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Tibetan Silver Amulet

Om Symbol & 8 Auspicious Buddhist
Symbols & Faux Leather Cord

Place of Origin: Nepal

Price: $ 19.95

This Tibetan Silver Amulet is rich in symbolism. Tibetan Silver

is a mix of 10% silver, along with copper and brass. Copper
and brass are known for their healing properties. On the face
of the amulet, alternating hand applied copper and brass is
applied to each of the symbols. No two are exactly alike, as
each one is hand decorated. The reverse side of the amulet is
smooth.

Please click thumbnail to see larger The shape of the amulet is The Eight-Spoked Dharma Wheel
or 'Dharmachakra.' It symbolises the Buddha's turning the
Wheel of Truth or Law (dharma = truth/law, chakra = wheel).

In the center, the Om symbol. Om is a universal grounding

mantra. It is not so much a word of meaning as it is a word
of vibration and sound. The vibration produced when one
repeats it out loud and slowly is said to be that of creation
and the eternal. Repeating this word slowly helps to still the
mind.

Around the Om are the Eight Auspicious Symbols of

Buddhism. This set of symbols is very popular in Tibet, but is
also known in Sanskrit as 'Ashtamangala', ashta means
eight and mangala means auspicious.

They are:

1. The Umbrella or parasol means wealth or royalty, for one

had to be wealthy enough to both have this item, and also
someone carry it. It points to the "royal ease" and power
experienced in the Buddhist life of detachment.

2. The Golden Fish (matsya) were originally symbolic of the

rivers Ganges and Yamuna, but came to represent good
fortune in general, for Hindus, Jain and Buddhists.

3. The Treasure Vase (bumpa) is a sign of the inexhaustible

riches available in the Buddhist teachings, but also
symbolises long life, wealth, prosperity and all the benefits of
this world.

4. The Lotus (padma) refers to the complete purification of

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body, speech and mind. The lotus refers to many aspects of

the path, as it grows from the mud (samsara), up through
muddy water it appears clean on the surface (purification),
and finally produces a beautiful flower (enlightenment). The
white blossom represents purity, the stem stands for the
practice of Buddhist teachings which raise the mind above
the (mud of) worldly existence, and gives rise to purity of
mind.
An open blossom signifies full enlightenment; a closed
blossom signifies the potential for enlightenment.

5. The Conch (shankha), which is also used as a horn,

symbolises the deep, far reaching and melodious sound of
the teachings, to awaken people from the slumber of
ignorance to accomplish enlightenment.

6. The Auspicious or Endless Knot (shrivatsa) is a geometric

diagram which symbolises the nature of reality where
everything is interrelated and only exists as part of a web of
karma and its effect. Having no beginning or end, it also
represents the infinite wisdom of the Buddha, and the union
of compassion and wisdom. Also, it represents the illusory
character of time, and long life as it is endless.

7. The Victory Banner (dhvaja) symbolises the victory of the

Buddha's teachings over death, ignorance, disharmony and
all the negativities of this world.

8. The Dharma-Wheel (Dharmachakra); represents the

teachings of Buddha.

This extra large amulet measures 1.75" in diameter, or 40

mm.

Amulet comes gift boxed with a faux leather cord which can
be cut to size and tied. It can be worn as a pendant, or
suspended on a ceiling fan, auto mirror, or over a doorway to
serve as a daily reminder of everything it encompasses.

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