Eight Sacred Emblems of Buddhism in Tibet
Updated: 2007-04-28 09:00
In Tibet, there are symbols on the walls of almost every temple, shrine and
monastery, and on many private houses. The most common decorative motifs are the
Eight Sacred Emblems of Buddhism.
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Conch Shell (dun): used in
Buddhist worship as a trumpet or offertory vessel and symbolizing the
spoken word of Buddha. |
Vase (bum-pa):
used as the storage urn of a sacred receptacle and symbolizing hidden
treasures. |
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Umbrella
(gdugs): a token of loyalty and symbolizing the protection of the Dharma
(faith). |
Endless
Knot (apal-be): an auspicious geometric diagram symbolizing
devotion. |
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Dharma
Wheel (chakra): symbolizing the unity of all things and Sakyamuni
himself. |
Golden Fish
(gser-na): symbolizing spiritual liberation. As water allows fish to swim
freely, so Buddhist belief emancipates the
soul. |

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Lotus
flower (padma): symbolizing purity. As the flower rises from muddy roots,
so Nirvana arises from this shabby world. |
Banner of
Victory (dpal-be): a unique Buddhist object, with the cylindrical layered
banner symbolizing victory over ignorance and
death. |
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