The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Vajrayana - Lotus Flower

The Eight Auspicious Symbols are one of the most common, yet very popular in the Vajrayana Buddhism or  Tibetan Buddhism and culture for over thousands of years.

Eight Auspicious Symbols in the Sanskrit word is  "Ashtamangala". In the Tibetan language is known as "Tashee-tag-gyay" The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism is a genre of Buddhist symbolism. The symbols derive from Indian iconography and have become especially popular in Tibetan Buddhism. 

The Eight Auspicious Symbols are traditionally offered to Lama, teachers during long life ceremonies and are used in various forms of ritual art. It is believed that each of the Tibetan symbols represents one aspect of the Buddha’s teachings and when appearing all together their powers are multiplied. 

In this fascinating study,the Eight Auspicious Symbols are as follows:-

1. Right-Coiled White Conch Shell

2. Precious Parasol 

3. Victory Banner 

4. Golden Fishes 

5. Dharma Wheel 

6. Endless Knot 

7. Lotus Flower 

8. Treasure Vase

These eight symbols of good fortune represent the offerings made by the Gods, and Brahma to Shakyamuni Buddha immediately after he attained enlightenment. 

What do the eight symbols of Buddhism mean?

In Buddhism, these eight symbols of good fortune represent the offerings made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha immediately.

7. Lotus Flower 

What Does the Lotus Flower Symbolise in Buddhism?

According to Buddhist legends, the lotus flower bloomed wherever the baby Buddha stepped. This is dialogued in the Lotus Sutra, part of the Buddhist publications taught for centuries. 

Buddhist schools teach that each stage of the lotus flower’s growth is significant to the path of enlightenment. It’s believed that when a lotus bud is fully opened, the person has been fully enlightened. When it’s partially open with the centre hidden, it means there is a possibility of enlightenment that is still beyond reach. When the bud is closed, it signifies the time before the person is enlightened.

The lotus flower symbolises the complete purification of the defilements of the body, speech, and mind and the full blossoming of wholesome deeds in blissful liberation. The treasure vase symbolises an endless rain of long life, wealth, and prosperity, as well as all the benefits of this world and liberation.

The lotus flower (Sanskrit: padma; Tibetan: pema) represents the primordial purity of body, speech, and mind, floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. The lotus symbolises purity and renunciation. Although the lotus has its roots in the mud at the bottom of a pond, its flower lies immaculately above the water. The Buddhist lotus bloom has 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, 64, 100, or 1,000 petals. The same figures can refer to the body's 'internal lotuses', that is to say, its energy centres (chakras).

The lotus flower in the eight auspicious symbols represents the Buddha’s tongue.As the lotus is an absolute symbol of purity for the dirt of its surroundings, Buddha's speech is free of flaws and endowed with eloquence and other good qualities that relish the profound taste of Dharma.

As lotus seeds grow from the water and not from the soil, they symbolise divine and spontaneous generation. The lotus symbolises the purity and immaculate existence of Buddha. As its muddy surroundings do not stain the lotus yet, it thrives in them. The Buddha thrives in this unperfect world.

The lotus seat, or throne, on which most deities sit also symbolises their innate purity.They are born into a cyclic existence. But they are entirely free from defilement, emotional hindrance, and obscurations.

The lotus flower symbolises purity and enlightenment. In nature, the lotus rises above the mud and blooms in beauty and purity. It represents the true nature of living beings who rise above the world of desire into the beauty and clarity of Buddhahood. The colour of the lotus represents one’s spiritual attainment.

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Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease.

But increase further and further.

 

Dedication of Merit

By this merit, may we then obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrongdoings

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness, and death.

 

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