Namaste and Tashi Delek, Friends,
For over 50 years, spanning four generations, our family has been deeply immersed in the world of Nepalese handicrafts. It's more than just a business; it's a legacy woven into the very fabric of our lives, a connection to the artisans whose skillful hands bring centuries of tradition to life. Here at www.Durbar-square.com, we don't just sell objects; we share stories, culture, and the profound spirituality embedded within each piece, from the meticulously detailed Thangka paintings to the serene gaze of a Buddha statue.
Today, I want to guide you through a fundamental aspect of this sacred art: the Ashtamangala, or the Eight Auspicious Symbols. You'll find these potent symbols adorning countless treasures that pass through our hands – painted on Thangkas, etched onto singing bowls, carved into statues, and decorating ritual objects. They are not mere decoration; they are a visual dharma, reminders of the path to enlightenment and the blessings that accompany it.
Understanding these symbols enriches your appreciation for the artistry and imbues the piece you choose with deeper personal meaning. Let's explore them together:
- The Parasol (Chhatra): Symbolizing royalty and protection, the parasol represents shielding beings from harmful forces, obstacles, illness, and suffering. Just as a parasol protects from the sun's harsh rays, the dharma protects us from the heat of negative karma and delusion.
- The Golden Fish Pair (Matsya): Often depicted swimming gracefully, the two fish symbolize freedom and good fortune. They represent the ability to move freely through the ocean of suffering (samsara) without fear, just as fish swim effortlessly through water. They also signify happiness, fertility, and abundance.
- The Treasure Vase (Bumpa): This ornate vase is sealed with a flaming jewel and overflowing with treasures. It represents an inexhaustible source of spiritual and material wealth, long life, prosperity, and the fulfillment of all wishes. It holds the nectar of immortality and the boundless qualities of the Buddha's teachings.
- The Lotus Flower (Padma): Emerging pristine and beautiful from muddy waters, the lotus symbolizes purity of body, speech, and mind, untouched by the attachment and desire of worldly existence. It represents spiritual unfoldment, compassion, and the potential for enlightenment inherent in all beings.
- The Conch Shell (Shankha): A right-spiraling white conch shell represents the deep, far-reaching, and melodious sound of the Dharma teachings. Its resonant sound awakens beings from the slumber of ignorance, urging them towards liberation and proclaiming the victory over suffering.
- The Endless Knot (Shrivatsa): This intricate knot, with no beginning and no end, symbolizes the ultimate unity of everything. It represents the interconnectedness of all phenomena, the interplay of wisdom and compassion, and the infinite, unending nature of the Buddha's wisdom and the Dharma.
- The Victory Banner (Dhvaja): This banner signifies the victory of the Buddha's teachings over ignorance, obstacles, and all negative forces. It represents the triumph of positive activities, spiritual attainment, and the complete vanquishing of maras (demons or hindrances).
- The Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra): Perhaps the most universally recognized Buddhist symbol, the wheel represents the Buddha's teachings – the Noble Eightfold Path. Its turning signifies the propagation of the Dharma, leading beings towards liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The hub represents ethical discipline, the spokes wisdom, and the rim meditative concentration.
Bringing Ancient Wisdom into Your Space
When you gaze upon a Thangka painting from our collection at www.Durbar-square.com, you'll often find these symbols intricately woven into the composition, surrounding deities or adorning celestial landscapes. A finely cast statue might sit upon a lotus throne, or a singing bowl might bear the subtle etching of the Endless Knot.
Owning a piece featuring the Ashtamangala is more than acquiring art; it's inviting symbols of protection, wisdom, compassion, and liberation into your life and home. It's a connection to a lineage of spiritual practice and artistic excellence that stretches back centuries.
Explore Our Collections:
We invite you to browse our carefully curated selections at Durbar Square. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant detail of a Thangka Painting featuring the full Ashtamangala, the serene presence of a Buddha Statue seated on a lotus, or the resonant tones of a Singing Bowl etched with these powerful symbols, you are choosing an authentic piece imbued with meaning.
Visit www.Durbar-square.com today to discover our latest arrivals and find the piece that speaks to your heart and spirit. Let the timeless wisdom of the Eight Auspicious Symbols inspire and protect you.
With Metta (Loving-Kindness),
The Durbar Square Family
Carrying Forward Four Generations of Nepalese Handicraft Heritage