Buddhist symbols. Auspicious symbols of Buddhism Tibetan signs and their meaning

Most of the decorations created by Nepalese and Tibetan craftsmen are not limited to a purely decorative function. They are filled deep meaning and have a symbolic meaning. It can be conveyed using certain forms and signs, decorations often contain inscriptions in Tibetan and Sanskrit.

The most common images of the sacred for Hindus and Buddhists sign "Om". This is a mystical sound that permeates the entire universe, this is a cosmic vibration, a symbol of the absolute. Om is the primordial sound and the most sacred of all.

In Hinduism, the three sounds in the syllable "Om" (pronounced "aum") personify the three states - wakefulness, drowsiness and deep sleep. The entire syllable, or the silence that accompanies it, is the fourth state, which is interpreted as enlightenment or bliss, when a person realizes his identity with the Absolute. "Om" is also interpreted as a symbol of the divine triad of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, as creation, existence and destruction, as three levels of existence - heaven, earth and the underworld.

In the Buddhist tradition, "Om" symbolizes the order of the universe and is identified with the female form of God. In Tibet, "Om" is associated with Tara, the wife of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion. Components sacred syllable sounds in Buddhism personify the three bodies of the Buddha (dharmakaya - "essential body", the highest, absolute manifestation of spiritual essence; sambhogakaya - "divine body", the image of the Buddha, comprehensible in deep meditation and nirmankaya - "phenomenal body, Buddha, manifesting himself in the everyday world ).

"Om" is depicted in the form of stylized pictograms, the outline of which differs in Sanskrit and Tibetan tradition. This sound has relaxing and healing properties. Jewelry with this symbol is intended to remind the one who wears it that peace and tranquility can only be found by maintaining harmony with the universal sound "Om".

The symbol "Om" is also part of various mantras - special mystical formulas-sound combinations, each sound of which has a deep religious meaning. The most common of these is "Om mani padme hum". Literally her mocan be translated as follows: "Oh, the jewel in the lotus flower!" However, the mantra itself is almost never interpreted due to the exact translation, it is endowed with many meanings and hidden meanings. It is believed that this is the six-syllable mantra of the bodhisattva of compassion Avalokiteshvara, each of its syllables savestons of living beings in the six worlds (gods, demons, people, animals, spirits and inhabitants of the underworld). The first word of the manta "Om" represents the purity of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha. The word "Mani" symbolizes the desire for awakening, compassion and love. "Padme" refers to wisdom, "Hum" personifies the indivisibility of practice and wisdom.

Often in various Nepalese and Tibetan jewelry you can see lotus image("padma" in Nepali, "pema" in Tibetan). It is a symbol of absolute purity, renunciation of everything worldly. This is a divine flower, Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Hindu gods are often depicted sitting or standing on a lotus flower.

The white lotus ("nilotpala" Nepali, "pekar" Tibetan) is the symbol of the female deities Manjushri and Tara. It signifies purity of mind. The blue lotus (“utpala” in Nepali and Tibetan) is a semi-open, night flower, denoting the feminine in Tantric Buddhism, symbolizes self-creation, self-creation (“swayambhu”). The pink lotus is most often depicted as a bud and is a symbol of the sun.

Another attribute of Buddhism used as a motif for jewelry is mandala. This is a sacred schematic representation of the abode of the Buddhas or the Buddhist universe. The mandala is a complex diagram, all the attributes of which are depicted according to strictly canonized rules. Most often, the shape of the mandala is an outer circle, a square inscribed in it, into which an inner circle is inscribed. The latter is often segmented or lotus-shaped. The outer circle is the universe, the inner circle is the dimension of deities, buddhas, bodhisattvas. The square between them is oriented to the cardinal points.

Often in Nepal and Tibet, you can buildwear decorations in the form of various living creatures. The most common among them is snake("naga" in Nepali, "dul" and "lu" in Tibetan). The snake is revered by Hindusand by Buddhists as the god of ornaments. Also, the snake is a symbol of wisdom and the best protector from all dark forces- real and mystical.

From shells("shankha" in Nepali, "doong" in Tibetan) is customary to make belts, necklaces, bracelets. They are believed to ward off evil spirits. You can also find shell-shaped jewelry made of silver. It is believed that the Shankha shell took its shape when holy water poured from heaven to earth, so it is considered a divine jewel.

Exquisite in form and meaningful in content symbol vajra(Tibetan "dorje") is often used in jewelry making. In Hinduism, this is the weapon of the thunder god Indra. In Tantric Buddhism, this is one of the main symbols that have many meanings - unshakable faith, a diamond scepter, an enlightened mind, pure truth.

On pendants and necklaces can be depicted buddha eyes, similar to those that "look" from many Buddhist stupas. This image symbolizes consciousness, omniscience and compassion for all living things. In place of the nose is the number "one" (this is how it is written in Nepal). This is the sign of the absolute, the beginning of the beginning.

Many decorations are made in the form eight buddhist jewels, presented by the gods to the Buddha after he gained enlightenment:

precious umbrella. It means respect, gives protection from all evil and the power of evil desires.

two golden fish. They symbolize the eyes of the Buddha and extraordinary wisdom, happiness and benefit, it is a symbol of existence, protected from the vain life and suffering.

Precious inexhaustible treasure vase. It means the fulfillment of all desires - both worldly, transient, and higher, spiritual (gaining enlightenment).

perfect lotus flower. It symbolizes the purity of the Buddha's consciousness, pristine purity, purification of the body, speech and mind - the key to salvation or nirvana.

Precious white shell with a clockwise spiral. Symbolizes the sound of the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha, which can be heard everywhere and is able to awaken everyone from the sleep of ignorance.

Endless Knot. Mystical diagram representing great love of all the Buddhas and the never-ending continuation of the Teaching. A symbol of the interdependence of all phenomena and living beings in the Universe, Samsara is an endless cycle of rebirths, infinite wisdom and compassion of the Buddha.

Greatbannervictories. Victory over negative influences, a flag symbolizing the victory of Buddhism over ignorance and suffering.

Precious Golden Wheel of Dharma. Symbolizes the teachings of the Buddha, leading to the liberation of all living beings from suffering.

It remains to add that the beauty, harmony and positive influence of all these symbols can be felt not only by a deeply religious Hindu or Buddhist. Goodness and beauty have no boundaries - Nepalese and Tibetan masters know this for sure.

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1.Good Umbrella. As an ordinary umbrella protects from the sun and rain, so this symbol personifies the protection of the mind from the sultry heat of obscurations, and also protects you from suffering.

A symbol of good deeds performed in order to protect living beings from diseases, harmful forces, obstacles, as well as the suffering of the three lower and three higher worlds. Just as an ordinary umbrella protects from rain and heat, so a precious umbrella grants protection from adversity and adversity of samsara.

2. They are called so because of the radiance emanating from the scales, similar to the gleam of gold. Usually, fish is an ornament and a sign of the well-being of rivers and lakes. So these fish personify full-fledged wealth.

A symbol of deliverance from suffering and the achievement of spiritual liberation. Just as a fish swims in water without any barriers, so a person who has attained enlightenment knows no boundaries and obstacles.

3. Precious Vase. The storehouse of all realizations, which is the basis of priceless virtues and pure virtues.

A symbol of long life, wealth and prosperity. Used in Buddhist ceremonies and rituals.

4. Lotus. Like a lotus flower born from the dirt, unstained, so here, it personifies non-attachment to samsara, although it resides in it.

In Buddhism, it is a traditional symbol of purity. The lotus is born in muddy swamp water, but is born unstained and pure. Similarly, beings born in one of the worlds of samsara, but sincerely practicing the noble teachings of the Buddha, are able to get rid of defilements over time.

5. White shell, with curl turned to the right. This shell is very rare. It is believed that the mollusk acquires it after five continuous births as an ordinary mollusk. The sound of the conch represents the harmonious voice of the Dharma.

A symbol of the spread of the teachings of the Buddha and awakening from the sleep of ignorance. Just as the sound of a conch shell flies freely in all directions, so the Buddha's teaching spreads everywhere, awakening sentient beings from the sleep of ignorance.

6. Just as this knot has no end, so this symbol represents the complete acquisition of the Immeasurable Virtues and the Five kinds of primordial Wisdom.

A symbol of the interdependence of all phenomena and living beings in the universe.

7. Banner of victory. It means victory over the enemy and obstacles, personifies victory over demons, mara and adherents of false views.

The symbol of the victory of the teachings of the Buddha over death, ignorance, as well as over everything harmful and harmful in this world.

8. Wheel of Dharma. This is the wheel of Chakravartin, the Lord of the world, as it is his vehicle, with eight sharp spokes that cut through obstacles on the way, so this symbol represents the means of progress towards Enlightenment. The spoke means Wisdom, experience, concentration, the axis - morality. Also three types of Higher Education, Three Baskets of Teaching. The eight spokes signify the Eightfold Path.

The eight spokes of the wheel symbolize the "noble eightfold path" of Buddha Shakyamuni:

1. Right view.
2. Right thinking.
3. Correct speech.
4. Correct behavior.
5. The right way of life.
6. Right effort.
7. Right awareness.
8. Right contemplation.

Other images of 8 auspicious symbols:

Set #2:

Set #3:

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One says that the knot was presented as a gift to the sage from the Shakya clan with the eighth symbol, along with seven more gifts - golden fish, a precious vessel, a shell, a lotus flower, an umbrella, a wheel and a banner of victory.
The second legend states that the knot was given to the Buddha by God Ganesha to decorate his heart.
There is a third opinion about the appearance of the node. Tibetan knot, nothing more than an improved symbol ancient egypt, transferred to India - kundalini (2 intertwining snakes biting their own tail.)

You can buy a knot, draw it on a sheet, but it’s better to do it yourself, investing energy and meaning, for the sake of which you are doing it.
The meaning is dual. The finished knot can be either tightened or untwisted on one side, or loosened or braided on the other, thereby releasing energy or enclosing it.
You can make a knot for love, you can make it for business, you can make it for health. For anything a person, with his desires and aspirations. And the knot will help.

Assembly manufacturing scheme

It's not easy to do, but it's possible. The main rule is 1-3-1-3-2-1-3-1-1 (under one-over three-under one-over three-and down-under two-over one-under three-over-one).
We take a long, three meters, thread, rope, tape. We make serpentine loops on the plane. We take the right end of the rope and thread it up over the ropes according to the principle - 1-3-1-3. then take the left end of the rope and thread it down under the 2-1-3-1-1 ropes.
In the end, it remains only to align the loops and petals and tighten in different directions.

Thus, everyone can make a knot as a talisman.

Symbolism of the Tibetan knot

The amulet will help to formulate your desires and attract good luck. Of course, it must be remembered that for every action there is a reaction. For what to do, everyone decides for himself. The Tibetan knot represents karma, justice. Events created by you and for you will ricochet off others and return to you.

Also, the node is the embodiment of reincarnation, the infinity of life in the universe. Everything material and non-material, living and non-living, is interconnected.

As you pull one thread on the knot and on the other hand it is tightened, so the events for which the amulet was created will be drawn to you if you do the same for others.

The knot helps to restore justice by working out karma, as well as to bring good luck to your side in desires and undertakings that are important to you.

Just as a knot has no beginning or end, so what we want is infinite. The knot symbolizes power over time and actions.

Nowadays, the knot is mainly used as an ornament made of precious metals, but in this case it will not have an impact on your life. If you believe in its power and making the knot yourself, investing all your potential, then the knot will certainly help the owner to restore justice in private. Strengthen the sense of correctness of their actions to achieve the goal. It will help to perform the necessary actions in relation to others and will attract the necessary situations for the implementation of the desired.

The word "buddha" itself comes from the Sanskrit root budh, which means "to comprehend, realize, awaken, heal consciousness." It means spiritually awakened beings freed from the "death of the living". Born in Nepal around 563 B.C. Prince Siddharha Gautama Shakyamuni lived in luxury, completely isolated from outside world. One day it occurred to him to visit the city. His father wanted to hide from him the ugliness and ugliness of the city and the rest of the world, but he nevertheless saw old age, illness and death - the frailty of the world. It was a shock for him to meet a world-renowned begging ascetic who declared that the prince should follow him and lead the same life.

The prince escaped from the palace and began to wander the world. Over many years of wandering, he created a creed that is still followed by many millions of his followers.

The Brahmins were enemies of his teaching, because they considered it heretical, since the Buddha did not recognize the spiritual priority of the Brahmins, condemned their faith in the sacred action of the Vedic rituals, blind devotion to every word of the Vedas and animal sacrifice, denied caste inequality and all this undermined the authority of the priestly class. After Buddhism ceased to be dangerous for the Brahmins and in view of the fact that it had a great influence on Hinduism and changed significantly under the influence of the latter, the Buddha was recognized as an avatar of Vishnu and included in the pantheon of Hindu deities. However, Buddhists oppose this.

Buddha figures are most often found in the sitting pose of padma - asana, on a lotus pedestal, legs crossed and feet resting on the hips.

If he teaches dharma, then his eyes are closed; between the eyebrows he has a small convex dot of symbolic meaning, sometimes from precious stone, called an urn, or tilak (originally it was in the form of a curl of hair). The earlobes are strongly elongated downward.

It is believed that the Buddha always opposed his image being imprinted, because he did not want to be made of him as a person. symbols worship.

The following are the main Buddhist Symbols:

Since ancient times, such symbolic objects as the Wheel with eight spokes and the Bodhi Tree were considered signs personifying the Buddha.

The wheel with eight spokes, or "Dharmachakra" in Sanskrit, symbolizes the rotation of the Wheel of Truth by the Buddha, or the Wheel of the Law ("dharma" - truth, law; "chakra" - wheel). According to legend, shortly after the Buddha reached Enlightenment, the god Brahma appeared to him from heaven and ordered the Buddha to teach people, giving him the Dharmachakra.

The first sermon of the Buddha, held in the Deer Park in the city of Sarnat, is called "Dharmachakra Parivartan", and the mudrathe sermon is called "Dharmachakra mudra". The Buddha is also called the Turner of the Wheel - by turning the wheel, thereby starting a new cycle of his teachings, he subsequently turns fate around. The Dharmachakra has eight spokes, each symbolizing an octal noble path. In the center of the Wheel are three segments that represent the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Dharmachakra can also be divided into three more parts, each of which will embody the components of the Buddhist teachings - the wheel hub (culture of behavior), spokes (culture of wisdom) and rim (culture of meditation).

Very often, an image of the Dharmachakra surrounded by deer is placed above the entrances to Buddhist monasteries - this is a symbol of the presence of the Buddha's teachings in such monasteries.

The symbol of the Bodhi tree is associated with ideas about the tree under which the Buddha was visited by Enlightenment.

After six years of wandering through the villages, the Buddha ended up in a forest on the banks of the Naranjara River, not far from the place where the city of Bodh Gaya is now located. Sitting under the Bodhi tree in deep meditation, he finally realized his true nature. The next seven days the Buddha spent under the same tree, learning the feeling of freedom and comprehending the scope of his new knowledge. The next four weeks, the Buddha spent under other trees - banyan tree, mukalinda tree and rajayatana, and then again under the banyan tree. Legends are associated with each of these weeks spent under the tree. The tree of Enlightenment in Latin is called ficus religiosa - " sacred tree". It is also known as the pipe tree. Buddhists most commonly refer to it as the Bodhi tree, or the Bo tree. The word "bodhi" in Pali means "enlightenment". A descendant of the tree under which the Buddha sat still grows in Bodh Gaya, and Bodhi trees are commonly found in Buddhist centers around the world.

Buddha footprints

These Buddhist symbols symbolize the path of gods, holy or demonic spirits, etc. The footprints of Buddha and Vishnu are found all over India. Kühn, in The Rock Art of Europe, says that the footprints of the Virgin Mary can be seen in a chapel in Würzburg, and the footprints of Christ in a hut in Rosenstein, Swabia.

Means the divine presence or visitation of a holy person, some predecessor, as a clue to a follower or adherent. Footprints going in opposite directions mean coming and going, past and present; past and future.

Seven things were imprinted on the feet of the Buddha: a swastika, a fish, a diamond rod, a shell, a flower vase, the Wheel of the Law, the crown of Brahma. This is the footprint of a deity that a person must follow. Islam: “If you do not know the path, look for where its traces are left” (Rumi).

Donations and offerings

In the East, the practice of donations is very common. Each offering has its own meaning. So, matches or candles are offered to dispel the darkness of human ignorance, and incense - to increase a person's spirituality. It is believed that the practice of donations - good way struggle with greed and attachment to things.

In Tibet, almost all types of donations are replaced by bowls of water, which symbolize the offering of water for drinking or washing feet. You can also offer flowers, incense, matches and candles, incense and food. This tradition originates from ancient custom receiving guests.

Lotus

The most important Buddhist symbol - Lotus symbolizes the complete purification of the body, speech and thoughts, as well as the prosperity of good deeds and freedom. The lotus, like a Buddhist, goes through many stages of the path: it grows from the mud (samsara), striving upwards through transparent waters (purification) and rising from the depths, gives birth to a beautiful flower (Enlightenment).

White color petals represents purity, while the stem of the lotus is like the teachings of the Buddha, which lifts the mind from the mud of everyday existence and helps it to be cleansed.

Blessed Knot

The Blessed Knot Represents the nature of reality, where all events are interconnected and exist as cells of the karmic web.

Having neither beginning nor end, this knot symbolizes the infinite wisdom of the Buddha, as well as the unity of teaching and wisdom.

Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra)

The wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) embodies the teachings of the Buddhists.

According to legend, the Wheel was given to the Buddha by Brahma after the Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Hello, dear readers seekers of knowledge and truth!

Tibet beckons with its mystery and mystery. It is replete with unusual symbols, bizarre images, which are very difficult for an ignorant person to understand. This article will tell you about Tibetan amulets and their meaning, open the veil of the mystery of the magical side of Tibet, explain what talismans are made of and how they gain their power.

Introduction

World magic symbols Tibet is vast, and their diversity excites the imagination. Protection from the evil eye, attracting money, procreation, maintaining health, catching good luck by the tail, defeating diseases - this is just a small fraction of the magic that amulets can do.

They are all called "sung", which is translated from Sanskrit as "protection". It is not at all surprising, because their main task is to protect their master from all kinds of misfortunes.

It is difficult to say exactly when they appeared. But Tibet is a place where eras converged, two powerful cultures collided: one who came straight from India, and one that dominated here before the advent of new religion. Each civilization had its own concepts of the world order, teachings, and therefore - symbols, paraphernalia, talismans.

Modern talismans of Tibetan origin are a symbiosis of two directions of thought, a harmonious, unique combination of the Buddhist religion with the Bon religion.

What are their amulets made of?

The imagination of the Tibetans was indefatigable - amulets of various shapes, sizes, with images, patterns were made from everything that was available. So, there are talismans made of metal, paper, clay, birch bark, fabric, and the most outlandish among them is made of yak bone and its horns. They are placed, hung around the house, worn on the body, or even taken orally as a medicine.

Very strong protective apotropaea are special symbols that are used to paint walls and ceilings in the interior and exterior of the house. They are able to call on spirits, protect residents or guests. Also, these letters, phrases or mantras can be applied to special canvases and flags fluttering near the entrance.

Similar amulets with the application of individual phrases on paper can also be wearable. In some cases, special leaves are rolled into prayer balls and then swallowed - it is believed that this can improve health by curing diseases.

Talismans with motifs of deities, pictures shown in sutras, images of religious figures are more complex. They promise good luck, longevity, wealth, happiness, and also drive away evil spirits.

Metal gizmos - made of silver, gold, copper, their alloys - have powerful energy. They do not need to apply additional images like mantras or traditional Buddhist signs, because they can fight evil on their own.

From the point of view of the European view and traditional astrology, it is customary to believe that gold corresponds to the Sun, and silver to the Moon. Incredibly, only among the Tibetans and Germans the opinion has taken root that the Moon is a male celestial body, and the Sun is female.

Types of talismans

Among the whole variety of bizarre names and patterns unknown to Europeans, the most amazing and favorite are the following:

• Om sign;
• Dzi stones;
• ryu amulet.

Ohm sound

The first song of the universe after its birth, main sign uniting Buddhism and Hinduism - Ohm. It was with this sound that our Universe appeared, and it sounds like “ aum". It calms with its vibrations, gives peace of mind, turns human energy into universal energy.

The image of this syllable is applied everywhere: on clothes, jewelry, household items, buildings, even transferred to nature, carving on stones, trees, sand. This divine sign protects from evil forces both from the outside and from the inside, saves both from the evil beings of the outside world, and from negative energy inner space.

Mandala

This word is probably known to many of today's fashionistas and followers of popular trends. Mandalas have now gained tremendous popularity, occupying entire bookshelves, shelves with magazines, notebooks. Still, because these patterns are an excellent sedative in our time of stress and depression.

Anti-stress, art therapy - as soon as they don’t call this newfangled trend now. But not everyone knows that they appeared many centuries ago, and among true Tibetans they are no less popular than among us. They were carved, painted, created from sand of various colors.

Tibetan monks, working on one complex sand mandala for more than one week, then sweep it away overnight in a special ritual to emphasize non-attachment to things, to understand the illusory nature of this world. The patterns are numerous, each has its own meaning, affecting a certain side of a person's life.

Dzi beads

beads Dzi- these are stones made of agate or quartz, having a special, usually oblong, tubular shape. A variety of murals are applied to them: most often eyes, and sometimes stripes, geometric figures, flowers. Tibetans believe that these small stones attract great luck for their owner, they promise him mountains of gold and good health.

Dzi beads are as ancient as the Bon civilization - that's where they originate. A funny legend is connected with them, according to which Dzi was worn by demigods as decorations. When the stones deteriorated, the deities threw them from heaven to earth, and they turned into insects, burrowing into the soil. But when a human hand touched these insects, they again acquired their original appearance, promising unearthly happiness to the finder.

Amulet Ryu

This is a tantric amulet that protects against the evil eye and damage. Stops negative impact people and spirits, prevents the appearance of mental illness.

How it works

For magical artifacts to "work", it is not enough just to create them. We need a special rite of monks, which sanctifies the object, endowing it magical properties. The Lama conducts a luxurious solemn ritual over him in accordance with all the rules, observing the sequence of actions, and can also simply be recited. Body amulets are often wrapped with multi-colored threads so as to hide them from prying eyes.

Any such item is individual and helps only one person or family. If he was lost, and then other people found him, then for them he will not be a protector. But the most important thing in the amulet, which gives it unlimited power, is to believe in it. Sincerely, unconditionally, selflessly.

Conclusion

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