Material: Plastic. Painted. Rechargeable LED lamp holder

Size: 28cm height

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, the elephant is an important symbol, carrying rich religious, cultural and philosophical meanings. It not only appears in the classics, art and rituals of Tibetan Buddhism, but is also closely related to the Tibetan culture and the inheritance of Indian Buddhism. The following will discuss in detail the symbolic meaning, origin and application of the elephant in Tibetan Buddhism in doctrine and practice.

1. The symbolic meaning of the elephant in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Symbol of power and wisdom**

With its huge size and gentle personality, the elephant symbolizes the combination of power and wisdom in Tibetan Buddhism. This power is not only physically strong, but also an inner spiritual power, representing the ability of practitioners to overcome troubles (kleshas) and ignorance (avidya). The wisdom of the elephant is connected with the teachings of the Buddha, especially Prajñāpāramitā (wisdom perfection), which symbolizes the awakened mind.

2. **Stability and Carrying**

Elephants are regarded as guardians of the earth, and in Tibetan Buddhism they are sometimes compared to the fundamental force that supports the universe. In Tibetan cosmology, the world is believed to be supported by four elephants or similar sacred animals (this concept is partly derived from Hindu cosmology and later integrated into Tibetan Buddhism). The stable image of the elephant represents the solid foundation of the Dharma, which can carry sentient beings on the path to liberation.

3. **Symbol of Compassion and Dharma Protector**

The docile character of the elephant is related to its protective nature, especially to the Dharma Protector in Tibetan Buddhism (such as the elephant-headed god Ganesha, Tibetan: Tshogs bdag). Although Ganesha originated from Hinduism, he was absorbed into Tibetan Buddhism (especially the Nyingma and Sakya schools) as a treasure protector, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and the bestowal of blessings. The image of the elephant is therefore often associated with compassion, protection, and the accumulation of wealth.

4. **Impermanence and Taming**

In Buddhist scriptures, the elephant is often used as a metaphor for the untamed mind. For example, the Dhammapada mentions that, like a wild elephant, an untrained mind is full of afflictions and difficult to control; however, through practice (such as precepts, concentration, and wisdom), the mind can be tamed, like a tamed elephant, becoming a carrier of wisdom and compassion. This metaphor is particularly common in the tantric practice of Tibetan Buddhism, used to describe how to subdue the inner distraction through visualization and meditation.

5. **Relationship with the deity**

In Tibetan Buddhist mandalas and thangka art, elephants often appear as mounts or accompanying images of the deity or guardian deity. For example, elephants are often depicted under the seat of Vaiśravaṇa (Tibetan: rNam thos sras) or certain guardian deities, symbolizing their power and blessings to rule the world. In addition, elephants are also associated with the elephant-headed god Ganesha, who is regarded as the giver of wisdom and success in Tibetan Buddhism.

2. Origin of the elephant symbol

1. **Inheritance of Indian Buddhism**

The symbolic meaning of the elephant originated from ancient Indian culture and was introduced to Tibet along with Buddhism. In Indian Buddhist classics, elephants are closely related to the life of the Buddha:

- **Legend of the Buddha's birth**: According to the Jātaka, when the Buddha's mother Māyā was pregnant with the Buddha, she dreamed of a white elephant holding a lotus and entering her right side, foreshadowing the birth of the Buddha. This white elephant is regarded as a symbol of divine power, representing the purity and wisdom of the Buddha.

- **Jātaka stories**: In the stories of the Buddha's previous lives, elephants often appear in positive or negative images. For example, the Jātaka tells the story of a white elephant with six tusks (the Buddha's previous life) resolving conflicts with compassion and wisdom, reflecting the Buddha's virtues.

2. **Integration of Tibetan Culture**

When Buddhism was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century (during the reign of Songtsen Gampo), the symbolic meaning of the elephant merged with the native Tibetan Bon religion and animal worship in the Himalayas. Although there were no wild elephants in Tibet, elephants, as sacred animals from India, entered Tibet through classics, trade and cultural exchanges, and were given new religious meanings. The cosmology and animal worship in Bon religion also provided soil for the symbolism of elephants, such as viewing elephants as the sacred power that supports the earth.

3. **Transformation of Tantra**

In the Tantric tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, the image of the elephant was further deepened. Tantra emphasizes the transformation of secular elements into sacred power, and the elephant's strength and gentleness are used to illustrate how practitioners transform their inner troubles into the merits of enlightenment. For example, the elephant-headed god Ganesha is regarded as a guardian who removes obstacles in Tibetan Buddhism. His image combines elements of Hinduism and Buddhism and becomes a symbol of wealth and wisdom.

4. **Influence of Art and Literature**

The image of elephants is widely used in Tibetan Buddhist thangkas, murals and temple decorations. For example, in the murals of the Potala Palace in Lhasa or the Samye Monastery, elephants are often used as mounts of guardian gods or guardian animals of mandalas, symbolizing strength and stability. In addition, Tibetan Buddhist literary works (such as the Biography of Milarepa) occasionally mention elephants to metaphorically represent challenges and achievements in practice.

III. Specific Applications of Elephants in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Rituals and Mandalas**

- In the Tibetan Buddhist mandala offering ceremony, elephants are regarded as "seven treasures" (one of the seven treasures, Tibetan: glang-po-che), representing worldly wealth and power. Practitioners express their piety to the Dharma and their desire to abandon worldly attachments by offering the image of elephants.

- In some tantric empowerment ceremonies, images or carvings of elephants may be used as part of the ritual implements to symbolize the removal of obstacles to practice.

2. **Thangkas and Art**

- Elephants often appear in thangkas, especially in paintings of the God of Wealth or Ganesha. These images usually use elephants as mounts, emphasizing their protective and blessing functions.

- White elephants, as a symbol of the birth of the Buddha, occasionally appear in thangkas depicting the Buddha's life, especially in scenes telling of Maya's dream.

3. **Metaphors in Practice Teachings**

- **Metaphors for Mind Adjustment**: Tibetan Buddhist meditation teachings often use elephants as metaphors for a distracted mind. For example, Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelugpa school) mentioned in the Lamrim Path to Enlightenment that the mind of a practitioner is like a wild elephant, which needs to be tamed with mindfulness (rope) and awareness (iron hook).

- **Chöd practice**: In the practice of "severing the attachment to the self" (Chöd), the image of an elephant is sometimes used for visualization, symbolizing the inner attachment and power, which the practitioner transforms into wisdom through meditation.

4. **The role of Ganesha in Tibetan Buddhism**

- Ganesha (Tibetan: Tshogs bdag) is regarded as a treasure protector in the tantric practices of the Nyingma and Sakya schools, helping practitioners to remove material and spiritual obstacles. Its image combines the wisdom and power of the elephant and is often used to pray for wealth, success and smooth practice.

- In some tantric rituals, practitioners chant the mantra of Ganesha (such as "Om Ganesha Hum") and visualize its image to obtain blessings.

4. Differences between different sects

1. **Nyingma (Red Sect)**

The Nyingma school emphasizes the Terma tradition, and the image of the elephant is often associated with the secret teachings of Guru Padmasambhava. Ganesha is more common in the treasure protector practice of the Nyingma school, and is related to the function of removing obstacles and bestowing blessings.

2. **Kagyu (White Sect)**

The Kagyu sect focuses on practice and Mahāmudrā meditation. Elephants are often used as metaphors for regulating the mind, emphasizing how to subdue the scattered mind through mindfulness.

3. **Gelug (Yellow Sect)**

The Gelug sect uses elephants as one of the seven treasures in rituals and doctrines, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of worldly blessings. In Tsongkhapa's teachings, the metaphor of elephants is also used to explain the practice of precepts, concentration and wisdom.

4. **Sakya (Flower Sect)**

The Sakya sect frequently uses elephant images in the practice of treasure protectors and Ganesha, especially in rituals for praying for worldly achievements (siddhi).

V. The influence of elephants in modern Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Globalization background**

As Tibetan Buddhism spreads around the world, the symbolic meaning of elephants has also been accepted by Western practitioners. For example, in Western Buddhist centers, elephant images in thangkas are often used for meditation and teaching, emphasizing the combination of wisdom and power.

2. **Culture and Art**

Images of elephants are widely circulated in Tibetan Buddhist artworks (such as thangkas and sculptures), becoming one of the symbols of Tibetan culture. In modern Tibetan communities, elephants also appear in festivals and decorations, symbolizing auspiciousness and blessings.

3. **Ecology and Ethics**

Modern Tibetan Buddhists sometimes combine the symbolic meaning of elephants with ecological protection, emphasizing compassion and respect for nature. Although there are no wild elephants in Tibet, the compassionate concept of Tibetan Buddhism has prompted some monks and believers to support animal protection movements, including protecting the habitat of Asian elephants.

VI. Summary

In Tibetan Buddhism, the elephant is a multifaceted symbol, representing strength, wisdom, stability and compassion. Its origin can be traced back to the classics and legends of Indian Buddhism (such as the dream of the Buddha's birth), and it has been integrated with the Bon and Tantric traditions in Tibet to form a unique religious meaning. Elephants play an important role in Tibetan Buddhist rituals, art and teachings, especially as the mount of the guardian deity, one of the seven treasures, and a metaphor for regulating the mind. Different sects have slightly different uses for elephants, but their core symbolism always revolves around themes of wisdom, compassion, and removing obstacles. In modern times, with the globalization of Tibetan Buddhism, the image of the elephant continues to exert influence in religion and culture, becoming a bridge between tradition and modernity.