In
these cymbals, various incidents of Buddha's life are beautifully inscribed.
The brass cymbals constitute an integral part of the religious rituals for the
Buddhists as in religious chanting and prayers cymbals are widely used and such
cymbals are very popular among the Buddhists.
Here
eight auspicious signs of Buddhism are nicely depicted. Astamangala (The Eight
Auspicious Signs) are eight different aspects of Buddhism. They include White
Parasal, Golden Fishes, Sankha, Dhvaja, Srivatsa, Kalasa, Padma, Chamaru. They
appear all together or in part as a decorative motif in stone, wood, metal and
painting.
Astamangalas
are believed to represent the gifts given by celestial beings to Sakyamuni
following his attainment of Enlightenment.
These
Eight Auspicious Signs usually displayed during the performance of fasting
ceremonies, consecration of house and an elaborate fire sacrifice ceremony
marked on paper, cloth or metal.
Umbrella
or White Parasal gives us protection from evil desires and embodies notions of
wealth or royalty. It points to the "royal ease" and power
experienced in the Buddhist life of detachment.
Two
Fishes or Golden Fish symbolizes beings rescued form the ocean of misery of
earth. They represent good fortune and also symbolize whosoever practices
dharma needn’t fear about suffering, and can swim at ease like a fish in the
water.
The
Conch or Sankha: The white Conch shell symbolizes the deep, far reaching and
melodious sound of the teachings, suitable for all disciples at it awakens them
from the slumber of ignorance.
Dhvaja
or The Victory Banner symbolizes the victory of the Buddha's teachings over
death, ignorance, disharmony and all the negativities of this world.
Srivatsa
or Endless knot or Mystic diagram symbolizes of the endless cycle of rebirth.
It also represents the infinite wisdom of the Buddha and the union of
compassion and wisdom.
Kalasa
or The Treasure Vase represents all spiritual wealth and is a sign of the
inexhaustible riches available in the Buddhist teachings.
The
Lotus is a symbol of purity both for the Hindus and the Buddhists. It is a
symbol of complete purification of body, speech and mind.
Chamaru
symbolizes Tantric manifestations. Made of yak tail attached with silver staff,
it is used during ritual recitation and fanning the deities on an auspicious
religious ceremony.
