八吉祥 Eight Auspicious Symbols

何谓吉祥八宝
佛陀成佛时、示大神变时，空中飞来了天女供养佛陀吉祥八宝。吉祥八宝与佛陀成道有甚深因缘，表征着善妙圆满的吉兆，故供此吉祥供品，不但积聚庞大资粮，迅速圆满福的智慧资粮，亦有获大成就的殊胜缘起。

八吉祥之殊胜：
法轮：法轮常转，摧邪显正。
法螺：法音远传，降伏众魔。
宝幢：战胜魔敌，获大胜利。
宝盖：遮蔽魔障，庇护众生。
宝瓶：甘露充溢，证无漏智。
莲花：佛法圣洁，远尘离垢。
双鱼：精进不懈，趋吉避邪。
吉祥结：法流延绵，吉祥无尽

What are the Eight Auspicious Treasures?

When the Buddha attained enlightenment and displayed his great supernatural powers, heavenly maidens descended from the sky and offered the Eight Auspicious Treasures to the Buddha. These Eight Auspicious Treasures have a deep connection to the Buddha’s enlightenment, symbolizing auspicious signs of perfect virtue and completeness. Therefore, offering these auspicious items not only accumulates great merit but also quickly completes the wisdom and merit for achieving happiness, leading to the great accomplishment of the practitioner.

The Extraordinary Merits of the Eight Auspicious Symbols:

1. Dharma Wheel (法轮): The Dharma Wheel turns eternally, destroying evil and manifesting the right path.
2. Conch Shell (法螺): The Dharma sound is transmitted far and wide, subduing all demons.
3. Victory Banner (宝幢): Overcomes demonic enemies, bringing great victory.
4. Precious Umbrella (宝盖): Shields against demonic obstacles, providing protection for all beings.
5. Treasure Vase (宝瓶): Nectar fills the vase, symbolizing the attainment of perfect wisdom.
6. Lotus Flower (莲花): The Dharma is pure and holy, free from dust and defilement.
7. Golden Fish (双鱼): Represents unceasing diligence, seeking auspiciousness and avoiding evil.
8. Auspicious Knot (吉祥结): The flow of Dharma continues, bringing endless auspiciousness.