Hall of Auspiciousness

The Hall of Auspiciousness revolves around the sacred set of Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, collectively known as the Ashtamangala. They are:

1. The Precious Parasol
Signifying protection from obstacles and other harmful forces

2. The Victory Banner

Signifying the triumph of the Buddha’s teachings

3. The White Conch Shell

Signifying the far-reaching impact of the Buddha’s teachings

4. The Two Golden Fish

Signifying freedom from suffering

5. The Dharma Wheel

Signifying the virtues of the Buddha’s teachings

6. The Knot of Eternity

Signifying the intertwining of wisdom and compassion

7. The Lotus Flower

Signifying purity and enlightenment

8. The Vase of Great Treasure

Signifying a vast appetite for spiritual knowledge and longevity

Bestowed on the Buddha upon his enlightenment, they have become timeless icons of spiritual blessings and good fortune across life in Buddhist-majority Tibet, China. Although they can stand individually, they are almost always woven together as an intricate decoration on anything from prayer bells to doors to jewellery.

This amplifies the power of their symbolism - an effect replicated in this memorial hall with all eight icons united in a tapestry. Interpreted as a backlit cutout on each column, each tapestry gives off an ethereal glow that accentuates its divinity.

More sacred icons of Buddhism, that of Amitābha Buddha himself and a lotus flower in full bloom, grace the facade of each niche. He holds up the Abhaya Mudra (mudra meaning hand gesture in Sanskrit), which is symbolic of the protection from fear, danger and other negative influences that he extends to each soul.