☸ Tibetan Buddhist Glossary

The eight auspicious symbols are a set of symbols that are considered to be lucky and auspicious in Tibetan Buddhism. They are the parasol, the golden fish, the treasure vase, the lotus, the wheel, the conch shell, the endless knot, and the banner of victory. These symbols are often depicted in Tibetan art and are seen as representing the different aspects of the Buddhist path, such as wisdom, compassion, and spiritual growth. They are also often used as decorations in Tibetan homes and monasteries, and are considered to bring good fortune and prosperity.

Empowerment, or abhisheka, is a ritual in Tibetan Buddhism in which a qualified teacher transmits the blessings and wisdom of a particular deity or practice to a student. This ritual is seen as a way of awakening the student's inner potential and allowing them to access the wisdom and compassion of the deity. Empowerments are often given as part of a larger initiation ceremony, and are considered to be an essential part of the transmission of Tibetan Buddhist teachings. They are seen as a way of connecting the student with the lineage of teachers and deities, and of allowing them to access the wisdom and blessings of the tradition.

Emptiness, or shunyata, is a central concept in Tibetan Buddhism, referring to the idea that all phenomena lack inherent existence. This means that nothing exists independently, but rather everything is dependent on other factors and is empty of inherent reality. The understanding of emptiness is seen as a key to achieving enlightenment, as it allows practitioners to overcome their attachment to things and to develop a more nuanced understanding of reality. Emptiness is often realized through the practice of meditation and the study of Buddhist philosophy.