Material: Fabric, Tailoring, Embroidery, Printing

Size: 100 x 100 cm

Description: The canopy, also known as the precious umbrella, represents the Buddha's crown. In Han Chinese regions, it is called the white umbrella and is placed on the Buddha's head to shield him from wind and sun. In ancient India, umbrellas were used by nobles and royalty, symbolizing prestige and power. Here, it represents the practitioner's great power, capable of removing all obstacles and bringing purity and auspiciousness. Offering the precious umbrella is a prayer for all beings to be free from suffering and attain happiness. It can be used in solemn mandalas and Buddhist shrines.

"The canopy above the Dharma King's head" refers to the **yellow precious umbrella** (also called the yellow canopy, yellow umbrella, or precious umbrella; Tibetan: gSer gyi gdugs, meaning "golden canopy").

Origin and Symbolic Meaning

- **Origin:** The parasol originated in ancient India as a royal ceremonial object, used by kings and nobles as a sunshade, symbolizing supreme authority, nobility, and protection (from the scorching sun and rain). Buddhism adopted this symbolism, incorporating it into the "Chatra," one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols, representing the Buddha's crown jewel and the protection of his teachings, capable of warding off demonic obstacles, afflictions, and disasters, and protecting all beings to attain peace and happiness.

- **Special Application in Tibetan Buddhism:** A yellow silk canopy is often hung or placed above the throne of high-ranking lamas or Dharma Kings (such as the Dalai Lama, the Karmapa, and the Panchen Lama). This is a symbol of noble status; only high-ranking lamas or monks of equivalent rank can use a yellow parasol (ordinary lamas or Rinpoches may use other colors, such as white or red). Yellow symbolizes the authority and purity of the Gelug school (Yellow Hat sect) and also represents the vast protection of the Dharma.

Use in Dharma Assemblies

- During large-scale Dharma assemblies, empowerment ceremonies, consecration ceremonies, or prayer assemblies, when the Dharma King ascends the throne to give a sermon, a yellow canopy (such as a round, umbrella-like structure resembling a silk curtain, often decorated with tassels, gold trim, or auspicious patterns) is suspended or erected above the throne.

- It is not merely decoration, but also part of the ritual: symbolizing the blessings and protection of the Buddha or deity throughout the assembly, warding off obstacles, and increasing merit and wisdom. Those who see this canopy receive auspicious blessings.

- For example, in assemblies presided over by the Dalai Lama or Karmapa, a magnificent yellow canopy is commonly seen behind or above the throne, creating a solemn atmosphere.