Iconography
The red and 24kt gold zigzag kyungbur adorning the frame is the transition of passion into compassion and the resultant Buddha like purity of actions and thoughts. The 24kt gold continuous ‘T’-wave just under the top edge of the of the offering cabinet is also called the thunder wave. This is the thunder of the vajra (diamond scepter, dorje in Tibetan), symbolizing skilful means, compassion, samsara. This compassion is an active quality rather than mere sympathetic feelings not transformed into action. Compassion refers to action that is exactly consonant with whatever is occurring and that is not self-referential.
Each front door displays a wool-less yak, superimposed over a mountain scene. The two yaks are reminders of one of the Tibetan Plateau's most versatile commodities. Until recently, both domestic & wild yaks were found there. The yak is an essential part of the Tibetan diet, providing meat, milk, butter, & dried cheese. The wool is spun to make rope & cloth; the hides are used for tents; & their bags & the tails has been exported for years as flywhisks. In the hands of a deity, the flywhisk is a sign of compassion (e.g., "would not hurt a fly"). Yaks are also beasts of burden, pulling wagons & carts. In this depiction of one wild & one domestic yak, universal provision is acknowledged, & an offering is made. The drawers' centers are each different, one with a silk ribbon and elephant tusks and the other with a Treasure Jar. Elephant tusks are symbolic of the whole elephant and usually represent Chakravartin's Precious elephant. The term Chakravartin, or Wheel Turner in Hinduism refers to an ideal ruler, but in Buddhism, Chakravartin has come to mean a Buddha whose all-encompassing teachings are universally true. Chakravartin has an army of 4 divisions, infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots. Chakravartin is the lineage of 25 Kulika kings or enlightened monarchs, the 25th of which will finally defeat the "non-believers." The Precious Elephant is a symbol of the strength of the mind in Buddhism. Exhibiting noble gentleness, the precious elephant serves as a symbol of the calm majesty possessed by one who is on the path. Specifically, it embodies the boundless powers of the Buddha, which are miraculous aspiration, effort, intention, and analysis. The treasure Jar, vase or urn (kalasa), one of the 8 auspicious symbols, promises the good fortune of spiritual and material fulfillment, symbolizing the treasure of spiritual wealth. Among those treasures is the jewel of enlightenment. It also extends to the material side and it is characteristic of the deities that symbolize prosperity.
The left side displays 5 sacred mountains, with Mt. Meru in the center. The curved black lines on the sides of the mountains acknowledge that they are the source of great rivers. (If Tibet is polluted, so will all of Asia be.) 6 Cintamani are at the base of the main panel. Subtle energy is radiating out from the base of each mountain. The Cintamani are wish-granting jewels and additionally represent wisdom. When depicted in sets of 3, they represent the body, speech and mind of Buddha such as the practitioner may possess. Cintamani are also referred to as the “Thinking Jewel” and symbolize the importance of teaching and as well as the enlightened mind. The right side has an offering bowl full of Cintamani.
The top of this altar has a 4 petaled flower in the center with stylized durva grass surrounding the flower forming the shape of the 'Eye of Buddha'. The 4-petaled flower is symbolic of the 4 Noble truths, the middle way and the first teaching of Buddha. 1. Life is suffering. 2. Ignorance is the cause of suffering. 3. The cessation of suffering is the goal of life because it transcends pains and pleasure. 4. The way to the cessation of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which aligns with the eight spokes of the Dharma Wheel.
