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Why are the eight auspicious signs of Buddhism more than just symbols or lucky objects? Why are the eight auspicious symbols found in nearly every Buddhist temple and shrine room? Why are they considered Dharma objects, inseparable from what they represent and what do they actually represent? CONTENTS: 00:00 Introduction: 8 Auspicious Signs 01:37 Why are they Precious Dharma Objects? 02:19 The Power of Symbols 03:51 Lama Zopa Rinpoche teachings on each sign 05:07 Precious Umbrella: Saving from Obstacles 05:39 Yellow Fish: Freedom with No Fear 05:59 Treasure Vase: Fortune of a Good Life 06:19 Lotus: Frees us from Mistakes and Non Virtues 06:44 Conch Shell: Awakens beings from ignorance 07:09 Endless Knot: Unites Method and Wisdom 07:25 Victory Banner: Victory of Teachings over Maras 07:35 Dharma Wheel: Dharma Teachings of Buddha 08:00 Benefits and Practices of the 8 Auspicious Signs 12:23 Blessing the 8 Auspicious Signs: mantra 12:49 Treating them as Dharma objects for merit The Eight Auspicious Signs are more than lucky Feng Shui objects. They represent the entire Buddhist path. The Dharma Wheel represents the Eightfold Path, the Dharma teachings. The Treasure Vase symbolizes the inexhaustible treasure of these teachings. The Lotus is for the compassion of the Bodhisattvas. The Endless knot beautifully illustrates the Oneness of all phenomenon, or Shunyata. The Golden fish is the mindful union of body and mind, and compassion and wisdom. The Victory Banner stands for the ultimate victory of Enlightenment. The Conch Shell with its triumphant trumpet-like sound symbolizes the fearlessness of Dharma. The Parasol represents the protection of Buddhist Refuge in the Three Jewels. Together, they represent all the teachings, and the benefits of the teachings. It is a mistake to think of them as just symbols. They are the most precious of Dharma objects and are also considered highly auspicious and lucky. In what way are they more than just symbols? An example of the power of symbols and labels is your name. Your name is not actually you. Yet, if someone calls your name, you instantly respond. Or if someone asks you if you’ve read a good novel, you instantly remember the novel just from its title. Likewise, if I see the Dharma Wheel, I bow to the Dharma teachings that it represents. In Buddhism, symbols are both profoundly important and empty at the same time, in the same way, as described in the Heart Sutra, “Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form.“ The essence of symbols, mantras, names and labels are that they are inseparable from what they represent -- and at the same time entirely empty. When we say a person’s name, it is more than just a word. We associate that name with the person it identifies. In Buddhism, Dharma objects similarly represent vital teaching concepts. We know, for example, a statue of the Buddha on the shrine is not actually the Buddha, yet we prostrate, make offerings, chant mantras and respect the statue with great reverence. Why? Because at the ultimate level, they are inseparable -- the symbol and what it symbolizes. At the same time, all symbols labels are ultimately empty. When we see the Eight Auspicious Symbols, they aren't just objects of decor for the home, or jewelry to wear for “luck.“ They are inseparable from what they represent. For this reason, the most Sacred Eight Auspicious Symbols are considered Dharma Objects. Like a Sutra, meant to be treated with great reverence. Lama Zopa Rinpoche of FPMT emphasizes how each symbol can be a reminder of Buddha’s path to enlightenment. Regarding the Dharma Wheel, for example, he explains: “The wheel represents the teachings of the Buddha. Every time we see it, we should recall the Buddha’s teachings and strive to apply them in our life.“ (Source below) Source: Dictated by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche to Ven. Sarah Thresher at Root Institute, Bodhgaya, India, February 4, 2014. Edited with the help of Losang Hursthouse.
