Eternal India Encyclopedia

Eternal India encyclopedia

PERCEPTIONS

SYMBOLS

Deepak-Vessels

en-

In India symbols have, from the earliest times, played a great part in matters of worship. Symbols can express meaning where words fail. The symbol is not the Reality. It is only a means of remembering the Lord, through the association of ideas. Mandala : A symbolic thought diagram.

Sanskrit "It is well." It is an auspicious symbol of Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The Hindus and Jains use the symbol to mark the opening pages of their account books, thresholds and doors. The right-hand swaasthika which moves in a clockwise direction is consid- ered a solar symbol and imitates in the rota- tion of its arms the course taken daily by the sun which appears to pass from east, then south, to west. The left-hand swaasthika which moves in an anti-clockwise direction stands for the female principle, night, the goddess Kali. The combination of the two in the double swastika indicates that the supreme prin- ciple can be reached by both the right-hand and left-hand paths. JAIN SYMBOLS Apart from scriptural existence, Ashta- mangala signs have their practical usage. In ancient times, these symbolic signs were placed at the Torana — gate or the entrance door top of every Jain home. They are brin- gers and providers of all auspicious things. They also provide vibrations of right under- standing, right conduct, religious perspec- tive, everlasting peace, prosperity, harmony and bliss.

joined -- straight and reverse. Such a figure symbol- ises, ensures and indi- together

cates increase, growth development and preservation of prosperity with Divine Qualities in the world. Vardhamana was also the name of Lord Mahaveera, signifi- cantly and mysteriously providing these divine qualities to the suffering world and humanity. Vardhamana was even the name of the celestial abode from which his soul descended on the earth to take birth and en- tered the mother's womb....!! 5 . Bhadrasana : Highly ornamental auspi- cious Seat or Throne, symbolic of express- ing from it the Right and sweet words, Right orders, Just deci- sions and all-welfare- wishing vibrations, being used by Great Souls only. 6. Kalasha : Pot : A symbol of water (Jal- Tattwa), Life, Purity, Wealth (Lakshmi)

The simplest mandala is a circle enclosing a square with a central symbol which can be a point, beeja (seed), or a figure. Qualitatively the mandala represents

spirit. Quantitatively it symbolises exis- tence. The Hindu temple is built as a man- dala, symbolising the universe at its differ- ent levels with gates and doors to the four Vedas. The five squares represent the five senses of perception of knowledge. At times a mantra like OM serves as sound symbol. Shiva is worshipped in the form of a linga which whatever be its origi- nal significance does not call up in the mind of the worshippers any phallic association at all. To them linga is an aniconic form or symbol of the supreme spirit. The following prayers bring out this idea: O Lord, in my meditations I have attributed forms to thee who art formless. O Thou, Teacher of the World, by singing „ Thy glory, I have covered the idea that , Thou art beyond all speech. By describ- , ing Thee as specially manifested at places of pilgrimage and the like, I have denied Thy Omnipresence. O Lord of the universe, pray forgive me for the three- fold fault of mutilation committed by - me." In many types of mystical worship a pot full of water is used, either solely or in addition to other forms to represent the formless, all-pervading spirit. Agni or fire may also take the place of other forms. The lighted fire is regarded as the body of God and is worshipped by offering oblations. Swaasthika

and perfect achievement. Pooma Kalasha — Pot full of water, one of the 14 (or 16) greatly auspi- cious, symbols and mys- tical Divine Dreams wit- nessed by Queen Trishala, Bhagawan Ma-

ASHTA MANGALAS 1. Swaasthika:

Indi- cates going beyond the four life states namely, hell life state, animal life state, celestial life state and human life state.

haveera's Majestic Mother, dreamt by her before Mahaveera's World-Welfare-bring- ing great birth. 7. Meen Yugala : Fish couple ; Indicative of Learning (vidya) and prosperity.

2. Srivatsa : A particular part of the body in the chest having peculiar upper portion elevated. This is evident only in the chest of Tirthankaras and Great persons suggesting their unbounded powers and overall capabilities.

3. Nandyavarta : A larger Swastika — a beautiful fig- ure consisting of nine angles.

8. Darpana : Mirror : Reflecting the self dwelling within and in- dicating and reminding of everyone's ultimate goal of Self-Realisa-. tion.

4. Vardhamanak : Vardhaman-Samput or Sharav-Samput : The figure of (lamp-type)

The auspicious swaasthika is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, meaning in