Material: Brocade. Embroidery. Silk (five colors)

Size: 300 X 37 cm (approximate size)

Description:

Dragons play an important role in myths and cultures around the world, especially in East Asian culture and Tibetan Buddhism, where the symbolism and myths of dragons have a profound influence. The following will briefly describe the role of dragons in myths, focusing on their influence in Tibetan Buddhism.

1. The role of dragons in myths

Dragons have various images and symbolic meanings in different cultures. The following is mainly based on East Asia (especially China) as a reference for the background of Tibetan Buddhism:

1. **Dragons in Chinese mythology**:

- **Image and characteristics**: In Chinese mythology, dragons are sacred, powerful and benevolent creatures with snake bodies, deer antlers, eagle claws, fish scales and other features. They can ride on clouds, call wind and rain, and control waters and weather. Dragons are regarded as the embodiment of natural forces and are closely related to imperial power, auspiciousness and prosperity.

- **Mythology**:

- **Legend of the Dragon King**: In Chinese mythology, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas (East Sea, South Sea, West Sea, and North Sea) are in charge of the oceans and rainfall, are responsible for regulating the weather, and bless agricultural harvests. People often pray for good weather and good harvests by offering sacrifices to the Dragon Kings.

- **Interactions between Dragons and Humans**: For example, in The Legend of the White Snake, dragons often appear as gods or protectors, interacting with humans, reflecting their mysterious and benevolent qualities.

- **Creation and Cultural Symbols**: The dragon is regarded as one of the totems of the Chinese nation. Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor is related to the dragon, and the image of the dragon is also integrated into the symbol of imperial power, such as the "True Dragon Son of Heaven".

2. **Dragons in Other Cultures**:

- In Indian mythology, the dragon (Nāga, Naga) is a half-human, half-snake god, related to water, underground, and wealth, and often used as a guardian or symbol of divine power.

- In Tibetan Buddhism, the image of the dragon is influenced by both the Indian Naga and the Chinese dragon, becoming an important mythological element.

2. The influence of dragons in Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism absorbs elements from Indian Buddhism, local Bon religion, and Chinese culture, and the image and symbol of dragons (called "ཀླུ" in Tibetan, klu, derived from naga) have a unique position in it.

1. **The role and symbol of dragons (naga)**:

- **The origin of naga**: The dragon in Tibetan Buddhism is derived from the naga in Indian mythology. It is a kind of deity living in water, underground or mountains. It has great power and is related to water, wealth and protection. Naga can be either a friendly guardian or a destroyer that brings disaster, depending on whether it is respected.

- **Nature and spiritual connection**: In Tibetan Buddhism, dragons are regarded as spiritual forces in nature and are closely related to water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and springs. They are considered to be guardians of the environment and have an important impact on ecological balance.

- **Naga in Buddhism**: Naga often appears as the guardian of the Dharma in Buddhist scriptures. For example, the Lotus Sutra records that the eight great dragon kings protect the Dharma and ensure the spread and preservation of Buddhist scriptures. In Tibetan Buddhism, dragons are also regarded as guardians and are associated with guardians such as Vajrapani.

2. **The manifestation of dragons in Tibetan Buddhist rituals and culture**:

- **Rain prayer and offerings**: Tibetan areas are rich in mountains and rivers, and dragons are believed to be in charge of rainfall and water sources. In times of drought, Tibetan Buddhist monks will hold rain prayer ceremonies and make offerings to dragons (nagas) to pray for rain to moisten the land. These ceremonies are often accompanied by offerings of treasures, food or scriptures.

- **Temples and art**: In Tibetan Buddhist temple murals, thangkas and sculptures, the image of dragons is common, usually appearing in the form of snakes or dragons, coiled around the Buddha or Bodhisattva, symbolizing protection and power. For example, dragons often appear in lotus thrones or scenes of Buddha preaching as symbols of guardians.

- **Bon influence**: Dragons in Tibetan Buddhism are also influenced by the local Bon religion. In Bon, dragons (klu) are important natural gods and are associated with natural phenomena such as mountains, rivers and lakes. Tibetan Buddhism incorporates these elements and incorporates dragons into its cosmology, viewing them as one of the living beings that should be treated with compassion.

3. **The relationship between dragons and practitioners**:

- **Offerings and harmony**: Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes coexistence in harmony with nature. Practitioners believe that disrespecting dragons (nagas) may cause disease, disasters or environmental problems. Therefore, rituals of offering to dragons (such as offering treasures or chanting) are intended to calm the dragon's anger and restore balance.

- **Dragon disease (klu nad)**: There is a disease in Tibetan medicine called "dragon disease", which is believed to be caused by offending nagas. Treatments include holding offering ceremonies or asking monks to chant sutras to appease the dragon god.

4. **Dragons in mythology**:

- In Tibetan Buddhist legends, dragons often appear as protectors or challengers. For example, when Padmasambhava was spreading Buddhism, he subdued many nagas and transformed them into protectors of the Dharma. These stories emphasize that the compassion of Buddhism can transform even the most powerful gods.

- Another example is Nāgārjuna in Tibetan Buddhism, whose name is related to Naga. Legend has it that he retrieved the Prajnaparamita Sutra from the Dragon Palace, showing the role of dragons as guardians of wisdom and Dharma.

3. Summary of the symbolic meaning of dragons

In Tibetan Buddhism, dragons (nagas) are not only a symbol of natural power, but also a bridge between the spiritual and secular worlds. Its image combines the mystery of Indian nagas, the majesty of Chinese dragons, and the nature worship of Tibetan Bon religion, reflecting the inclusive nature of Tibetan Buddhism. Dragons represent in Tibetan Buddhism:

- **Power and protection**: As the guardian of Dharma, dragons symbolize powerful spiritual power.

- **Nature and balance**: The connection between dragons and water and the environment reminds people to respect nature and coexist harmoniously with it.

- **Compassion and transformation**: Through rituals and practice, the negative power of dragons can be transformed into positive guardian power, reflecting the compassionate spirit of Buddhism.

IV. Conclusion

In mythology, dragons are symbols of power, mystery, and nature. In Tibetan Buddhism, they are further integrated with the Buddhist cosmology and compassion. From rain-praying rituals to temple art, from guardian gods to medical practices, dragons are everywhere in Tibetan Buddhism, reflecting the profound influence of its culture and religion. This diverse symbolism makes the dragon a unique and important element in Tibetan Buddhism, connecting the worlds of man and nature, the secular and the spiritual.