The Four Dignities of The Tibetan Buddhism.

Rituals form an integral and important part of the Tibetan Buddhism. In the monastery, temples and the various other places, daily as well as special rituals are performed. The special rituals are carried out to appease the deities; to bring rainfall and good harvest; to avoid destructive storms, disease and death; to control demons and evil spirits and lastly to overpower the passions of the mind and ego. Ritual is one of the most pervasive religious phenomena in the Tibetan cultural world. Despite its ubiquity and importance to Tibetan cultural life, however, it's hardly and rarely understood by others, only in recent years has Tibetan ritual been given the attention it deserves. 

The Four Dignities of The Tibetan Buddhism.

The Four Dignities are mythical animals which represent various aspects of the Bodhisattva attitude, like strength, protection and cheerfulness.

The four dignities are ancient mythical Tibetan creature symbolizing the inner air or wind of the body and related aspects of the Buddhist. Its symbols that represent the qualities of the Windhorse. 

The Tibetan word for prayer flag is called 'Lungta' literally means, "Windhorse". When wind blows the sacred prayer flag flaps in the breeze. The prayers contained on the flags are carried by the wind as a blessing. By viewing the flags, you are reminded to pray for the welfare of people, and to be mindful of the motivation to be kind, compassionate, and joyful throughout the day. 

Many prayer flags show, the Four Dignities with a Windhorse in the center. The Four Dignities and its associations represented in the Prayer flag are the Garuda, Dragon, Snow Lion and Tiger.

1] Dragon-The Dragon thunders in the sky with the sound of compassion that awakens us from delusion and increases what we can know through hearing. Dragons have the power of complete communication. Just as we do not see sound, we do not see dragons. Displaying a dragon banner is said to protect one from slander and enhances one's reputation. 

Associations: main quality is power, dominance over the sea, and the water element.

2] Tiger - The Tiger abides in the South, symbolizing unconditional confidence, disciplined awareness, kindness and modesty. It is relaxed yet energized; resting in a gentle state of being that has a natural sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, referring to the state of enlightenment. 

Associations: main quality is confidence, dominance over the forest, and the air element.

3] Snow Lion -The Snow Lion symbolizes the earth element. It resides in the East and represents unconditional cheerfulness, a mind free of doubt, clear and precise. It has a beauty and dignity resulting from a body and mind that are synchronized. The Snow Lion has a youthful, vibrant energy of goodness and a natural sense of delight. Sometimes the throne of a Buddha is depicted with eight Snowlions on it, in this case, they represent the 8 main Bodhisattva-disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha.

Associations: main quality is fearlessness, dominance over mountains, and the earth element. 

4] Garuda -The Garuda is daring and fearless and abides in the north. With great strength and power it soars beyond without holding back. It symbolizes freedom from hopes and fears, the vast mind without reference point. It is a powerful antidote to the negative influences of Nagas (spirits) which can cause disease and all kinds of harm.

Associations: main quality is wisdom, dominance over the sky, and the fire element.

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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 obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migrators from the ocean of existence.

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

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