The Eight Auspicious Symbols

A set of eight

Walk into a Tibetan, Bhutanese or Himalayan temple and look at the doors, pillars, rugs, painted beams and cushions. A group of eight small emblems repeats in many places. This set is known in Sanskrit as the Ashtamangala, “eight auspicious signs”. It is common across Tibetan Buddhism and in related Himalayan cultures, and a version also appears in Nepalese, Chinese and Mongolian art. The idea of auspicious symbols is older than Buddhism, and the Buddhist set has been adapted over time.

The usual explanation is that the eight were offerings made to the Buddha after his awakening by gods or other beings. Each is described as a gift. Interpretations differ between schools and teachers, and the list given here is the commonly cited one.

The eight symbols

1. The parasol (chattra). A canopy held above a person of rank. It is read as protection from harm and suffering, and as a sign of royal and spiritual dignity.
2. The pair of golden fish (suvarnamatsya). Two fish, often facing each other. They are connected with fortune, freedom and fearlessness, because fish move freely in water. Some writers link them to the rivers Ganges and Yamuna, an idea that has Indian roots.
3. The treasure vase (kalasha). A vase, sometimes with a jewel at the top. It stands for abundance and long life, and is thought to hold inexhaustible treasure.
4. The lotus (padma). A flower rising from mud, standing for purity and the potential for awakening. A fuller account is given under lotus symbolism.
5. The right-turning conch (shankha). A white shell whose spiral turns clockwise. It is linked to the sound of the teaching spreading in all directions, and the conch is blown at ceremonies.
6. The endless knot (shrivatsa). An interlaced design with no beginning or end. It is often read as interdependence, the union of wisdom and compassion, or the endless nature of the teaching. It can look somewhat different in each region.
7. The victory banner (dhvaja). A cylindrical banner on a pole, often seen on rooftops. It signifies victory of the teaching over ignorance, and, by tradition, over obstacles.
8. The wheel (dharmachakra). The golden wheel stands for the teaching. See the article on the Dharma wheel symbol for its link to Sarnath and the number of spokes.

Several translations differ slightly, for instance “victory banner” may be “banner of victory” and “treasure vase” may be “vase of treasure”. The order also differs by source.

Where you will see them

• Doorways and thresholds. Painted or carved on the doors of monasteries and houses to mark a blessed place.
• Thangka borders and offerings. Often found as small motifs around the main image, or held by offering goddesses, as described in the thangka painting article.
• Carpets, cushions and textiles. Woven in repeating patterns.
• Ceilings and beams. Painted in rows in assembly halls, as in a Tibetan gompa layout.
• Offering sets. Small objects displayed on altars, sometimes in precious metals.
• Footprints. Some footprint carvings include auspicious signs similar to these.

They also appear as decoration on household objects, on tourist items and in wedding ornamentation. Not every use is religious, but the images are still treated with respect by many.

Eight of the same, or not?

Several other lists of eight things exist in Buddhism, such as the eight precious substances, the eight offerings and the eight auspicious objects. These may share items, so check the context if a guide mentions another set. Chinese Buddhism has its own set of eight treasures that overlaps with some of these emblems. Ritual use and the order of the signs may also differ. A good rule is to learn the images and then ask locally.

The Ashtamangala should be distinguished from the Noble Eightfold Path, which is a teaching about ethical and mental training, not a visual set. The two have no direct link, though both use the number eight.

Respectful viewing

• Do not step on or sit on carpets and cushions bearing these emblems unless that is their intended use.
• Avoid pointing feet at painted or carved images, and avoid placing the symbols on clothing or items intended for disposal.
• Ask before photographing inside shrines.
• Buying items with the symbols is common, but sacred imagery is treated with care in many communities; ask about local etiquette.

These signs are meant to be reminders of good fortune and of the qualities of awakening. Whether you meet them on a painted door in Bhutan or on a banner in a monastery in Ladakh, you can read them as small wishes for well-being offered to those who pass by.