| The main symbols in Tibetan Buddhism are the Eight | | | | In India, heroes of war (often mythological figures) |
| Auspicious Symbols. The Eight Auspicious Symbols | | | | were often depicted carrying a big white conch shell. |
| can often be found on Buddhist and Tibetan jewelry. | | | | It is used in Tibetan Buddhism in the modern day to call |
| These eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism are: | | | | together assemblies and other religious meetings. It is |
| A Lotus | | | | also used during rituals, as a place to keep holy water |
| The lotus flower is an image that is very well known in | | | | and to make music. |
| Buddhist symbology. This is because nearly all Buddhist | | | | A Treasure Vase |
| deities have some degree of association with this | | | | In Buddhism the treasure vase symbolises the spiritual |
| symbol. | | | | abundance of the Buddha, which lasts no matter how |
| There are three parts to the lotus flower. A lotus | | | | much spirituality he gave away. |
| flower's roots are found in the mud, the lotus flower's | | | | An Endless Knot |
| stem then rises up through the water and above the | | | | The endless knot symbolises the interaction of dualistic |
| water sits the flower. The three parts to this plant are | | | | forces culminating in their union which will lead to |
| very symbolic in Tibetan Buddhism because it | | | | greater harmony in the universe. This is reflected in the |
| symbolizes a person's soul rising from the mud of | | | | regular design of the endless knot. |
| materialism, up into the water of experience, and finally | | | | The endless knot also symbolises Buddha's infinite |
| through to the sunshine of enlightenment. This symbol | | | | wisdom because there is no beginning or end to it. |
| is extremely common on Buddha jewelry. | | | | A Banner Proclaiming Victory |
| Two Golden Fishes | | | | The victory banner symbolises Buddha's enlightenment, |
| The golden fishes in Buddhism symbolise numerous | | | | and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. |
| different things. They symbolise fertility because of | | | | Traditionally it was thought that this banner was put at |
| how rapidly they multiply and happiness because they | | | | the top of Mount Meru by Buddha to glorify his victory |
| can roam freely in the water. The pair of golden fishes | | | | over the universe. |
| also represent unity and fidelity. Sometimes Buddha is | | | | A Parasol |
| referred to as the 'fisher of men.' This is due to the | | | | The parasol symbolises royalty and protection. By |
| fact that he saves people from the ocean of suffering. | | | | holding it over someone's head it symbolises respect |
| This symbol is commonly found on Buddha jewelry. | | | | and honour. This symbol was so important in |
| A Wheel | | | | Vajrayana Buddhism that it became the symbol of the |
| There are three parts to the wheel. These are the hub, | | | | goddess Sitapatra |
| the rim, and spokes. The wheel is in the shape of a | | | | The eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism are always |
| circle, which is known across the world as being a | | | | included to some degree in any religious ceremony |
| shape that is complete and perfect, like the teachings | | | | whether in a banner, art or jewelry. Most Buddha |
| of the Buddha. | | | | jewelry will have one of the eight auspicious signs of |
| A Conch Shell | | | | Buddhism engraved into the silver locket. |