Iconography
The front of this Choyon trunk has two deer laying down beside a mirror with a Dharma Wheel set where the reflective surface would be. Behind the deer are several Lotus blossoms in the bud stage. Under the deer are sets of 3 Cintamani, yogurt, and the King's and Queen's earrings. Surrounding the eye shaped motiff is stylized Durva grass done in gold. The deer and the Dharma wheel refer to the first teaching which Buddha gave in the Sarnath Deer Park near Varanasi, where he set in motion the "first turning of the wheel of dharma." The Lotus buds are symbolic of the beginning of enlightenment by following the teachings of the dharma. The 8-spoke Dharma Wheel has three parts; the wheel exists as a hub, the center of the world, with 8 spokes denoting the 8 paths to enlightenment. These 8 steps work together, not separately. 1. Right understanding 2. Right attitude 3. Right speech 4. Right action 5. Right work 6. Right effort 7. Right mindfulness 8. Right meditation. The rim represents the attribute of limitation. All are contained within a circle, which is perceived as perfection and completeness, like the teachings of the Buddha. 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 & rebirth of all beings. It usually takes a long time to overcome samsara, & a longer lifespan will allow greater progress in moving towards enlightenment within a given cycle
The trunk's top has a conch horm with Kush grass trimming the top, rainbows, rock cliffs and multi-colored billowing waves. The billowing waves are Mahamudra: the union of compassion & 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 & remedy, so purification & enlightenment will be realized.
The sides have a wonderfully done Treasure jar set in the mahamudra mists with rock cliffs pointing the way to the jar that is topped with flaming Cintamani.
*a completed iconography will be supplied to the purchaser
