Eight auspicious symbols in Tibetan Buddhism

The eight auspicious symbols, or "Zha Xi Da Jie" in Tibetan language, are a group of choicest combined paintings that are most common in Tibetan paintings and are imbued with profound connotations.

Combined eight auspicious symbols

The symbols appear mostly on murals, and are sometimes made into sculptures and other solid figures. Because it is a unique Buddhism artwork,it is also called Eight Buddhism Symbols.  

Eight auspicious symbols in Tibetan Buddhism

The eight auspicious symbols are Precious Parasol, Goldfishes, Treasure Vase, Lotus, Dharma Wheel, Knot of Eternity, Victory Banner and White Conch. They are closely associated with Buddha and Buddhism. It is very common to find them on daily necessities, costumes and jewelry of Tibetan people.

Eight auspicious symbols in Tibetan Buddhism

White Conch 

The white conch represents the Buddha's voice. His Dharma is broadcast to all sentient beings.The white conch which coils to the right symbolises 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.

Precious Parasol 

The Precious Parasol is like the Buddha's head. It protects all sentient beings from afflictions and sufferings in the cyclic existence. The precious parasol symbolises the wholesome activity of preserving beings from illness, harmful forces, obstacles and so forth in this life and all kinds of temporary and enduring sufferings of the three lower realms, and the realms of men and gods in future lives. It also represents the enjoyment of a feast of benefit under its cool shade.

Victory Banner 

The Banner of Victory represents the Buddha's body. The Buddha's Dharma guides all sentient beings to attain enlightenment.

Goldfishes 

The eyes of the Two Golden Fishes represent the Buddha's eyes. Fishes' eyes are always open. The Buddha also always keeps eyes on all sentient beings and will never leave them. The golden fish symbolises 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.

Dharma Wheel 

The Dharma Wheel represents the Buddha's feet. That means the Buddha always turns the Dharma Wheel. The golden wheel symbolises the auspiciousness of the turning of the precious wheel of Buddha's doctrine, both in its teachings and realizations, in all realms and at all times, enabling beings to experience the joy of wholesome deeds and liberation.

 Knot of Eternity 

The Knot of Eternity represents the Buddha's heart. It is filled with wisdom. It symbolises the mutual dependence of religious doctrine and secular affairs. Similarly, it represents the union of wisdom and method, the inseparability of emptiness and dependent arising at the time of path, and finally, at the time of enlightenment, the complete union of wisdom and great compassion.

Lotus 

The Lotus represents the Buddha's tongue. That means the Buddha speaks teachings with fluent and beautiful language. It symbolises the complete purification of the defilements of the body, speech and mind, and the full blossoming of wholesome deeds in blissful liberation.

Treasure Vase 

Its shape is like the Buddha's neck. The vase is filled with nectar, which represents the Dharma spoken by the Buddha. It symbolises an endless rain of long life, wealth and prosperity and all the benefits of this world and liberation.