Materials: Woven, Printed, Dyed, Embroidered (Hanging)

Size: Approximately 300 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, door curtains or hangings featuring the "Eight Auspicious Symbols" (Ashtamangala, meaning "Eight Auspicious Symbols" in Sanskrit, bkra shis rtags brgyad in Tibetan) are common decorative items in homes and temples. These curtains, typically made of silk or cotton and hand-embroidered or painted with eight symbols, are hung on doors or walls to symbolically invite auspicious energy into the home. They serve not only practical purposes (such as blocking dust and providing privacy), but are also considered protective symbols, used to purify the space and ward off negative energy.

Origin and History

The Eight Auspicious Symbols can be traced back to ancient India. They were originally used in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist ceremonies, such as the coronation of a king or weddings, to symbolize authority and well-being. The earliest symbolic combinations included a throne, a swastika, a mudra, a knot, a vase, a water bottle, two fish, and a covered bowl. In Buddhism, these symbols evolved into the eight offerings made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha after his enlightenment, representing the respect and enlightenment blessings of all beings for the Buddha. According to the Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia, these eight symbols originated from Indian ritual traditions and later spread to Tibet, becoming the core totems of Tibetan Buddhism.

After arriving in Tibet, the Eight Auspicious Symbols were popularized by Indian masters such as Dipankara Atisha in the 11th century and were widely used on temple roofs, flags, and door curtains. In legend, these symbols are associated with the eight major organs of the Buddha (such as the heart, liver, and spleen) or the eight virtues of the Buddha, symbolizing his victory and compassion. The door curtain form originated from folk customs in the Himalayas and is commonly seen at the entrances of temples in Nepal and Tibet, marking the "holy entrance" and blocking out foul air. According to the book "What is the Meaning of the Eight Auspicious Symbols?" According to amrtf.org, the order in which they are arranged has specific meaning, typically in a clockwise sequence from right to left, representing the auspicious rotation of the Dharma Wheel.

The following is a detailed list of the Eight Auspicious Symbols and their symbolic meaning (according to the traditional order of Nepali Buddhism):

| Symbol Name (Chinese/Sanskrit/Tibetan) | Design Description | Symbolism and Allusions |

|---------------------------|----------|---------------|

| **Chhatra** | A domed umbrella adorned with precious beads | Protects from disasters, symbolizing the Dharma's protection of all beings, bringing dignity and peace like a king's crown. Allusion: After the Buddha attained enlightenment, the gods used the umbrella to shade themselves from the sun. |

| **Matsya Yugma / Suvarnamatsya** | Two goldfish swimming side by side | Symbolizes happiness and freedom, like fish fearless in water, representing practitioners escaping the sea of ​​suffering and achieving rebirth in freedom. Allusion: Derived from the sacred waters of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. |

| **Padma** | A blooming lotus | Represents purity and awakening, blossoming from the muddy earth, symbolizing the purity of body, speech, and mind. Legend: A lotus appeared at the Buddha's birth, symbolizing the bodhisattva path. |

| **Shankha** | A right-handed conch shell | Spreads the Dharma, like the sound of a conch shell, symbolizing the far-reaching reach of wisdom. Legend: The Buddha summoned his disciples to the Dharma using his conch shell. |

| **Kalasha** | A vase overflowing with treasure | Represents longevity and wealth, symbolizing endless merit and health. Legend: The vase of eternal life offered to the Buddha by the gods. |

| **Shrivatsa** | A knot interwoven with no beginning or end | Represents interdependence and dependent origination, symbolizing the cycle of cause and effect and the connection of love. Legend: The eternal auspicious symbol on the Buddha's chest. Dhvaja (Treasure Banner) | Victory Banner | The Buddha's victory over the four demons (afflictions, death, the heavenly demon, and the demon's children), symbolizing the victory of the Dharma. Legend: After the Buddha defeated the demons, the gods presented flags in celebration.

Dharmachakra (Eight-spoked Wheel) | The turning of the Dharma wheel symbolizes the Eightfold Path and the spread of the Dharma. Legend: The Buddha first turned the Dharma wheel in Sarnath.

These symbols are typically arranged on a door curtain, with the Dharma wheel in the center and the others surrounding it, symbolizing the flow of auspicious energy from the doorway into the home.

Benefits and Merits of Using It

Hanging the Eight Auspicious Symbols on a door curtain is believed to purify the aura of a home and attract positive energy. In Tibetan Buddhism, this is part of the practice of "protecting the Dharma." According to "Ashtamangala – The Eight Auspicious Symbols" (kamengshambhala.wordpress.com), they not only decorate the space but also deepen the practitioner's cultural connection. Specific benefits and merits include:

- **Benefits**:

- **Feng Shui Harmony**: Blocks negative energy (such as evil spirits), promoting family harmony, health, and wealth. Suitable for hanging on main or bedroom doors, it symbolizes an "auspicious entrance," preventing drafts and foul air from entering.

- **Psychological Comfort**: Seeing the symbol daily reminds you to cultivate a pure mind, relieve stress, and enhance mindfulness.

- **Cultural Heritage**: In Nepali and Tibetan homes, it beautifies the home and strengthens a sense of belonging to Buddhist traditions.

- **Merit**:

- **Accumulate Merit**: Like offerings to the Buddha, it brings immeasurable merit, helping practitioners avoid the evil paths and attain rebirth in the Pure Land. According to Buddhist scriptures, visualizing the Eight Auspicious Symbols is equivalent to offerings to ten trillion Buddhas, increasing wisdom and compassion.

- **Protection and Transformation**: Symbolizing the eight virtues of the Buddha, it can transform karmic obstacles, bringing longevity, health, and career success. In Tibetan tradition, hanging a door curtain is considered a "daily offering," and its merit surpasses that of giving the seven treasures. - **World Peace**: The overall symbol represents the widespread spread of the Dharma. The holder develops a bodhi aspiration, indirectly aiding the liberation of all sentient beings.

When using it, it is recommended to hang it with reverence, sprinkle it with clean water daily to purify it, and avoid contact with impurities to maximize its blessing power.

### Kalachakra Design: Origin and Allusions

Kalachakra (Sanskrit for "Wheel of Time," Tibetan: dus kyi 'khor lo) is the main deity of the Anuttarayoga Tantra of Tibetan Buddhism. Kalachakra is often depicted as a complex mandala, with a central figure of the four-armed blue Kalachakra embracing his consort, surrounded by deities, a circle of flames, and the ten-syllable mantra (HAM KSA MALA VARA YAṃ). This design is often depicted on silk as a horizontal door curtain hung at the entrance, symbolizing the protection of the cycle of time. This curtain is commonly seen at the entrances of temples in Tibet and Nepal, symbolizing the power of the Kalachakra initiation.

Origin and History

The Kalachakra Tantra originated in India in the 10th century AD. According to "The Origin of the Kalachakra Tantra" (askwilliam.com.tw), Shakyamuni Buddha manifested as the Kalachakra deity at the jeweled golden pagoda in Dhanyakataka, South India, and taught the Kalachakra Tantra to King Suchandra (Moon King) of Shambhala. This teaching also occurred at Vulture Peak, where it prophesied war and peace in the Dharma-Ending Age. Through the manifestation of Vajrapani, it was transmitted to Tibet and became the core tantra of the Gelug and Sakya traditions.

The pattern originates from the Kalachakra Tantra. The mandala symbolizes the three cosmic wheels: the outer wheel (world and astronomy), the inner wheel (the chakras and wind in the human body), and the prajna wheel (the path and fruition). The ten-syllable mantra in the center (HAM KSA MALA VARA YAṃ) represents the entire Kalachakra universe. According to Kalachakra (Wikipedia), it predicts the kingdom of Shambhala's holy war, defeating the barbarians (symbolizing ignorance) and ushering in a golden age. The door curtain form originates from Tibetan folklore, where the mandala was simplified into a talisman, hung on the door to protect the home and ward off the "time demon" (karmic reincarnation).

Benefits and Merits of Using It

The Kalachakra door curtain is considered a powerful protective tool. According to Kalachakra Car and Door Hanger Protection (uniquefengshui.com), it specifically wards off negative energies and accidents. In Tibetan tradition, those who have received initiation can accelerate their awakening by holding this image.

Benefits:

Protection and Peace: Hanging on a door as a door talisman wards off evil spirits, accidents, and disasters. Suitable for car or home doors. It symbolizes the control of time and promotes career success and family harmony. **Body and Mind Balance**: Visualizing the mandala can harmonize the chakras, relieve stress, and enhance concentration.

**Symbol of Peace**: The Dalai Lama has promoted the Kalachakra initiation as a symbol of world peace. Hanging it spreads positive energy.

**Merit**:

**Purification of Karma**: This is equivalent to receiving a Kalachakra initiation, accumulating immeasurable merit, severing the root of samsara, and rapidly achieving Buddhahood. According to scriptures, chanting or visualizing the Kalachakra is more meritorious than practicing the bodhisattva path for a thousand kalpas.

**Wisdom Blessing**: This awakens the wisdom of the deity, increases compassion and insight, and helps practitioners realize emptiness and great bliss.

**Benefiting All Beings**: According to prophecy, the Kalachakra will protect sentient beings in the Dharma-Ending Age from war. Those who use it will cultivate bodhicitta and dedicate their merit to world peace.

When using this object, it must be blessed by a guru and avoid casual handling. Silently recite the Kalachakra mantra (OM AH HUM HOH HAM KSHAMALA VARAYA HUM PHAT) daily to enhance its effectiveness.

These traditions are not merely decorative; they are living tools for spiritual practice. Respectfully used, they can bring about physical and mental transformation and increase merit. For deeper understanding, we recommend visiting a Tibetan monastery or seeking guidance from a spiritual master.

PS: Please keep the hanging cloth as clean as possible. If damaged, replace it immediately.

Old hanging cloths can be cremated to remove them. If discarded, please wrap them in a separate trash bag.