The Eight Auspicious Symbols

The Eight Auspicious Symbols represent the Eight Qualities of the Buddha.  Here is a brief explanation of how each quality is symbolized.

Taje4Metog

Excellent Lotus Flower:

The purity of the Buddha’s mind


Taje8KhorloGolden Wheel of the Dharma

The Buddha’s unending activity of training beings in the path of liberation


Taje7Gyaltsen victory bannerGreat Victory Banner

The Buddha having conquered all negativity and limitations


Taje3BumpaInexhaustible Treasure Vase

The inconceivable blessing of the Buddha’s presence


Taje1Dug - parasolPrecious Parasol/Umbrella

The universal respect, which beings feel for the Buddha


Taje5Dungkar conchPrecious Right-turning Conch

The all-pervading call of the Buddha’s teachings


Taje2SerNya goldfishTwo Goldfish

The Buddha’s eyes and, therefore, his perfect wisdom and also a symbol of royalty


Taje6Patra KnotGlorious Knot

The tremendous love and compassion of the Buddha and the never-ending continuity of the teachings, also longevity, the eternal nature of things and the interrelatedness of wisdom and compassion

Ten Virtues and Ten Non-Virtues

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The following is from the From the Nam Cho Ngondro, The Great Perfection – Buddha in the Palm of the Hand

“From attachment, hatred and delusion, non-virtuous karma is generated.  All suffering arises from non-virtuous karma.”

Ten Non-Virtues

  • Killing
  • Stealing
  • Sexual Misconduct
  • Lying
  • Harsh words
  • Slander
  • Gossip
  • Coveting
  • Cruelty
  • Wrong View

Ten Virtues

  • Renounce killing; protect the lives of others
  • Renounce taking what is not given
  • Practice generosity
  • Give up sexual misconduct; practice discipline
  • Tell the truth
  • Abandon harsh words; speak pleasantly
  • Give up sowing discord; reconcile disputes
  • Put an end to useless chatter and recite prayers
  • Renounce covetousness; rejoice in the good fortune of others
  • Give up wishing harm to others; cultivate the desire to help them
  • Put an end to wrong views; establish in yourself the true authentic view

Ten Virtuous Activities

  • Composition
  • Offering
  • Generosity
  • Attentiveness
  • Recitation
  • Memorization
  • Teaching
  • Praying
  • Contemplation
  • Meditation

Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows

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Refuge

I take refuge in the Lama.

I take refuge in the Buddha.

I take refuge in the Dharma.

I take refuge in the Sangha.

The Bodhisattva Vow

I dedicate myself to the liberation and salvation of all sentient beings.  I offer my body, speech, and mind in order to accomplish the purpose of all sentient beings.  I will return in whatever form necessary, under extraordinary circumstances to end suffering.  Let me be born in times unpredictable, in places unknown, until all sentient beings are liberated from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Taking no thought for my comfort or safety, precious Lama (Buddha), make of me a pure and perfect instrument by which the end of suffering and death in all forms might be realized.  Let me achieve perfect enlightenment for the sake of all beings.  And then by my hand and heart alone, may all beings achieve full enlightenment and perfect liberation.

Copyright © Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo.  All rights reserved

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