In the earliest centuries of Tibetan,
statues of the Buddha were not used. Instead, Tibetan art consisted of images
symbolizing the Buddha and his teachings, such as the lotus, the Wheel of the
Law, the Bodhi tree and the Buddha's footprints. Eventually, the Buddha image
became one of the most popular representations in Buddhism, but these early
symbols remain important and are frequently used to this day. They are
especially important in Theravada Tibetan countries like Sri Lanka and
Thailand.
Given the association of Tibetan with the
meditating monk, one might well assume that Buddhism emphasizes practices over
beliefs. It is true that right practices are important in Tibetan, but the
faith really centers on correct understanding of human nature and ultimate
reality. The Buddha, after all, was called the "Enlightened One."
After he became enlightened, he taught that the way to eliminate suffering
begins with understanding the true nature of the world. However, the Buddha
considered knowledge important only insofar as it remains practical. He
rejected speculation about such matters as God, the nature of the universe, and
the afterlife, urging his followers to focus instead on the Four Noble Truths
by which they can free themselves from suffering.
Tibetan symbolism was enriched by the
cultures it came into contact with. This is especially true of Buddhism in
Tibet, which has developed a rich symbolic tradition. The Eight Auspicious
Symbols are printed on Tibetan prayer flags, incorporated into mandalas and thangkas,
and used in other forms of ritual art. Another important symbol is the Wheel of
Life, a symbolic representation of the universe as understood by Tibetan
Tibetans.
Tibetan Artwork is an extension of mastery
of metal. Large and round, made of beads and gold and silver, their jewelry
repertoire ranges from necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and rings. In these items
they carry portable holy vestments. Amulets are a common Tibetan accessory to
ward off evil and to bring forth the good spirit. Pendants are also
deity-inspired and adorned with turquoise, corals and pearls. Other important
types of symbolism in Tibetan include colors, especially the five colors of
white, yellow, red, blue and green, and symbolic hand gestures called mudras.
The articles in this section explore these Tibetan symbols, providing
information on their history, meaning and use in Tibetan today.
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