Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibet – Tibet Buddhism

The Eight Auspicious Symbols (tashi targyel) are associated with gifts made to Sakyamuni (Sakya Thukpa) upon his enlightenment and appear as protective motifs across Tibet.

Knot of eternity Representing the entwined, never-ending passage of time, harmony and love and the unity of all things, the knot of eternity is commonly seen on embroidery and tents.

Knot of Eternity

Lotus flower The lotus flower, or padma, stands for the purity and compassion of Sakyamuni. The pure lotus rises from the muddy waters of earthly existence.

Lotus flower

Pair of golden flishes Shown leaping from the waters of captivity, they represent liberation from the Wheel of Life.

Pair of golden flishes

Precious umbrella Usually placed over Buddha images to protect them from evil influences, the precious umbrella is a common Buddhist mitif also seen in Thailand and Japan.

Precious umbrella

Vase of treasure The vase is a sacred repository of the jewels of enlightenment or the water of eternity.

Vase of treasure

Victory banner Heralding the triumph of Buddhist wisdom over ignorance.

Victory banner

Wheel of Law Representing the Noble Eightfold Path to salvation, the wheel is also referred to as the Wheel of Dharma. The wheel turns 12 times, three times for each of the Four Noble Truths.

Wheel of Law

White conch shell Blown in celebration of the enlightenment of Sakyamuni and the potential of all begins to be awakened by the sound of dharma, the shell is often used to signal prayer time.

White conch shell