Mindfulness featuring Buddha and the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism,
is a new quilt pattern I designed these past few months. I hope it helps and inspires you. And maybe helps you navigate easier through these special times.
Buddha and the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism...
The eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism can be traced back to ancient India where Buddhism originated. Some of these eight symbols are also associated with ancient royal rituals in India such as coronations of kings. Today, the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism are closely related to Buddha or Dharma. Dharma is an important Hindu or Buddhist concept, referring to a law that governs the universe. Although there is no single-word English translation, a close adaption is 'right way of living'. These symbols represent the offerings that were made to Buddha by the gods when he achieved enlightenment. Why are these eight Buddhist symbols called 'auspicious'? Auspicious means, giving or being a sign of future success. And that's exactly what these symbols represent, they are symbols that are helpful for success and prosperity. These eight symbols are often seen in many holy altars in front of a Buddha statue or mural. They also serve as focal points of meditation and contemplation, so if you want a better future or if you want to grow deeper in your spirituality, it might help to make these symbols your focus. Here are the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism and their meanings: 1. The Lotus Flower
Thelotus flower symbolizes the complete purification of the body, mind and speech.
Since the lotus flower is an aquatic plant with its roots in deep mud, but a blossom that rises above the muck and opens to the sun, beautiful and fragrant, it's no surprise that the lotus represents the clarity of enlightenment. 2. The Conch Shell
The conch shell has long been used as a battle horn in Asia. In ancient India the conch also represented the Brahmin caste.
In Buddhism the conch shell represents the sound of Dharma, reaching far and wide to awaken the human beings from their slumber of ignorance. Dharma, which derives from a Sanskrit root word meaning 'to uphold or sustain'. The concept behind Dharma is anything that produces or keeps a positive order. The conch shell symbolizes the need to accomplish one own and others wellbeing. 3. The Precious Parasol
Theprecious parasol is a symbol of royal dignity and protection of the sun.
In Buddhism the precious parasol represents the wholesome protection from illness and suffering in general. 4. The Treasure Vase
The treasure vase is filled with precious sacred things, but no matter how much is taken out, it's always full.
It symbolizes a long life and prosperity. 5. The Eternal Knot
The eternal or endless knot represents Buddha's endless wisdom and eternal harmony.
It's a symbol for the endless cycle of suffering, birth and rebirth. As well as the inter-twining of wisdom and compassion. 6.The Victory Banner
The victory banner symbolizes the victory over obstacles and negativities and the fear of death.
More generally it represents the victory of wisdom over ignorance . There is a legend, that Buddha raised the victory banner over Mount Meru to mark his victory over all phenomenal things. 7. The Dharma Wheel
The dharma wheel is one of the most well known symbols of Buddhism.
The wheel has eight spokes, representing the Eightfold path. The Dharma wheel, according to tradition, was first turned when Buddha delivered his first sermon after his enlightenment. It symbolizes the turning of Buddha's teachings, which enables humans to experience joy and liberation. 8. The Golden Fish
The golden fish were originally the symbol for the rivers Ganges and Yamuna.
They came to represent over time the good fortune in most Asian religions. In Buddhism the golden fish symbolize happiness as they have complete freedom of movement in the water.
And here is the whole Mindfulness quilt with all the eight symbols surrounding Buddha.
What do you think? One can't go wrong with all the auspiciousness right? It does present favorable circumstances and is showing signs of a favorable outcome, isn't it? Thank you so much to Riley Blake Designs for supplying the absolutely adorable Stardust fabric series designed by Beverly McCullough that I used for this amazing project. Also a huge thank you to Iva Steiner @schnigschnagquiltsandmore for quilting this beautiful quilt. For more info on her services check out her Instagram.
Now lets explore MINDFULNESS a bit more.
Mindfulness is the human ability to be totally present and aware of where we are and what we're doing. It is the ability to not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what's going on around us. We all own mindfulness, we just have to learn how to access it. This past year has shown us, that our lives can be turned upside down easily from one day to another and there's little to nothing we can do about it. And while we probably looked on the outside before, for comfort and fun, it's now more important than ever, to learn to be just content with what we have, and concentrate on our insides. Tweet this: Meditation can significantly reduce stress Thats where mindfulness finds it's perfect place. Our minds go all over the place and we loose touch with our body and surroundings and sooner than we think we're stuck with obsessive thoughts about things that happened or we're anxious about the future. Studies say that 8 out of 10 Americans ( or Europeans) experience stress in their daily lives and therefore have a hard time calming their minds and bodies. This puts them at a high risk of numerous diseases among them being heart disease and stroke. Mindful meditation, even for just 10 minutes per day, can make a huge difference.
This is why I added this Yoga Pillowcase pattern to my Buddha quilt pattern series.
It's an easy sewing pattern for a standard round Yoga pillow. Three facts about Mindfulness: 1. Anyone can do it You don't have to change your beliefs or anything like that. Everyone can benefit and it's easy to learn. 2. It's a proven practice You don't have to take mindfulness on faith. Both experience and science have proven its positive benefits on our health, work and over all wellbeeing. 3. Mindfulness is not exotic It's what we already do and what we already are. We just have to learn to come back to it more and more. Here are 6 helpful, mindful attitudes: - non-judging, - acceptance, - patience, - trust, - letting-go, - gratitude A great way to come back to our mindful attitudes and get unstuck is meditation. What do you think? Something you would want to explore? Or is it already something you practice regularly? Let me know ... Ingrid x
2 Comments
Nancy
27/6/2021 15:11:34
Love these! Thank you!
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Robin K.
5/6/2023 09:59:11
I learned so much from this post. I find learning & possibly visiting/living within that culture/religion a short time fastinating. I think people would be more understanding with less fear of another person. Thank you for brief but accurate explanation of the symbols, religion, and culture. Thanks again!
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