Eight Auspicious Symbols

The Eight Auspicious Symbols, known in Tibetan as Tashi Tagye, are among the most common motifs in Tibetan Buddhist art: the parasol, the two golden fish, the treasure vase, the lotus flower, the right-turning conch shell, the endless knot, the victory banner and the wheel of the teaching. According to tradition, they were presented to the Buddha as offerings after his awakening. Each sign is associated with an aspect of the Buddhist teaching: the endless knot, for example, with the union of wisdom and compassion, the conch shell with the far-reaching voice of the Dharma. In everyday Tibetan life the symbols are found everywhere: painted above doors and on temple walls, embroidered on wall hangings, worked in repoussé in silver and copper.