| There are a variety of different symbols used in | | | | they have complete freedom in the water. They also |
| Tibetan jewelry. These symbols include Buddha | | | | represent fertility and abundance because fish tend to |
| images, plus other symbols that are important in | | | | reproduce so rapidly. Also, the two fish together |
| Tibetan Buddhism. Here is a brief outline of some of | | | | represent unity and fidelity in marriage. |
| the images used in Tibetan jewelry. | | | | Endless Knot: The endless knot is a series of right |
| The Kalachakra mantra, also known as the ten-fold | | | | angles and intertwined lines with no beginning and no |
| powerful mantra, is a combination of symbols placed | | | | end. This image symbolizes how all things are |
| on top of one another to form the symbol. This symbol | | | | intertwined, and each will affect the other. When this |
| is traditionally shown inside a wheel of fire symbol. This | | | | symbol is stamped on a piece of jewelry being given |
| symbol is commonly shown on different types of | | | | as a gift, it symbolizes the connection that exists |
| Tibetan jewelry. | | | | between the giver and the recipient. It can also mean |
| The Om symbol is another common symbol in Tibetan | | | | continuity and represent Buddha's endless wisdom. |
| Buddhist jewelry. The om symbol represents the om | | | | The Treasure Vase: The treasure vase is a pot-bellied |
| sound, commonly associated with yoga today. This | | | | vase with a short, narrow neck that has been topped |
| sound starts and ends all mantras in both Buddhism | | | | with a jewel symbolizing the fact that it contains |
| and Hinduism, and it is said that all sound originated with | | | | treasure. This vase is said to have an endless supply |
| om. | | | | of whatever is stored inside. Therefore, symbolizing |
| The eight auspicious symbols are also commonly | | | | abundance and wealth. |
| found on Tibetan jewelry. Each of the Eight Auspicious | | | | The Wheel: One of the most important symbols in |
| Symbols represents one aspect of the teachings of | | | | Buddhism, the wheel comes in three parts, the hub |
| Buddha. Though each symbol holds power individually, | | | | which stands for moral discipline, the spokes which are |
| when they are grouped together those powers | | | | usually numbered 8 which represent the correct |
| multiply. Some of the eight auspicious symbols such as | | | | application of wisdom, and the rim which represents |
| the endless knot symbol and the lotus symbol are | | | | concentration which is necessary to hold the art of |
| commonly shown alone as well. | | | | meditation together, just as the rim holds the wheel |
| The Conch Shell: The conch shell is a symbol of | | | | together. Over time, the wheel has evolved into a |
| power and authority. The shell is used as a horn in | | | | symbol of the teachings of Buddha. When the wheel is |
| religious ceremonies to frighten away and banish evil | | | | turned it symbolizes the rapid spiritual change that |
| spirits. It stands as a symbol of the the teachings of | | | | occurs when applying the teaching of Buddha in ones |
| Buddha being spread to the world, like the sound of | | | | personal life. |
| the horn being blown. Images of the Buddha have | | | | The Lotus: This symbol is perhaps the most poignant |
| three curving lines at his throat that symbolizes his | | | | of the eight auspicious symbols. At it grows, the lotus |
| deep and resonant voice sounding forth as a conch | | | | rises out of the mud at the bottom of the pond, |
| shell being blown. | | | | passes through the water, and rises above the water |
| Parasol: The parasol is said to cast a shadow of | | | | to bloom. This beautiful flower shows how the soul |
| protection. Just as a parasol casts a shadow to | | | | can pass from the the primordial mud of materialism |
| protect the bearer from the heat of the sun, the | | | | through the waters of experience and into the |
| symbolic parasol casts a shadow that protects the | | | | sunshine of enlightenment. |
| bearer from the heat of spiritual suffering. In Tibet, the | | | | The Victory Banner: This symbol stands for Buddha's |
| parasol is associated with royalty. It is a symbol of | | | | victory over the universe and his subsequent |
| wealth and prestige. | | | | enlightenment. |
| Two Golden Fishes: The two golden fishes are usually | | | | Buddhist jewelry is a very important part of the culture |
| depicted standing vertically on their tails with their | | | | of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. The symbols used on |
| heads curved toward each other. They represent the | | | | Tibetan jewelry can be used as amulets and protect |
| two great rivers of India, the Ganga and Yamuna. In | | | | the wearer. |
| Buddhism these two fish represent happiness because | | | | |