Materials: Fabric, Embroidery, Victory Banner, Five Colors, Pair

Size: 15 feet (approximately 450 cm)

Description:

The Tibetan Victory Banner, known as the Gyaltshen in Tibetan Buddhism, is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala) of Buddhism. It is typically depicted as a flag suspended from a colorful ribbon or drapery, topped with gemstones or sun and moon ornaments, and perhaps with a lotus or pendant at the base. This symbol is more than just a decorative element; it carries profound symbolic meaning, representing victory, overcoming obstacles, and spiritual achievement. Victory Banners frequently appear in Tibetan Buddhist art, temple architecture, and everyday objects, such as copper banners on temple roofs or in thangka paintings.

Origin and Story of the Tibetan Victory Banner

The origins of the Victory Banner can be traced back to the war period of ancient India. Originally, it was a military banner (Sanskrit: Dhvaja) used to identify warriors or kings. For example, in the Indian epic Mahabharata, Krishna's chariot is adorned with the banner of the monkey god Hanuman. These banners often featured fearsome designs, such as crocodile heads, scorpion heads, or vultures, to intimidate the enemy. The crocodile-head banner (Makaradhvaja) was originally the symbol of Kamadeva, the Hindu god of love, symbolizing desire and love.

In Buddhism, the victory banner has been transformed into a spiritual symbol. Early Buddhists adopted it to commemorate the awakening of Siddhartha Gautama, symbolizing the victory of knowledge over ignorance. Legend has it that when the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, he defeated the demon king Mara, who represented the four obstacles (the four demons) on the path to enlightenment: pride, desire, disturbing emotions, and the fear of death. To celebrate, early Buddhists borrowed Kamadeva's crocodile-head banner and erected four Victory Banners in the four directions around the Buddha's Enlightenment Stupa, symbolizing his complete victory.

A related story comes from Buddhist scriptures: after the Buddha's enlightenment, the gods are said to have placed the Victory Banner on the summit of Mount Meru to honor him as the "Conqueror" (Jina), who defeated Mara's army. This symbolizes the Buddha's teachings conquering the entire universe and defeating all defilements. Another story appears in certain Buddhist texts, such as the Victory Banner Peak Forces Ornament Dharani, in which the Lord of the Gods, after defeating the Asuras, seeks guidance from the Buddha. The Buddha imparted a mantra (protective mantra) called the Victory Banner Peak Forces Ornament, which protects the bearer from harm and fear and ensures victory. The Buddha mentioned that he himself received this mantra from another Tathagata during his bodhisattva period and taught it widely to others. Even simply reciting this mantra can dispel fear and physical harm.

In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Victory Banner has developed 11 different forms, each representing a method for overcoming specific afflictions. For example, the "Ten Directions Victory Banner" is depicted with jeweled pillars, a sun and moon crest, and a tricolor silk sash adorned with "three harmonious victorious creatures." These forms emphasize victory over inner enemies through wisdom and compassion.

The Role of Tibetan Victory Banners in Buddhist Ritual

In Buddhist ritual, the Victory Banner plays a symbolic role, primarily emphasizing spiritual victory and protection. It is not just a static symbol; it is also integrated into dynamic practices, reminding practitioners to overcome inner obstacles and achieve enlightenment.

- **Temple Architecture and Decoration**: Cylindrical copper Victory Banners are often placed at the four corners of the roofs of Tibetan Buddhist temples and monasteries, symbolizing the radiating power of the Buddha's teachings in all directions and the victory over the four demons. They are not only architectural elements but also ritual symbols of auspiciousness and protection, warding off the invasion of harmful forces.

**Rituals and Offerings**: In visualization meditations or offering rituals, the Victory Banner appears as a decorative banner, symbolizing transcendence of all aspects of samsara and the purification of negativity. For example, in some rituals, a Victory Banner depicting four vultures, tied with four-colored ribbons around their necks, is used as part of a specific offering. This emphasizes spiritual success and achievement.

**Protection and Victory**: In rituals of battle, argument, or everyday challenges, the Victory Banner is considered a protective amulet. The bearer may tie it to the top of a flagpole or around their neck, where it is believed to bring invincibility and dispel fear. This originates from the tradition of Dharani, used to ensure victory and overcome obstacles.

**Art and Everyday Practice**: The Victory Banner is commonly found in thangkas, jewelry, and home decor as an auspicious symbol, reminding people to overcome pride, desire, and passion. In the hands of deities associated with wealth and power, such as Vaisravana, the guardian deity of the north, it is a hand-held attribute, symbolizing authority and spiritual strength.

Overall, the Tibetan Victory Banner is not only a historical heritage, but also a living spiritual tool that encourages practitioners to pursue inner victory in rituals and embodies the core teachings of Buddhism: overcoming ignorance and troubles through wisdom.