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Study of Jain and Tibetan Symbols
Thomas Parmar
In Tibetan Art, Chakra (Wheel), Kirtimukha (the fac of Majesty), Nagas (Snakes), Padma (Lotus), Matsya (Fish), Kumbha (Vase), Shankha (Conch), and Darpana (Mirror) are very popular as symbols. We can also see these symbols in Jain art. Both arts have a close affinity between them. Ashtamangal or ZhaxiDaggyai (Tibetan: banana, Wylie: bkra-shisrtags-brgyad, ZYPY: ZhaxiDaggyä; Chinese: # NĖ, LPGE) are a sacred suite of Eight Auspicious Signs endemic to a number of Dharmic Traditions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The symbols or "symbolic attributes" (Tibetan: gm'ava, Wylie: phyag-mtshan) are yidam and teaching tools. Not only do these attributes, these energetic signatures, point to qualities of enlightened mindstream, but they are the investiture that ornaments these enlightened "qualities" (Sanskrit: guna; Tibetan: da 59, Wylie: yon tan). Many cultural enumerations and variations of the Ashtamangal are extant. Nomenclature and etymology Ashtamangal (Sanskrit: ashta, "eight"; mangala, "auspicious"; Devanagari: 37 CHOIGT) or the Eight Auspicious Objects or Signs are endemic to a number of cultures including Buddhist symbolism, etc. The Eight Auspicious Signs are pronounced in Tibetan somewhat like "Tashi Tag-gya" (Tibetan: sanatag5, Wylie: bkrashisrtagsbrgyad. 1. Chakra (Wheel) The wheel is an ancient Indian Symbol of creation - sovereignty, protection and the sun. The Tibetan term for Dharma Chakra (choskyi khor to) literally means the wheel of transformation or spiritual change. The hub of the wheel symbolizes moral discipline and the eight spokes point in eight directions. Shasandevi Chakresvari bears two wheels in her two hands. Vidhyadevi Chakresvari also holds four Chakras in her four hands. We find the depiction of Chakra flanked with two deers on the pitha of the idol of Tirthankar. 2. Kirtimukha (the face of Majesty) The Kirtimukha (-face of majesty, fame or glory) is commonly known as the monster mask. In Tibetan art it is seen on armour helmets shields and weapons of war. It is often painted across the upper beams of temples walls. In Jain temple it is depicted on the two sides of the threshold (udumbar). The frieze of kirtimukha is also decorated on the pitha of the Jain temple.
Ref. Vol. XX Ch. 151 F Pg. 8713-8727
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Study of Jain and Tibetan Symbols
