The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Vajrayana - Treasure Vase

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.

8. Treasure Vase

What does the treasure vase symbolise in Buddhism?

The treasure vase (Sanskrit: Nidhana kumbha; Tibetan: bumpa) represents "an inexhaustible source of long life, wealth, and prosperity, which fulfils all one's spiritual and material wishes."

The treasure vase, metaphorically, is the vase of inexhaustible treasures, which represents health, longevity, wealth, and wisdom and emphasises the symbolic meaning of wealth and abundance. In Tibetan Buddhist paintings, the treasure vase is portrayed as a fat vase with a short but slim neck.

The Vase of Inexhaustible Treasures is also known as "The Treasure Chest." It symbolises the spiritual abundance of the Buddha. No matter how much of Buddha's treasure he gave away, the amount of treasure in his chest never diminished. Despite the fact that Buddha's teachings have been disseminated to billions of people over the ages, his love and wisdom will never dim.

The treasure vase represents health, longevity, wealth, prosperity, wisdom, and the phenomenon of space. The jewels that appear on the upper rim of the vase represent Buddha, Dharma, and sangha.

The great treasure vase, as described in the Buddhist mandala offering, is shaped from gold and studded with an assembly of precious gems. A silk scarf from the god realm is tied around its neck, and its top is sealed with a wish-granting tree. The roots of this tree pervade the contained waters of longevity, amazingly creating all manner of treasures. 

Sealed treasure vases may be placed or buried at sacred geomantic locations, such as mountain passes, pilgrimage sites, springs, rivers, and oceans. Here, their function is both to spread profusion to the milieu and to mollify the indigenous spirits who stand in these places. Besides the iconography of the Eight Auspicious Symbols, Treasure Vases filled with saffron water are found near the shrine offerings in a Tibetan Buddhist temple.

An ancient text called the Heap of Good Fortune Sutra (Aryamangalakutanama-mahayanasutra), while addressing the Buddha, has this to say on the issue:

Veneration to you with your head like a protecting parasol,

with eyes like the precious golden fishes
With a neck like a precious, adorned vase of good fortune,
With speech like a right-turning Dharma shell,

With a mind infinite with wisdom like the never-ending knot,
With a tongue open like the auspicious pink lotus,

With a body proclaiming triumph over the attacking armies of Mara,

with feet that tread the path of Dharma like the auspicious wheel. 

Donations for our Buddhist research and development

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in 2008, we have been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 14 years. We have exceptionally constrained support and do not receive subsidies or funding from people in general.

 

Please help us develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you but all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us enhance our work and accomplish more for a better and brighter future.

 

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. With your support, it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn the Dharma wheels in the world.

 

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.

 

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright on the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and/or studios

The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.

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.

Donations for our Buddhist research and development

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in 2008, we have been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 14 years. We have exceptionally constrained support and do not receive subsidies or funding from people in general.

 

Please help us develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you but all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us enhance our work and accomplish more for a better and brighter future.

 

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. With your support, it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn the Dharma wheels in the world.

 

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.

 

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright on the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and/or studios

The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.

The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Vajrayana - Endless Knot / Eternal Knot

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.

6. Endless Knot  / Eternal Knot

The Endless Knot or Eternal Knot in Tibetan: Pal Be’u, symbolises the interdependence of all things. It also represents activities and knowledge.

The endless knot, or eternal knot, is a geometric diagram that symbolises the nature of reality, where everything is interrelated and only exists as part of a web of karma and its effects. Having no beginning or end, it also represents the infinite wisdom of the Buddha and the union of compassion and wisdom. Also, it represents the illusory character of time and long life, as they are endless.

The endless knot, or eternal knot, is a symbolic knot and one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. It is an important symbol in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It is an important cultural marker in places significantly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, such as Tibet, Mongolia, Tuva, Kalmykia, and Buryatia. It is also found in Celtic, Kazakh, and Chinese symbolism.

Various Buddhist interpretations of the symbol include:

• The endless knot iconography symbolised Samsara,i.e., the endless cycle of suffering of birth, death, and rebirth within Tibetan Buddhism.
• The intertwining of wisdom and compassion
• Interplay and interaction of the opposing forces in the dualistic world of manifestation, leading to their union and ultimately to harmony in the universe.
• The mutual dependence of religious doctrine and secular affairs
• The union of wisdom and methoda
• The inseparability of emptiness (shunyata) and dependent origination is the underlying reality of existence.
• The link between ancestors and omnipresence is represented by the etymology of Tantra, Yoga, and religion (see Namkha).
• The wisdom of the Buddha, as neither is said to have a beginning or end.

The eternal knot, sometimes called the "endless knot" or "the glorious knot," is called palbeu in Tibetan. In Sanskrit, it is called shrivasta. Because the knot has no beginning and no end, the eternal knot symbolises the endless wisdom and compassion of the Buddha.

Is an endless knot lucky?

It is often used as a traditional symbol of good luck, happiness, fortune, and prosperity. In Buddhism, the knot is one of the eight symbols of good luck and is called the "infinity knot". Such a knot is used as protection from dark forces.

The eternal knot symbol has many other meanings.

It may symbolise the interconnectedness of wisdom and compassion; the eternal continuum of mind; samsara, the Buddhist concept of the endless cycle of suffering or birth, death, and rebirth; the union of wisdom and method; and the interdependence and interconnectedness of everything in the universe.

Donations for our Buddhist research and development

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in 2008, we have been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 14 years. We have exceptionally constrained support and do not receive subsidies or funding from people in general.

 

Please help us develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you but all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us enhance our work and accomplish more for a better and brighter future.

 

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. With your support, it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn the Dharma wheels in the world.

 

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.

 

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright on the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and/or studios

The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.

The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Vajrayana-Dharma Wheel (2/2)

 

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.

5. Dharma Wheel  

The Dharma wheel in Tibetan is known as "kore-low". The Golden Wheel, or Dharma Wheel, symbolises the auspiciousness of the turning of the precious wheel of Buddha's doctrine, both in its teachings and realisations, in all realms and at all times, enabling beings to experience the joy of wholesome deeds and liberation.

 

This golden wheel is also called the Dharma chakra or the Dhamma chakka and is often used to represent Buddha himself. It has also universally become a symbol of Buddhism. The Dharma wheel has eight spokes, which represent Buddha’s Eightfold Path.

What is the Dharma Wheel, or Dharmachakra?

The Wheel of the Law (Dharmachakra) is the single most important symbol of Buddhism, denoting the Buddha's First Sermon in the forest at Sarnath, where he set Buddhist Law (Dharma) in motion.

The Dharma wheel, or Dharmachakra in Sanskrit, is one of the oldest symbols of Buddhism. Around the globe, it is used to represent Buddhism in the same way that a cross represents Christianity or a Star of David represents Judaism. It is also one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. Similar symbols are found in Jainism and Hinduism.

Who invented Dharmachakra?

Symbolic history. When Gautama Buddha, After achieving enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, he came to Sarnath. There, he found his five disciples, Assaji, Mahanaman, Kondanna, Bhaddiya, and Vappa, who had earlier abandoned him. He introduced his first teachings to them, thereby establishing the Dharmachakra.

A traditional Dharma wheel is a chariot wheel with varying numbers of spokes. It can be any colour, although it is most often gold. At the centre, there may be three shapes swirling together: a yin-yang symbol, a second wheel, or an empty circle.

Dharma Wheel  - The Ashoka Chakra (2/2)

Among the oldest existing examples of a dharma wheel are found on the pillars erected by Ashoka the Great (304–232 B.C.E.), an emperor who ruled much of what is now India and beyond. Ashoka was a great patron of Buddhism and encouraged its spread, although he never forced it on his subjects. 

Ashoka erected enormous stone pillars throughout his kingdom, many of which are still standing. The pillars contain edicts, some of which encourage people to practise Buddhist morality and nonviolence. There is typically at least one lion on the top of each pillar, representing Ashoka's rule. The pillars are also decorated with 24-spoke dharma wheels.

Golden Dharma Wheel and Pair of Deer

Sometimes the Dharma wheel is presented in a tableau, supported on a lotus flower pedestal with two deer, a buck, and a doe on either side. This recalls the first sermon given by the historical Buddha after his enlightenment. The sermon is said to have been given to five mendicants in Sarnath, a deer park in what is now Uttar Pradesh, India.

According to Buddhist legend, the park was home to a herd of ruru deer, and the deer gathered around to listen to the sermon. The deer depicted by the Dharma wheel reminds us that the Buddha taught to save all beings, not just humans. In some versions of this story, the deer are emanations of Bodhisattvas.

Typically, when the dharma wheel is represented with deer, the wheel must be twice the height of the deer. The deer are shown with legs folded under them, gazing serenely at the wheel with their noses lifted. 

Turning the Dharma Wheel -Turning the Dharma wheel" is a metaphor for the Buddha's teaching of the dharma in the world. In Mahayana Buddhism, it is said the Buddha turned the dharma wheel three times.

The first turning was the sermon in the deer park, after the Buddha's enlightenment. Here, the Buddha explained the Four Noble Truths. The second turning was the introduction of the perfection of wisdom teachings on the nature of sunyata (emptiness). The third turning was the introduction of the doctrine of Buddha Nature.

Donations for our Buddhist research and development

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in 2008, we have been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 14 years. We have exceptionally constrained support and do not receive subsidies or funding from people in general.

 

Please help us develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you but all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us enhance our work and accomplish more for a better and brighter future.

 

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. With your support, it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn the Dharma wheels in the world.

 

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.

 

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright on the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and/or studios

The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.

The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Vajrayana - Dharma Wheel (1/2)

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.

5. Dharma Wheel (1/2)

The Dharma wheel in Tibetan is known as "kore-low". The Golden Wheel, or Dharma Wheel, symbolises the auspiciousness of the turning of the precious wheel of Buddha's doctrine, both in its teachings and realisations, in all realms and at all times, enabling beings to experience the joy of wholesome deeds and liberation.

 

This golden wheel is also called the Dharma chakra or the Dhamma chakka and is often used to represent Buddha himself. It has also universally become a symbol of Buddhism. The Dharma wheel has eight spokes, which represent Buddha’s Eightfold Path.

What is the Dharma Wheel, or Dharmachakra?

The Wheel of the Law (Dharmachakra) is the single most important symbol of Buddhism, denoting the Buddha's First Sermon in the forest at Sarnath, where he set Buddhist Law (Dharma) in motion.

The Dharma wheel, or Dharmachakra in Sanskrit, is one of the oldest symbols of Buddhism. Around the globe, it is used to represent Buddhism in the same way that a cross represents Christianity or a Star of David represents Judaism. It is also one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. Similar symbols are found in Jainism and Hinduism.

Who invented Dharmachakra?

Symbolic history. When Gautama Buddha, After achieving enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, he came to Sarnath. There, he found his five disciples, Assaji, Mahanaman, Kondanna, Bhaddiya, and Vappa, who had earlier abandoned him. He introduced his first teachings to them, thereby establishing the Dharmachakra.

A traditional Dharma wheel is a chariot wheel with varying numbers of spokes. It can be any colour, although it is most often gold. At the centre, there may be three shapes swirling together: a yin-yang symbol, a second wheel, or an empty circle.

What the Dharma Wheel Represents

A Dharma wheel has three basic parts: the hub, the rim, and the spokes. Over the centuries, various teachers and traditions have proposed diverse meanings for these parts. Here are some common understandings of the wheel's symbolism:

• The circle, the round shape of the wheel, represents the perfection of the Dharma, the Buddha's teaching.
• The rim of the wheel represents meditative concentration and mindfulness, which hold practise together.
• The hub represents moral discipline. The three swirls often seen on the hub are sometimes said to represent the Three Treasures or Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. They may also represent joy. 
  
  The spokes signify different concepts, depending on their number:

• When a wheel has eight spokes, the spokes represent the Eightfold Path. An eight-spoke wheel is the most common form of the wheel in Buddhism.
• When a wheel has ten spokes, the spokes represent the ten directions—in effect, everywhere.
• When a wheel has twelve spokes, the spokes represent the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination.
• When a wheel has 24 spokes, the spokes represent the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination plus the reversing of the Twelve Links and liberation from Samsara. A 24-spoke dharma wheel is also called an Ashoka Chakra.
• When a wheel has 31 spokes, the spokes represent the 31 realms of existence in ancient Buddhist cosmology.
• When a wheel has four spokes, which is rare, the spokes represent either the Four Noble Truths or the Four Dhyanas.

The wheel often has spokes protruding beyond the wheel, which we might imagine are spikes, although usually they don't look very sharp. The spikes represent various penetrating insights.

Donations for our Buddhist research and development

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in 2008, we have been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 14 years. We have exceptionally constrained support and do not receive subsidies or funding from people in general.

 

Please help us develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you but all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us enhance our work and accomplish more for a better and brighter future.

 

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. With your support, it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn the Dharma wheels in the world.

 

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.

 

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright on the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and/or studios

The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.