A week after receiving a ‘deeksha blessing’, I kept envisioning this same symbol, over and over again, so yesterday I decided to attempt drawing it, photographed the drawing then began playing with it in photoshop7 and redfield plug-in fractilius. After finishing the piece, my curiosity got the better of me and I began searching to see if there was a meaning behind it…

Turns out that it is one of eight “Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism” or Ashtamangala, associated with the physical form of Buddha.

The endless knot or shrivatsa (sanskrit) is a closed, graphic ornament composed of right angled, intertwined lines. It is conjectured that it may have evolved from an ancient naga symbol with two stylized snakes.
It signifies a dramatic interplay/interaction of the opposing forces in a dualistic world of manifestation, leading to their union and ultimately to harmony in the Universe. This fact is amply reflected in the symmetrical and regular form of the endless knot.

The intertwining of lines reminds us how all phenomena are conjoined and yoked together as a closed cycles of cause and effect. Thus the whole composition is a pattern that is closed on in itself with no gaps, leading to representational form of great simplicity and fully balanced harmony.

Since all phenomena are interrelated, the placing of the endless knot on a gift or greeting card is understood to establish an auspicious connection between the giver and the recipient. At the same time, the recipient is goaded to righteous karma, being reminded that future positive effects have their roots in the causes of the present.

This is because the knot represents a connection, a link with our fates, binding us to our karmic destiny. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most favorite symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, and often occurs independently on its own. Since the knot has no beginning or end it also symbolizes the infinite wisdom of the Buddha.

May all who view this Mandala experience the prosperity of ONENESS…

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HAPPINESS IS