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.

The front has two leopards looking to the Pure Lands. In the background are mountains, cumulus clouds, mahamudra mists, subtle energy and pleasant fauna. Underneath the left leopard are yogurt and Cintamani. The Leopard's spots resemble (according to Tibetans) the female vagina, consequently the flayed skin of the leopard is more commonly worn by dakinis or wrathful goddesses as a skirt or apron. The large cat skins are most frequently associated with the wrathful deities, Mahakala is usually seen with the tiger skin wrapped around his waist. Victory banners and the asama or meditational seats are also adorned with leopard skins, as are bow quivers. Intermixed with the Mahamudra mists are cumulus clouds surrounding the mountain peaks; they are quite common in Tibet. One significance of these fast moving clouds and the pure clarity of the sky is metaphorically an illustration of the Buddha Mind. Clouds may come and go across the heavens, like the transitory thoughts or delusions which appear to obscure the mind's true nature, yet the nature of the sky remains unchanged. this is like the mirror, which is always unaffected by the appearances which arise in it, the sky is clear, transparent, infinite and immaculate. The wavy clouds or mist are Mahamudra: the union of compassion and wisdom -- the ultimate realization of one’s true nature. They are represented as the transformation of our vices into the 4 powers of regret, vow, reliance, and remedy, so the practitioner will realize purification and enlightenment. This is also the basic meaning of the "Heart Sutra." The streaming to the cosmos multi-colored rays are subtle energy. Subtle energy is the energy compassionate practitioners create with their mind and introduce into the cosmos through meditative prayers. Yogurt is made by the slow process of fermenting milk and thus is an appropriate metaphor for transforming the spirit. By faithfully applying the principles of Buddhism, negative behavior is overcome and the clear nature of mind is revealed. Escape from samsara is the result and the buddha state is reached. In order to achieve this spiritual knowledge, an offering of yogurt is made. 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 altar's sides display the Parasol, one of the eight Auspicious Symbols. The Parasol is floating over Cintamani, elephant tusks and the King's and Queen's earrings (on the left side). The parasol and the shade it casts symbolize wisdom. Its hanging skirt indicates compassion, so the parasol becomes a symbol of protection from the painful heat of the suffering human incur from the spiritual poisons of desire, hate, greed and ignorance. Occasionally, an 8- sided parasol is seen. This element refers to the eightfold path to enlightenment. The elephant tusks represent the entire elephant and along with the King's and Queen's heavy earrings are 3 of the seven Precious possessions of Chakravartin. 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 King's and Queen's heavy earrings are taken as a symbol of comprehension of the Buddha’s teachings. The weight of the earrings would have caused the wearers earlobes to elongate. The long earlobes of the Buddha are a symbol of his detachment from all things earthly. 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 right path. Specifically, it embodies the boundless powers of the Buddha, which are miraculous aspiration, effort, intention, and analysis. The flames around the border of the Cintamani are symbolic of the burning away of false desires and ignorance, giving way to enlightenment.
The top's 1st layer features Bilva fruit. Bilva fruit, also known as the Bengal quince, is shown here with Durva grass radiating out in the top layer. Medicinally, Bilva is a potent astringent and highly regarded for its purifying qualities in traditional Indian folk medicine. The unripe interior of the fruit, especially when made into a jam, was the best known cure for diarrhea and dysentery. It is regarded as one of the most sacred fruits and serves as one of the main offering fruits. In this offering of Bilva fruit, representing the sense-offering of taste, the Buddha Amoghasiddhi is manifested as motivation or will. Durva grass is a symbol of long life. Because grass is highly resilient, it is believed to be immortal. Therefore, it proclaims the end of samsara, the successive death and rebirth of all beings It usually takes a long time to overcome samsara, and a longer life span will allow greater progress in moving towards enlightenment within a given cycle. The bottom layer of the top has small Double Dorjes. The Double Dorje is an epiphany, a sudden realization; Dorje (Tibetan) thunderbolt, or double diamond, ("visvavajra" in sanskrit). Its four heads represent the four Dhyani Buddha. Of these, it is associated primarily with Amoghasiddhi, lord of the north, the Karma Family Buddha, whose name means "Unfailing Accomplishment." The double Dorje represents the indestructibility of all phenomenal essence. It serves as a symbol of harmony, immutability, and all -knowingness.