| The eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, translated | | | | above the surface of the water where the heavily |
| from the Sanskrit ‘Ashtamangala’, are very | | | | scented flower basks in the sunlight. The beauty of the |
| popular in Tibet and are used for Tibetan jewelry. It is | | | | flower is extremely attractive and quite unusual due to |
| said that Buddha didn’t like to be worshiped as a | | | | the fact that it grows from the underwater mud. |
| person and therefore he was reluctant to accept | | | | Therefore many people around the world want to be |
| images of himself. Because of that he was mostly | | | | adorned with Tibetan jewelry that represents such |
| represented by the Eight-Spoked Wheel and the Bobhi | | | | amazing positive energy and power of life. |
| Tree. Other signs were used in representing him also, | | | | The Conch is a symbol for power, sovereignty and |
| like Buddha’s Footprints, an Empty Throne, a | | | | authority. The powerful blast that the conch makes |
| Begging Bowl and a Lion. The eight auspicious symbols | | | | when blown is believed to banish the evil spirits, to be |
| are however the following: the Umbrella or parasol, the | | | | able to stop disasters from happening and to keep |
| Golden Fish, the Treasure Vase, the Lotus, the Conch, | | | | away poisonous creatures. This symbol is rarely |
| the Endless Knot, the Victory Banner and the | | | | represented in Tibetan jewelry due to the fact that the |
| Dharma-Wheel (Dharmachackra). | | | | actual conch shell makes a rather more powerful |
| The Umbrella or Parasol, translated from the Sanskrit | | | | statement than a jewel representing it would. |
| ‘chattra’, symbolizes the sky the dome that lies | | | | The Endless Knot is one of the most favorite symbols |
| above the mountain. Its most important function is to | | | | in Tibetan Buddhism. It is often related to the endless |
| cast shadow, the shadow of protection upon oneself. | | | | wisdom of Buddh and it is also significant for the |
| As a traditional Indian symbol of royalty and protection, | | | | interaction of opposing forces leading to their union and |
| the umbrella is found in all cultures with a similar | | | | harmony in the universe. The symmetrical shape of |
| meaning. In Europe the umbrella was until recently a | | | | the knot signifies all these things and arouses the |
| symbol of wealth reflecting one’s high social status. | | | | curiosity of those who are passionate about wearing |
| In Oriental cultures, the shade the umbrella casts took | | | | Tibetan jewelry. Giving someone Tibetan jewelry |
| a religious note as the protection from the heat of | | | | representing an Endless Knot or giving away a |
| suffering, desire and other forces harmful to the spirit. | | | | greeting card with such a symbol on it signifies a |
| The vertical handle of the umbrella is compared to the | | | | connection between the giver and the receiver. It is |
| central axis of the world, transforming its bearer into | | | | also a reminder that the roots of every future positive |
| the center of the world. The umbrella is also compared | | | | effect are found in the present. |
| to the mobile temple; therefore Buddha was often | | | | The Victory Banner symbolizes Buddha’s |
| represented with a large umbrella over his head. | | | | enlightenment and his knowledge triumph over |
| Tibetan jewelry often represents the Buddhist symbol | | | | ignorance. It is said that Buddha placed the banner on |
| of the Umbrella. | | | | top of Mt. Meru to show the world his victory over the |
| Tibetan jewelry using the Golden Fish symbol is usually | | | | entire universe. The Victory Banner also signifies |
| worn for good fortune. Positioned upright with their | | | | Buddha’s triumph over the four Maras of emotional |
| heads turned inwards, the two fish first appeared in | | | | defilement, of passion, of the fear of death and of |
| the Indian culture as a symbol for the two sacred | | | | pride and lust. |
| rivers Ganga and Yamuna. In Buddhism they symbolize | | | | The Wheel is consistent of three basic components |
| happiness, fertility and abundance. The Treasure Vase | | | | the hub, the spokes and a perfect circle. The first |
| symbol worn as Tibetan jewelry is meant to attract | | | | element symbolizes the axes of the world and stands |
| the infinite riches of this world. It consists of a fat-bellied | | | | for moral discipline while the spokes represent the |
| vessel with a narrow and short neck, covered with a | | | | eightfold path set down by Buddha and stand for the |
| large jewel. It symbolizes endless wealth and | | | | correct application of wisdom and the rim. The perfect |
| prosperity. Tibetan jewelry representing the two | | | | circle, which represents the element of limitation, refers |
| Golden Fish and the Treasure Vase can make very | | | | to concentration and holds the entire meditative |
| nice and suitable wedding gifts representing only good | | | | practice together. |
| wishes for the future family. | | | | These symbols remind people to embrace change and |
| The Lotus flower is perhaps the most admired and | | | | be open to novelty, but never let go of positive values |
| worn symbol for Tibetan jewelry. The Lotus | | | | which never go out of fashion. Because of the |
| symbolizes the progress of the soul because of the | | | | message they send out to people, the popularity of |
| way such a plant grows. The roots of a lotus lie in the | | | | Tibetan jewelry never diminishes attracting thousands |
| mud, as the stem grows up to rise eight to ten inches | | | | of people to believe in Buddhism. |