Materials: Polyresin, Resin, Painted, Collection of the Eight Auspicious Symbols / Collection of the Seven Treasures

Size: Approximately 36 cm in height

Description:

Introduction to the Eight Auspicious Objects (Ashtamangala)

The Eight Auspicious Objects, also known as the Eight Auspicious Symbols or Eight Auspicious Aspects, are a set of ancient auspicious symbols in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism that represent good fortune, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment. These eight symbols include: the Parasol, the Pair of Golden Fish, the Treasure Vase, the Lotus, the Right-Turning Conch Shell, the Endless Knot, the Victory Banner, and the Wheel of Dharma. These symbols are not merely decorative elements but carry profound symbolic meaning, often found in Buddhist art, architecture, and ritual.

The Role of the Eight Auspicious Objects in Buddhist Ritual

In Buddhist ritual, the Eight Auspicious Objects play a key role in symbolizing auspiciousness, protection, and enlightenment. They are often used as offerings, decorations, or ritual props to create a sacred atmosphere, invoke blessings, and remind participants of the core teachings of Buddhism. Specifically:

- **Ritual Offerings and Decorations**: The Eight Auspicious Objects frequently appear in temples, mandalas, and pujas as offerings to the Buddha or bodhisattvas. For example, during puja rituals, they symbolize devotion to the Dharma and blessings for all beings. White umbrellas often appear as fans or staffs, used to fan deities or waved during recitations as a sign of respect and to purify the space. Victory banners and Dharma wheels are often hung at temple entrances or altars, symbolizing victory and the spread of the teachings.

- **Symbolic Application**: Each symbol has a specific function. For example, the Dharma wheel represents the Buddha's Eightfold Noble Path and is used during prayer wheels or pujas to spread the teachings in all directions. In Tibetan Buddhism, these symbols are used in Tantric rituals to aid practitioners in meditation and visualization of spiritual growth. In Nepalese Buddhism, whisks (sometimes replacing the Dharma wheel) symbolize Tantric manifestations and are used in purification rituals. Overall, they are not only ritual props but also serve as status symbols or deities, emphasizing the auspiciousness and prosperity of the occasion.

- **Example in Practice**: During Buddhist festivals such as Vesak or initiation ceremonies, the Eight Auspicious Objects are depicted on flags, thangkas, or altars for blessing and meditation. They are also incorporated into everyday rituals, such as prayer wheels, which often feature these symbols, symbolizing the spread of auspicious energy when rotated.

In short, the Eight Auspicious Objects not only enhance the visual and spiritual aspects of rituals but also reinforce Buddhist ethical and wisdom teachings, helping participants achieve inner peace and outer well-being.

Origins of the Eight Auspicious Objects

The origins of the Eight Auspicious Objects can be traced back to ancient Indian traditions, originally derived from auspicious symbolism systems in Hinduism and Jainism, and later incorporated into Buddhism. These symbols date back to the Vedic era, originally valuable items used by royalty and nobility, symbolizing power, wealth, and protection. In Buddhism, they were reinterpreted as spiritual symbols, integrated with the Buddha's teachings. Records indicate that the eight symbols were first systematized in Buddhist texts such as the Avatamsaka Sutra and Tibetan Buddhist texts, becoming a standard auspicious combination. Their popularity is primarily attributed to the development of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly in Tibet, Nepal, and India.

Historically, the Eight Auspicious Symbols spread from India to Central and East Asia, adapting to various cultures. For example, in Tibetan Buddhism, they merged with elements of the local Bon religion, while in Chinese Buddhism, they are often found in temple art. Their overall origins reflect the religious syncretism of the Indian subcontinent, emphasizing a shift from secular auspiciousness to spiritual enlightenment.

The Story of the Eight Auspicious Symbols

The core story of the Eight Auspicious Symbols is closely tied to the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. According to Buddhist legend, after the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, the gods and devas celebrated his awakening with eight auspicious offerings, which later became known as the Eight Auspicious Objects. This story symbolizes the gods' recognition of the Dharma and affirmation of humanity's spiritual potential.

Details are as follows:

- **Background of the Offering**: At the age of 35, the Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. Witnessing his victory, the gods decided to offer precious objects as a sign of respect. These objects were originally valuable items commonly found in Indian royal courts, but they were given Buddhist symbolism: for example, the conch shell represents the Buddha's profound voice, whose teachings resounded throughout the world like waves; the lotus symbolizes purity blossoming from the mud, representing the practitioner's freedom from samsara.

- **Story of Each Symbol**:

- **White Umbrella**: Symbolizes protection from suffering. In the story, the gods used it to shield the Buddha from the scorching sun and evil spirits. - **Twin Goldfish**: Represents freedom and abundance, like fish swimming freely in water, symbolizing the liberation of Nirvana.

- **Vajra**: Filled with inexhaustible wealth and wisdom, it is offered in stories to symbolize eternal spiritual nourishment.

- **Lotus**: Blooming from the mud, it symbolizes purity and awakening.

- **Right-turning Conch**: Its sound is like the preaching of the Dharma; it is said that the Buddha's teachings spread far and wide like the sound of a conch shell.

- **Infinite Knot**: Symbolizes the interconnectedness of cause and effect and eternal love, without beginning or end.

- **Victory Banner**: Celebrates the Buddha's victory over Mara, symbolizing the triumph of justice.

- **Dharma Wheel**: Its rotation represents the spread of the Dharma. In stories, it symbolizes the Buddha's first Dharma wheel preaching at Sarnath.

An Overview of the Seven Treasures in Buddhism

The Seven Treasures (also known as the Seven Treasures of the Chakravartin or the Seven Treasures of the Chakravartin) are seven precious objects described in Buddhist scriptures. They originated in Indian Buddhist traditions and later spread to Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism. They not only symbolize worldly power and abundance but also carry profound spiritual significance, representing the divine authority of the Chakravartin (Sanskrit for "Wheel-Turning King") to rule the world. In Buddhist rituals, the Seven Jewels are often used as offerings, particularly in Tibetan Buddhist mandala formations, mind offerings, and pujas. They symbolize the devotee's dedication of the entire realm and power to the Buddha, praying for world peace and the continued rotation of the Dharma. These treasures are typically made of metal, gemstones, or symbolic objects (such as turquoise and agate) and placed at the center of an altar or mandala as a medium for visual and spiritual offering.

The specific composition of the Seven Jewels is shown in the table below (based on the "Sutra on the Seven Jewels of the Chakravartin"):

| Treasure Name | Description and Symbolism |

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

| **Chakravartin (Golden Wheel)** | A thousand-spoked golden wheel descends from the sky, symbolizing royal power and the Dharma, capable of conquering all and unrivaled. Corresponding to the "Discerning the Dhamma" enlightenment factor, it helps one discern the true Dhamma. |

| **Elephant Treasure** | A pure white elephant, immensely powerful, capable of carrying a thousand loads, symbolizes stability and strength. Corresponding to the "Equanimity" enlightenment factor, it helps one let go of greed and attachment. |

| **Horse Treasure** | A swift divine horse (often in blue, yellow, red, and white), capable of traveling a thousand miles a day, symbolizes speed and wisdom. Corresponding to the "Energy" enlightenment factor, it encourages diligent practice. |

| **Queen Treasure** | A beautiful and virtuous queen, endowed with supernatural powers and wisdom, symbolizes harmony and dominance. Corresponding to the "Joy" enlightenment factor, it brings inner joy. |

| **Minister Treasure** | A wise and virtuous figure, capable of generating endless wealth, symbolizes economic prosperity. Corresponding to the "Ease" enlightenment factor, it brings ease and comfort to the body and mind. |

| **General Treasure** | A valiant general, invincible on the battlefield, symbolizes military might. Corresponding to the "Concentration" enlightenment factor, it helps one enter concentration. |

| **Mani Jewel** | The wish-fulfilling jewel, which fulfills all wishes and illuminates darkness, symbolizes liberation and light. It corresponds to the "equanimity" or "mindfulness" factors of enlightenment, awakening mindfulness. |

These treasures are not merely material symbols; they also correspond to the Buddhist "Seven Factors of Enlightenment" (discerning the Dharma, energy, rapture, tranquility, mindfulness, concentration, and equanimity), representing the path to enlightenment that overcomes obstacles to practice.

Role in Buddhist Ritual

In Buddhist ritual, the Seven Jewels play multiple roles, primarily in offering, protection, and symbolic functions:

1. **Offerings and Mandala Arrangement**: In Tibetan Buddhist tantric rituals (such as visualization offerings and fire pujas), the Seven Jewels are considered core elements of "visual offerings." Practitioners visualize these treasures and offer them to the deity or the Three Jewels, symbolizing the unconditional offering of the kingdom's power, wealth, and military might to the Dharma. This helps accumulate merit and prays for peace and harmony in the realm. For example, in mandalas, they are often placed in the center, alongside the Eight Auspicious Symbols, to enhance the solemnity of the ceremony.

2. **Dharma Protectors and Symbols of Royal Authority**: The Seven Jewels represent the "Seven Powers" of the Chakravartin, used to protect the Dharma. Historically, during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, they were incorporated into political rituals, symbolizing the ruler's adherence to Buddhist kingship and upholding the Buddhist cause. In modern temples, such as the Kagyu Monastery in Taiwan or exhibitions at the National Palace Museum, the Seven Jewels are often depicted in metal or gemstone carvings during ceremonies and exhibitions, reminding believers that worldly power should serve the path to liberation.

3. **Spiritual Practice Tools**: By visualizing the Seven Jewels, practitioners can align themselves with the Seven Factors of Enlightenment and overcome defilements such as greed, hatred, and ignorance. For example, the Chakravartin aids in discerning the true Dharma, and the Mani Jewel awakens mindfulness, thereby enhancing the depth of meditation during rituals. In daily incense offerings or at home altars, they often appear in simplified forms (such as the Seven Treasures Vase) as protective objects for prayer.

Overall, the Seven Treasures are not only the visual focal point of rituals but also bridge worldly power and transcendental liberation, teaching believers to uphold the Dharma with a kingly heart.

Origin of the Seven Treasures

The origins of the Seven Treasures can be traced back to early Buddhist texts, particularly the Sutra of the Seven Treasures of the Wheel-Turning King (also known as the Sutra of the Wheel-Turning King), which describes the miraculous phenomena associated with the birth of a Wheel-Turning King. In Indian Vedic and Buddhist traditions, a Wheel-Turning King is a worldly ruler endowed with great merit, whose appearance marks the beginning of the Kalpa of Virtue, or a period of peace and prosperity. Upon the birth of a Wheel-Turning King, his immeasurable virtues inspire the gods, and the Seven Treasures descend from the sky, manifesting naturally without human intervention. These treasures possess miraculous powers, automatically fulfilling the king's wishes: the Wheel-Turning King conquers enemy states, elephants and horses transport military supplies, ministers assist in government affairs, and Mani brings endless wealth.

This concept, introduced from India to China, was incorporated into both Han and Tibetan Buddhism. During the Tang Dynasty, Empress Wu Zetian proclaimed herself the "Wheel-Turning King" and used the seven treasures as political symbols to bolster the legitimacy of her rule. In Tibetan Buddhism, these items evolved into ritual instruments for offering, emphasizing "mental offerings" over material things, embodying the Vajrayana concept of mindfulness.

Stories Related to the Seven Treasures

The stories of the Seven Treasures primarily revolve around the mythological narrative of the Wheel-Turning King, found in Buddhist texts such as the Avatamsaka Sutra and the Maharatnakara Sutra. The following is a synopsis of the core story:

During the distant "Kalpa of Virtue," whenever the human world was in turmoil, Shakyamuni Buddha's previous bodhisattva incarnations would be reborn as a Wheel-Turning King (such as the Iron Wheel King and the Golden Wheel King, ruling over four continents or one). The story cites a Wheel-Turning King named "Moonlight King" as an example: Born in the kingdom of Kausavibha, the king possessed the thirty-two characteristics of a great man and possessed boundless merit. When he reached the age of sixteen and ascended the throne, the sky suddenly shone with golden light, and a thousand-spoked golden wheel descended from the void. The wheel rotated automatically, emitting the sound of the "Dharma Wheel Ever Turning." Holding the Wheel of Heaven, the king led the Elephants, carrying military supplies, and the Horses, galloping across thousands of miles. He instantly conquered the vassal states without a fight, forcing all enemy states to submit.

Then, the Ministers appeared, creating endless treasures for the king, filling the treasury. The Generals led the army to protect the borders, making it invincible. The Concubines assisted with wisdom, maintaining harmony within and without. The Mani Jewel hung in the palace, illuminating the darkness and fulfilling the wishes of the people. With these seven treasures, the king ruled the "Four Continents" (Dongsheng Shenzhou, Nanshanbuzhou, Xiniuhezhou, and Beijuluzhou). Peace reigned, lifespans increased, and there was no banditry or war. The king further upheld the Dharma, building temples and spreading the teachings. It was not until he met Shakyamuni Buddha that he renounced his throne, became a monk, and attained enlightenment.

This story symbolizes the transformation of merit into wisdom: the worldly power of the Chakravartin ultimately leads to transcendental liberation. The Seven Treasures remind practitioners that worldly wealth, when used for the Dharma, becomes the means for liberation. In Tibetan Buddhism, this story is often incorporated into thangka paintings and murals. For example, the dragon and phoenix throne painting at the Xialu Monastery during the Yuan Dynasty depicts the seven treasures surrounding the throne, emphasizing the integration of imperial power and Buddhism.

Through these elements, the Seven Treasures are not only a magnificent embellishment for Buddhist rituals but also a moral allegory, guiding believers to awaken from the power trap.

PS: This item embodies two major Buddhist themes. It is highly valuable for both offerings and collections.