Post by Lady Anastasia on Mar 1, 2007 4:57:04 GMT -5
An Introduction to Buddhist Symbols
The Eight Auspicious Substances
The Eight Auspicious Substances
The eight auspicious substances are symbolic offerings to the Buddha of the eight factors of the noble eightfold path - right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.
1. Mirror: The mirror forms the first of a group of symbols known as the eight auspicious substances. It corresponds to right thought, the second factor of the noble eightfold path. The mirror reflects things as they really are.
2. Medicine: The precious medicine corresponds to right mindfulness, the seventh factor of the noble eightfold path. This medicine acts as an antidote to the disease of ignorance and the suffering that attends it.
3. Yogurt: Curds (or yogurt) is the third of a group of symbols known as the eight auspicious substances. It corresponds to right livelihood, the fifth factor of the noble eightfold path as no animal is harmed in its production. When the Buddha was meditating prior to gaining enlightenment, this food (milk rice) was given to him by Sujata, a farmer's daughter.
4. Durva Grass: Durva grass is the fourth of a group of symbols known as the eight auspicious substances. It corresponds to right effort, the sixth factor of the noble eightfold path, because this grass is known for its durability.
5. Bilva Fruit: The bilva fruit looks something like a large, reddish-brown apple. It symbolises right action (which bears good fruit in a moral sense). Right action is the fourth factor of the noble eightfold path. In Tibetan art a bowl containing three bilva fruit is often shown, the three paralleling the symbolism of the Three Jewels which represent the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.
6. Conch Shell: The conch shell - coiling to the right - is one of Buddhism's eight auspicious symbols. As a means of making sound, it symbolizes the power of the Buddha's teachings. It is also one of the eight auspicious substances and signifies right speech, the third factor of the noble eightfold path.
7. Vermilion Powder: In India, vermilion powder was used to make a red mark in the center of the forehead. In Buddhist symbolism this signifies right concentration, the eighth factor of the noble eightfold path.
8. Mustard Seed: The mustard seed signifies right understanding, the first factor of the noble eightfold path. Its significance relates to the Buddha's response to a woman who came to him distraught at the loss of her child. He instructed her to collect a mustard seed (a common household ingredient at the time) from every home that had never had a bereavement. She returned empty-handed. In this way, the Buddha eased her pain, showing her that she was not alone in her sorrow and that death is an inescapable part of life.