Eight Auspicious Symbols of Good Fortune |
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| The following eight symbols, known as “Ashtamangala” in Sanskrit, are very popular in Tibet and China and are found in temples and on dharma instruments, banners, doors, brocades, rugs, and many items. They represent particular teachings of the Buddha and as such serve to grant auspiciousness or good fortune to those who see them or have them. More detailed teachings that each symbol represents are available by clicking that symbol. The Heap of Good Fortune Sutra (Aryamangalakutanama-mahayanasutra) uses them to praise the actual body of the Buddha as shown below: | |||||
Precious Parasol |
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Veneration to you with your head like a protecting parasol, |
With eyes like the precious golden fishes, |
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Golden Fish |
Vase of Treasure |
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With neck like a precious, adorned vase of good fortune, |
With speech like a right-turning Dharma shell, |
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Right-coiled White Conch |
Glorious Endless Knot |
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With a mind infinite with wisdom like the never ending knot, |
with a tongue open like the auspicious pink lotus, |  |
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Victory Banner |
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With a body proclaiming triumph over the attacking armies of Mara, |
With feet that tread the path of dharma like the auspicious wheel. |
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Dharma Wheel |
Page last updated on February 14, 2008 .