Eight Auspicious Symbols
Right-coiled white conch
The white conch which coils to the right symbolises the deep, far-reaching
and melodious sound of the Dharma teachings, which being appropriate to
different natures, predispositions and aspirations of disciples, awakens
them from the deep slumber of ignorance and urges them to accomplish their
own and others' welfare.
Precious umbrella
The precious umbrella symbolises the wholesome activity of preserving
beings from illness, harmful forces, obstacles and so forth in this life,
and all kinds of temporary and enduring sufferings of the three lower realms,
and the realms of men and gods in future lives. It also represents the
enjoyment of a feast of benefit under its cool shade.
Victory banner
The victory banner symbolises the victory of the activities of one's
own and others' body, speech and mind over obstacles and negativities.
It also stands for the complete victory of the Buddhist Doctrine over all
harmful and pernicious forces.
Golden fish
The golden fish symbolises the auspiciousness of all living beings in
a state of fearlessness, without danger of drowning in the ocean of sufferings,
and migrating from place to place freely and spontaneously, just as fish
swim freely without fear through water.
Wheel
The golden wheel symbolises the auspiciousness of the turning of the
precious wheel of Buddha's doctrine, both in its teachings and realizations,
in all realms and at all times, enabling beings to experience the joy of
wholesome deeds and liberation.
Auspicious drawing
The auspicious drawing symbolises the mutual dependence of religious
doctrine and secular affairs. Similarly, it represents the union of wisdom
and method, the inseparability of emptiness and dependent arising at the
time of path, and finally, at the time of enlightenment, the complete union
of wisdom and great compassion.
Lotus flower
The lotus flower symbolises the complete purification of the defilements
of the body, speech and mind, and the full blossoming of wholesome deeds
in blissful liberation.
Vase of treasure
The treasure vase symbolises an endless rain of long life, wealth and prosperity and all the benefits of this world and liberation.
