Tibetan Buddhism - Tibet - page 575

lar Buddhism, on the other hand, with its long-haired, wild-eyed ascetic recluses capable
of performing great feats of magic, had a great appeal to the ordinary people of Tibet, for
whom ghosts, demons and sorcerers were a daily reality.
EIGHT AUSPICIOUS SYMBOLS
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.
Lotus flower The padma(lotus flower) stands for the purity and compassion of
Sakyamuni and has become a symbol of Buddhism.
Pair of golden fishes Shown leaping from the waters of captivity, they represent liber-
ation from the Wheel of Life (for years they were the logo of Lhasa Beer!).
Precious umbrella Usually placed over buddha images to protect them from evil influ-
ences, the precious umbrella is a common Buddhist motif also seen in Thailand and
Japan.
Vase of treasure The vase is a sacred repository of the jewels of enlightenment or the
water of eternity.
Victory banner Heralding the triumph of Buddhist wisdom over ignorance.
Wheel of Law Representing the Noble Eightfold Path to salvation, the wheel is also re-
ferred to as the Wheel of Dharma. The wheel turns 12 times, three times for each of the
Four Noble Truths.
White conch shell Blown in celebration of the enlightenment of Sakyamuni and the
potential of all beings to be awakened by the sound of dharma, the shell is often used to
signal prayer time.
Nyingmapa Order
Main monasteries Mindroling , Dorje Drak
Also known as Red Hats
The Nyingmapa order is the Old School, and traces its origins back to the teachings and
practices of the 8th- or 9th-century Indian master Guru Rinpoche. Over the centuries the