Material: Copper. Carved. Cast. Inlaid

Size: 49 cm approx.

Narrative:

The "Eight Auspicious Symbols" of Tibetan Buddhism are a group of symbols that represent luck and auspiciousness. These symbols are very common in Buddhist art and rituals. The following is a detailed description of the eight auspicious symbols and their meanings and origins:

1. Umbrella (Skt. Chatra):

Meaning: Protection and shelter, symbolizing royalty and nobility.

Origin: It was originally a symbol used by ancient Indian royal families to shade from the sun and shelter from the rain.

2. Goldfish (Skt. Matsya):

Meaning: Happiness, freedom and prosperity, symbolizing liberation and freedom.

Origin: Originally from the Brahmanism culture of India, and later absorbed into Buddhism.

3. Kalasha:

Meaning: Longevity and prosperity, symbolizing spiritual and material abundance.

Origin: It was originally a container for holding water in ancient India, symbolizing abundance and blessings.

4. Lotus (Skt. Padma):

Meaning: Purity and enlightenment, symbolizing a pure mind beyond pollution.

Origin: The lotus is a symbol of holiness in Indian and Eastern cultures, and symbolizes spiritual enlightenment in Buddhism.

5. White Snail (Skt. Shankha):

Meaning: The spread of Buddhism, symbolizing the Buddha's teachings and the voice of wisdom.

Origin: Conch shells were used as horns in ancient India, symbolizing sacred and powerful sounds.

6. Auspicious Knot (Skt. Shrivatsa):

Meaning: Eternity and harmony, symbolizing the interconnectedness and eternity of all things.

Origin: An ancient Hindu and Buddhist pattern, symbolizing endless wisdom and compassion.

7. Victory Banner (Skt. Dhvaja):

Meaning: Victory and glory, symbolizing the victory of Dharma.

Origin: Originally used as a symbol of victory on the battlefield, it later became a symbol of spiritual victory in Buddhism.

8. Golden Wheel (Skt. Dharmachakra):

Meaning: The spread of Dharma and teachings, symbolizing the teachings and dharma of the Buddha.

Origin: The wheel is a symbol of transportation in ancient India, symbolizing the spread and promotion of Buddhist teachings.