Ashtamangala
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"Ashtamangala" (In Sanskrit "ashta" is 'eight' and "mangala" is 'auspicious', Devanagari: अष्टमंगल) or the Eight Auspicious Objects or Signs are endemic to a number of cultures including Buddhist symbolism, etc.
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[edit] The eight auspicious symbols of Vajrayana and Himalayan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhists make use of a particular set of eight auspicious symbols, ashtamangala, in household and public art. Some common interpretations are given along with each symbol although different teachers may give different interpretations:
- The right-turning white conch shell, representing the beautiful sound of the spread of the Buddhadharma;
- The endless knot (Sanskrit "Shrivatsa); Tibetan "Dpal be'u"), representing the inter-twining of wisdom and compassion; also symbolic of knot symbolism in linking ancestors and omnipresence and the magical ritual and meta-process of binding (refer etymology of Tantra) (see Namkha);
- The golden fish (matsya), representing the state of fearless suspension in a harmless ocean of samsara, metaphorically often refer to buddha-eyes or rigpa sight;
- The victory banner, representing the victory of one's body, speech, and mind over negative obstacles. It also represents the victory of Buddhist doctrine over all harmful and pernicious forces;
- The lotus flower, representing purity of body, speech, and mind, floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire;
- The Precious Parasol or Sacred Umbrella which is similar in ritual function to the baldachin. The Sacred Parasol (which has origins in the sacred mushroom), representing the protection of beings from harm and the canopy or firmament of the sky and therefore the expansiveness and unfolding of space and the element æther;
- The treasure vase or Urn of Wisdom (Sanskrit "Bumpa") representing health, long life, wealth, wisdom and the phenomenon of space which is the container and conduit of everything that is manifest or incarnate;
- The Wheel of Law (Sanskrit Dharmacakra), sometimes representing Sakyamuni Buddha and the dharma teaching; also representing the mandala. This symbol is commonly used by Tibetan Buddhists, but in Nepal the Wheel of Law is not used by Nepalese Buddhists in the eight auspicious symbols. Instead of the Dharma wheel, a Fly Whisk may be used as one of the ashtamangala symbolizing Tantric manifestations and is made of a yak's tail attached to a silver staff and used during ritual recitation and fanning the deities in an auspicious religious ceremony (puja).
[edit] Sequences of Symbols
Different traditions have different "orders" of the eight symbols.
Here is the sequential order of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Nepali Buddhism:
- Endless knot
- Lotus flower
- Victory Banner
- Wheel of Dharma or Chamaru in Nepali Buddhism
- Treasure Vase
- Golden Fish pair
- Parasol
- Conch shell
The sequential order for Chinese Buddhism was defined[1] in the Qing Dynasty as:
- Wheel of Dharma
- Conch shell
- Victory Banner
- Parasol
- Lotus flower
- Treasure Vase
- Golden Fish pair
- Endless knot
[edit] Non-Buddhist Symbols
In Indian and Hindu tradition[2], the Ashtamangala may be used during certain occasions including: pujas, weddings (of Hindus), and coronations. The ashtamangala finds wide mention in the texts associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. They have been depicted in decorative motifs and cultural artifacts.
- The northern Indian tradition lists them as:-
- The southern Indian tradition lists them as:-
- The list also differs depending on the place, region, and the social groups.
[edit] Reference
- ^ Zhou Lili. "A Summary of Porcelains' Religious and Auspicious Designs." The Bulletin of the Shanghai Museum 7 (1996), p.133
- ^ Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola
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