In the Buddhist religion, there are said to be eight auspicious symbols. These symbols include a conch shell, a lotus, a wheel, a parasol, and endless knot, a pair of golden fishes, a banner proclaiming victory, and a treasure vase. Among these eight symbols, the two that intrigued me the most were the eight-spoked dharma wheel and the endless knot. These two auspicious symbols represented and helped to explain Buddhism ideas that I've always been interested in.
The Eight-Spoked Dharma Wheel is composed of three simple parts: the hub, the rim and the spokes. The wheel also has an underlying form of a circle which is the shape that is used for Buddhism and several other religions to represent something being complete in itself. The hub of the wheel is used to represent the mindfulness and moral discipline that is a fundamental part of Buddhism. The spokes represents the end of ignorance and elimination of suffering that Buddhists believe happens when one acquires and applies the wisdom of the world. Just as the wheel is held together by the rim, it symbolizes the notion of concentration that holds the whole meditative process together. The wheel emerged as a symbol of the Buddha's teachings. The wheel was often identified as the Dharmachakra or "wheel of law." The Tibetan term for Dharmachakra directly translates to "the wheel of transformation." The quick motion of the wheel is meant to serve as a metaphor for the quick spiritual change that is present in Buddha's teachings. (Below is an illustration of the wheel).
The other symbol that really interested me was the endless knot. The endless knot is a depiction of right-angled intertwined lines, symbolizing the casual interrelations and dependent arising that are present in Buddhist ideology. The lack of gaps or disconnections in the pattern of the knot are meant to illustrate the simplicity and fully balanced harmony evident in Buddhist life. The fact that this symbol does not have a beginning or an end is also representative of the Buddha's infinite wisdom. When placed on a greeting card or gift the endless knot is believed to bring good kharma to both the giver and the receiver. The endless knot is one of the most popular symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. (Below is an illustration of the endless knot).
Sites used:
http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/symbols
http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/symbols/eight_auspicious_symbols.htm
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