If you travel to Tibet, you would definitely learn much about its culture and traditions. You would also get to visit some of its outstanding monasteries and religious shrines. If you try to walk inside these famous Buddhist shrines, you could notice various artistic representations.

The most famous of these aesthetic symbols are the 8 Auspicious Buddhist Symbols. But what is the significance of these Tibetan symbols?

What Do the 8 Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism Imply?

You may be surprised as to why these 8 symbols are called “auspicious”? They are called “auspicious” because they are symbols that are conducive to success. Hence, these 8 symbols are often seen in many holy altars in front of the Buddha and on murals. And there are also a few carved and shaped three-dimensional shapes.

These 8 symbols of Buddhism often serve as the focal points of meditation and contemplation. Westerners may not understand the implications of these symbols. But for those believers, these symbols have something to do with future success, spiritual victories, and favorable happenings in the future. So, if you want a better future or if you want to grow deeper in your spirituality, it will be good to make these symbols your focus in your medication and contemplation. Here are the 8 auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism and their meanings:

The Eternal or Endless Knot
The Eternal Knot is explicative of cause and effect. It also represents interactions. This symbol is characterized by entwined lines in a closed pattern. This enclosed pattern signifies the interrelationship of all happenings or phenomena in this world. It also implies the mutual dependence on secular life and religious doctrines. As a symbol of cause and effect, it signifies whatever happens or occurs because something produces it and events have interrelationships. If you clearly understand the implications of this symbol, you will become wise and enlightened in life.

The Eternal Knot symbolizes the mind of the Buddha. It epitomizes his eternal wisdom as well as his endless compassion. As a symbol that represents Buddha's teachings, it shows the twelve links and the continuity of interdependent origination. These twelve links of interdependent origination, in turn, trigger the cyclic existence' reality. In its general sense, it depicts the real nature of this world and that everything in this world is interrelated. Each exists only as an integral part of the web of karma and its inevitable effects.

The Treasure Vase
The Treasure Vase is a representation of long life and prosperity. This symbol is represented by the traditional Indian water pot that is made of clay. This clay water pot is called “Kalasha.” In India, this sacred pot is venerated, especially, during the Kumbh Mela's Pot Festival. It signifies that even if you take things out of the treasure vase, you will still get offerings out of it.

The Treasure Vase also represents prosperity and wealth. It is also explicative of all the inexhaustible benefits that you can get when you attain enlightenment. Since it is a divine vase of treasure, it is perpetually full. This means that if you aspire for enlightenment, you will be perpetually filled with treasures that do not corrode and fade.

The Lotus Flower
The Lotus Flower is a great auspicious symbol whose meaning everyone should comprehend. The Lotus Flower begins to grow at the very roots of the lotus plant that is usually submerged in the mud. Then, it slowly rises out of the mud or the muddy water as an awesome flower that is worth looking at. How it grows provides us with a great lesson in life. Behind its tantalizing beauty lies those struggling to rise above the difficulties and hardships of life. Thus, it gives us a valuable lesson that we should never be bogged down by difficulties and hardships. Instead, we should rise above those trials in order to blossom into a fully-grown and wonderful people.

In a way, the Lotus Flower in Buddhism signifies purity and renunciation. It is the epitome of how a person can attain full spiritual blossoming through trials and difficulties. It also signifies a complete break from the cyclic existence or karma that usually besets a person. In many Buddhist temples and altars in Tibet, you will often see the image of the Buddha seated over a blossoming lotus flower.

The Two Golden Fish
The Two Golden Fish symbolizes impulsiveness and happiness in Buddhism. It also represents the complete liberty of motion or movement in the water. Moreover, it represents profusion and fertility for fish can multiply rapidly. Thus, this symbol deeply represents freedom from the shackles of status or caste. In China, this symbol represents conjugal harmony and loyalty for fish usually swim in pairs.