Symbol of Three Great Bodhisattvas

Symbol of Three Great Bodhisattvas, Emblem of the Nyingma lineage in Tibetan Buddhism. - Brass, Nickel and Copper, Meticulous Sculptural Detail

Enhance your altar shrine with the symbol of Three Great Bodhisattvas, crafted from brass, nickel and copper with meticulous sculptural detail. This exquisite piece embodies profound symbolism and spiritual significance is an unmistakable offering to the teacher and an ideal addition to your altar, creating auspicious connections for your spiritual journey.

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Height: 15 cm
Width: 8.5 cm
Weight: 0.31 kg

This symbol is called the emblem of the three great Bodhisattvas, which is commonly used as an emblem to represent the Nyingma lineage in Tibetan Buddhism.

As the emblem of the three great Bodhisattvas, Manjushri is represented by the lotus-borne book and wisdom sword, Avalokiteshvara by the double-headed orange and pink duck, and Vajrapani by the double-headed green parrot. These three Bodhisattvas represent the wisdom, compassion, and power aspects of the Buddha respectively, and are collectively know as the "Lords of the Three Families". The Tathagata Family of Manjushri transmutes ignorance, the Padma family of Avalokiteshvara transmute desire, and the Vajra Family of Vajrapani transmutes anger.

Five of the most important eighth century founders of the Tibetan Nyingma tradition are also represented in this design, as the emblem of the first transmission of Buddhism into Tibet:

- The lake from which the lotus stem rises represents the great Indian Buddhist master Shantarakshita, the "Lake of Serenity", whos was invited into Tibet by King Trisong Detsen.

- The lotus represents the great Indian tantric master Padmasambhava, the "Lotus born", who was similarly invited by the king upon the recommendation of Shantarakshita.

- The book and flaming wisdom sword represent the great Tibetan Buddhist king Trisong Detsen (Tib. Khri-srong lde-btsan), who ruled Tibet between 754-797, and was considered to be an emanation of Manjushri.

- The two-headed duck represents the great Indian master and translator from Kashmir, Vimalamitra, who was also invited to Tibet by Trisong Detsen.

- The two-headed parrot represents the great Tibetan translator and disciple of Padmasambhava, Vairocana.

The two eyes and beaks of each bird, facing towards opposite directions, symbolize both the transmission of the Buddhist teachings from India into Tibet, and their translation from Sanskrit into Tibetan.

This symbolic design of a lotus, book, and sword rising above a lake, and flanked by a double-headed duck and parrot, was first believed to have been painted upon a wall at Samye monastery in central Tibet by the great Sakya master, Sakya Pandita (1182-1251). It had been predicted that Samye would be damaged by fire, so Sakya Pandita created this image as protection.

*Please note that due to variations in manufacturing processes and photography, the measurements, weight, and color of this product may slightly differ from what is displayed on our website.