and all types of wealth. In addition to abundance, a precious vase also symbolizes peace, which is why it is often buried in the ground on the territory of Buddhist monasteries and temples.

The lotus flower grew in a swamp, but was pure and unsullied. Therefore, it is primarily a symbol of purity. It also means independence from Samsara, although it remains in a cycle, like all living beings.

The lotus symbolizes the teachings of the Buddha: if you diligently practice it, then a person will eventually get rid of any kind of obscurations and attachments and become pure.

The lotus is a symbol of perfection, sacred origin, purity of body, spirit, mind and speech. He personifies innate perfection and the manifestation of the noblest qualities.

Thus, adherents of Buddhism are often depicted standing or sitting on a lotus flower, thereby depicting their involvement in sacred origin and independence from all the imperfections of the circle of Samsara. Lotus comes in different colors: white, yellow, red, pink, blue, black, gold.

Buddhism symbol white shell

The shell curl is always turned to the right. This is very rare view shells. Usually the shell curls are turned to the left. In Buddhism, it is believed that a clam lives through 5 continuous births as an ordinary creature before it acquires this white shell. The conch shell symbolizes the great voice of Dharma.

In addition, it symbolizes the spread of the enlightened teachings of the Buddha and getting rid of ignorance and ignorance. Just as the sound of a conch shell spreads in all directions without any obstacles, so the teaching of the Buddha knows no limitations. The white shell also signifies the superiority of Buddhism over other teachings.

The white shell is a very famous attribute of the Indian gods; each of them had a powerful shell with which they proclaimed their victory in the war. They were called upon to drive away evil spirits and enemies, intimidating and terrifying them. Therefore, another symbol of the shell is victory over the enemy.

Typically the shell is placed vertically and a ribbon is passed across the bottom edge. If the sink is placed horizontally, then pour essential oils. If a shell is used as an attribute, it is held in the left hand, which is considered the hand of wisdom.

Buddhism symbols endless knot and victory banner

An infinite knot has no end. It symbolizes the complete acquisition of 5 types of primordial wisdom and virtues. It means the interconnection of all living beings and phenomena in the Universe.

The node has different interpretations:

• triangular or regular curl;
• diamond closing at opposite angles;
• a curl of happiness that resembles a swastika in shape. He is depicted on Krishna's chest;
• the swastika on Buddha's chest, which is a symbol of his enlightened mind;
• markings on the cobra's hood. These marks are also seen as a knot symbol.

In Buddhism, the infinite knot primarily signifies infinite compassion and supreme wisdom. It is considered a symbol of the continuity of all 12 stages of origin, which are the basis of the cyclical existence of all living things.

It is a symbol of victory over obstacles, enemies, adherents of false views, Mara and demons. In a global sense, this is a victory over ignorance and death, over everything harmful and false in the world.

The origins of the victory banner come from the times of the military art of Ancient India, when it was an ordinary battle banner on which the emblem of a warrior or king was depicted. The Buddhist banner represents the victory of the Buddha over Mara, aggression and malice.

The banner is made in the form of a cylindrical banner located on a long wooden pole. Its top is made in the shape of a small white umbrella, and at the very top there is a jewel that fulfills all wishes. The umbrella dome is decorated with a golden cross from which hang scarves of yellow and white flowers, gemstone pendants and ribbons.