Some symbols recur on the walls of almost every temple, shrine
and monastery, or on the walls of private houses. The most common
decorative motifs of all are the Eight Sacred Emblems of Buddhism,
as follows:
1. Dharma Wheel
(chakra ) represents the unity of all things and symbolizes
Sakyamuni himself
2. Umbrella (
gdugs ) is a token of loyalty and symbolizes the protection of the
Dharma (faith ).
3. Conch Shell (
dun ) used in Buddhist worship as a trumpet or offertory vessel and
symbolizes the. Spoken word'.
4. Golden Fish (
gser-na ) as water allows fish to swim freely, so Buddhist belief
emancipates the soul. They symbolize spiritual
liberation.
5. Lotus flower (
padma ) as the flower rises from muddy roots, so Nirvana arises from
this shabby world and thus it symbolizes purity.
6. Vase ( bum-pa
) is used as a storage urn of a sacred receptacle and thus
symbolizes hidden treasures.
7. Banner of
Victory (dpal-be ) a unique Buddhist object, the cylindrical layered
banner symbolizes victory over ignorance and death.
8. Endless Knot (
apal-be ) an auspicious geometric diagram, it symbolizes the unity
of all things and the illusory character of time.
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