Eight auspicious symbols 八吉祥

The eight auspicious symbols (Skt. aṣṭamaṅgala; Wyl. bkra shis rtags bryad) are:

檔案:Parasol1.JPG	The Most Precious Parasol (Skt. sitātapatra; Wyl. gdugs) Protects from suffering, destructive emotions, illness, harm and obstacles.
檔案:Fish1.JPG	The Auspicious Golden Fishes (Skt. kanakamatsya; Wyl. gser nya) They stand for fearlessness, freedom and liberation, as well as happiness, fertility and abundance.
檔案:Vase1.JPG	The Wish-fulfilling Vase of Treasure (Skt. nidhighaṭa; Wyl. bum pa) An inexhaustible source of long life, wealth, and prosperity, which fulfils all one’s spiritual and material wishes.
檔案:Lotus1.JPG	The Exquisite Lotus Blossom (Skt. padmakuñjara; Wyl. pad ma)) Stands for purity of mind and heart, and transformation, as well as compassion, and all perfect qualities.
檔案:Conch1.JPG	The Conch Shell of Far Renown (Skt. śaṅkhavarta; Wyl. dung dkar g.yas 'khyil) Symbolizes the far-reaching melodious sound of the spiritual teachings.
檔案:Knot1.JPG	The Glorious Endless Knot (Skt. śrīvatsya; Wyl. dpal be'u) The sign of interdependence, of how everything in the universe is interconnected.
檔案:Umbrella1.JPG	The Ever-Flying Banner of Victory (Skt. kundadhvaja; Wyl. rgyal mtshan) Means victory over all disagreement, disharmony or obstacles, and the attainment of happiness, both temporary and ultimate.
檔案:Wheel1.JPG	The All-powerful Wheel (Skt. suvarṅacakra; Wyl. chos kyi 'khor lo) Symbolizes the teaching of Buddha, and is the source of spiritual values, wealth, love and liberation.

Further Reading

• Dagyab Rinpoche, Buddhist Symbols in Tibetan Culture (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1995), '1. The Eight Symbols of Good Fortune'.
• Robert Beer, The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols (Boston: Shambhala, 2003), pages 1-15.