Astamangala
(The Eight Auspicious Signs). The astamangala ( The Eight
Auspicious Signs ) are White parasal, two fishes, Sankha,
Dhvaja, Srivatsa, Kalasa, Padma, Chamaru.. These appear all
together or singly as a frequent devorative motif in stone,
wood, metal and painting. These astamangala are belived to
represent the gifts given by celestial beings to Shakyamuni
on his attainment of Enlightenment of Boddhahood. These astamangala
(The Eight Auspicious Signs) symbols usually displayed during
the performance of vrata ceremonies, consecration of house
and an elaborate Fire sacrifice ceremony marked on paper,
cloth or metal.
The
brief description of astamangala ( The Eight Auspicious Signs)
are summerized below:
Umbrella
or White Parasal:
The
white parsal protects us from evil desires. It embodies notions
of wealth or royalty, for one had to be rich enough to possess
such an item, and further, to have someone carry it. It points
to the "royal ease" and power experienced in the Buddhist
life of detachment. It also symbolises the wholesome activities
to keep beings from harm (sun) like illness, harmful forces,
obstacles and so forth, and the enjoyment of the results under
its cool shade.
Two
Fishes or Golden Fish:
The
two fishes symbolizing beings rescued form the ocean of misery
of earht existence but came to represent good fortune in general.
It also symbolises that living beings who practice the dharma
need have no fear to drown in the ocean of suffering, and can
freely migrate (chose rebirth) like fish in the water.
The
Conch or Sankha:
The
white Conch shell or sankha, symbolises the blessedness of turning
to the right and proclaim the glory of the saints by its humming
sound., which is also used as a horn, symbolises the deep, far
reaching and melodious sound of the teachings, which is suitable
for all disciples at it awakens them from the slumber of ignorance
to accomplish all beings' welfare.
Dhvaja
or The Victory Banner:
The
Dhvaja or the victory banner symbolises the victory of the Buddha's
teachings over death, ignorance, disharmony and all the negativities
of this world, and victory over. The roofs of Tibetan monasteries
are aften decorated with victory banners of different shapes
and sizes.
Srivatsa
or Endless knot or Mystic diagram:
Srivatsa
or Endless knot or Mystic diagram symbolizes of the endless
cycle of rebirth and the nature of reality where everything
is interrelated and only exists as part of a web of karma and
its effect. Having no beginning or end, it also represents the
infinite wisdom of the Buddha, and the union of compassion and
wisdom. Also, it represents the illusory character of time,
and long life as it is endless.
Kalasa
or The Treasure Vase:
Treasury
of all spritual wealth and it also held amrita the water elixir
immortality and is a sign of the inexhaustible riches available
in the Buddhist teachings, but also symbolises long life, wealth,
prosperity and all the benefits of this world.
Lotus:
The
Lotus is a very important symbol in India and of Buddhism. It
refers to the complete purification of body, speech and mind,
and the blossoming of wholesome deeds in liberation. The lotus
refers to many aspects of the path, as it grows from the mud
(samsara), up through clean water (purification), and arising
from the deep produces a beautiful flower (enlightenment). The
white blossom represents purity, the stem stands for the practice
of Buddhist teachings which raise the mind above the (mud of)
worldly existence, and gives rise to purity of mind.
An open blossom signifies full enlightenment; a closed blossom
signifies the potential for enlightenment.
Chamaru:
Chamura
fly whisk: symbolizes Tantric manifestations, it is make of
yak tail attached with silver staff, it is used during ritual
recitation and fanning the deities on an auspicious religious
ceremony.
