Symbolism in Tibetan Buddist Art: Meanings and Practical Applications

by David C Huber, Dave Glantz

Overview

The book, by using the actual full color art work painted by the Tibetan monks spanning a period of 600 years adds context and aids in the conceptualization of Buddhist philosophy. The art work symbols and the adjoining symbols provides an artistic progression of the philosophy, demonstrating the flow of thought that line drawings of a single symbol cannot provide.

The book provides in depth explanations of symbols, using the ancient scriptures and Buddha's own teachings. It examines the Sanskrit words behind many of the symbols and what those words actually mean. As an example it looks at the Four-petaled Flower, the Sanskrit word dukkha, representing the Four Noble Truths that leads to the Dharma Wheel and the Eightfold Noble Path and the Sanskrit word samma that is integral to understanding that path. Over the centuries these symbols have evolved in their depictions to include, through art, the natural progression of the philosophical concepts.

Another of the strengths of the book is that the full color images are presented on the same page(s) as the conceptual explanations. This makes it much easier to understand and assimilate, no page turning required. There is also an index provided for the researcher to use in going deeper into the various components of the symbolism.

The book, by using Tibetan monks, lamas, geshes, in addition to Tibetan scholars at universities through out Tibet as the source for the information we have stayed true to the intended meaning and context of the symbols. There are some misconceptions about some symbols as to what they are and what they mean presented by other books on the subject. By using learned Tibetans inside of Tibet and at the monasteries that produce the art work in Tibet we have stayed true to the identification, thought process and conceptualization of the symbols.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780997566987
Publisher:	Baronet 4 Tibet
Publication date:	09/19/2019
Pages:	110
Sales rank:	960,358
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.31(d)

About the Author

David Huber worked for USNSGA for nearly ten years, with six of those years on the intel side completing several "special missions", as they were then called. He specialized as an in-theater tactical analyst whose primary objective was to locate targets for exploitation and then provide advance warnings for the team in the event of detection by hostile forces. His final years at the agency focused on counter-espionage, completing 88 special assignments. These included working with and alongside US military allies in the Pacific Rim as an advisor during joint operations. Following his government career, David leveraged his skills as an art and antique furniture restoration expert for insurance companies, museums and private clients. He quickly branched into custom furniture design and manufacturing, working in these combined fields for over 20 years. He commenced his current endeavor of saving the surviving Tibetan art in the Golden Valley and started research on the history, art, culture and philosophy of the area, dedicating 15 years to this study. David has an A.S. degree in Computer Science from Coleman College, and a B.S. in the Bible from Southern Christian University, and attended seminary at Turner Theological Seminary.

Dave Glantz has over 25 years of experience as an educator, international consultant and market researcher, designing and directing qualitative and quantitative studies for leading government contractors, federal agencies, associations and Fortune 500 companies. His research spans such widely varying topics as cybersecurity, international development work, college financing, and the use of the International Space Station's national laboratory, among dozens more. Dave's research focuses on thought leadership, branding, website usability, satisfaction and loyalty, and capture research, as well as concept, message and ad evaluation. He also writes about issues he cares about, such as his 2008 analysis of how a president Obama or McCain would conduct U.S. foreign policy, and a 2015 call to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. Dave holds a M.A. in Political Studies (International Relations) and B.A., History (minoring in Art History), from the University of Manitoba in Canada. He is a member of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA).

Table of Contents

Preface vi

Sources viii

Introduction ix

Acknowledgments xiii

Chapter 1 ~ General Symbols 1

Alms Bowls and Offering Bowls 1

Bael Fruit ~ also called Bilva Fruit 1

Book 3

Cinnabar 4

Cintamani 5

Dorje 5

Grass (durva and kusha) 6

Mahamudra Mists 7

Mare’s Tail Cumulus Clouds 12

Medicine Bowl 12

Mirror 13

Rainbows 13

Red Coral 14

Rock Cliffs 14

Simulacrum 14

Shou 15

Skulls 16

Subtle Energy 18

Swastika 18

Sword 19

Thread Cross 19

Thunder or ‘T’ Wave 20

Torma 21

Trefoil 21

Tse Bum 22

Yak Butter Lamp (and red torma offering of Vajra Yogini) 22

Weapon Wheels 23

Yin-Yang and the Wheel of Joy 24

Yogurt 25

Zig-zag 26

Chapter 2 ~ Animals ~ Real and Mythical 27

The Story of the Four Compatible Brothers 27

Bat 28

Buffalo 28

Camel 31

The Story of the 12 Yearly Cycles (and why the camel was left out ) 31

Cuckoo 32

Deer 33

Dragon 35

Elephant 37

Fish 38

Garuda 38

Horse 40

Leopard 41

Leopard and Tiger Skins Together 41

Makara 42

Mongoose 42

Naga 43

Peacock 43

Pheasant 44

Phoenix 45

Ram 46

Snow Lion 46

Tiger 48

Tortoise 49

Yak 50

Zipak 51

Chapter 3 ~ Musical Instruments 52

Bell 52

Cymbals 53

Flute 54

Lute 55

Chapter 4 ~ Flowers 56

Lotus 57

Color Associations of Lotus Blossoms 57

Ashoka 59

Champaka 60

Chrysanthemum 60

Datura 60

Four-Petaled Flower 61

The Four Noble Truths 61

Chapter 5 ~ Eight Auspicious Symbols 64

The Parasol 65

The Two Golden Fish 65

The Treasure Vase 66

Lotus 68

The Right-turning Conch Shell 70

The Glorious Endless Knot 72

The Victory Banner 73

The Wheel 74

Eightfold Noble Path 75

Chapter 6 ~ The Seven Precious Possessions of Chakravartin 81

The Precious Wheel 82

The Precious Horse 83

The Precious Elephant 84

The Precious Minister(‘s Earrings) 86

The Precious Queen(’s Earrings) 87

The Precious General(‘s Insignia) 88

The Precious Eight-faceted Jewel 89

Index 90

Editorial Reviews

"Throughout, the authors’ investigation of symbols ranges from the mundane to the fanciful. Fish images imply

happiness, they note, as well as fertility and the inexhaustible abundance of the Buddha’s energy. The lotus flower

speaks of “the soul’s path from the mud of materialism to the purity of enlightenment.” A picture of a skull made into a cup filled with boiling human fat is no mere provocation, but symbolizes “the empowerment of the absolute truth of no-self and the realization of the ‘illusory body’.” Their extensive discussions of these subjects effectively make the text a sort of primer on Buddhist doctrine, with substantial sections on the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Noble Path, and the Five Precepts. The authors recount vignettes from the Buddha’s life and parables, such as a tale of a tortoise that refused to leave his pond when it dried up (teaching the folly of attachment to worldly things). They reprint a lengthy Buddhist hymn and sprinkle representative mantras throughout." Excerpt from Kirkus Reviews

" This book is an excellent reference to the meanings of symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. It also happens to be an interesting read because of the well written text and accompanying photos. I found myself appreciating the way these symbols were all woven together like a beautifully ornate knot within the text. Their meanings overlap through out. None of these symbols exist in a vacuum. In this book the meanings become alive as guides to inner roads and understandings about the self. The immense complexity of human psychology represented by buddhist symbology is presented in a well-organized and digestible manner--- rather than a typical dry reference manual--- this book has a heart beat. An excellent introduction and/or a handy refresher---- this book makes a wonderful addition to my library. " Jamie Colpean from Amazon reviews.

" This book is well written and easy to understand. The authors explain difficult subject matter in a way that makes one want to go to the next page. I would recommend it for anyone interested in Tibetan culture who wants to deepen their knowledge on the meaning of symbols and their art forms throughout their history. " Alexandra from Amazon reviews.

From the Publisher