YinYang
The two complementary forces, or principles, that make up all aspects and phenomena of life. Yin is earth, female, dark, passive and absorptive; it is present in even numbers and in valleys and streams and is represented by the Tiger, the color orange and a broken line. Yang is heaven, male, light, active and penetrating; it is present in odd numbers and mountains, and is represented by the Dragon, the color azure and an unbroken line. Together they express the interdependence of opposites .We breathe in and we breathe out, It’s an opposing action that comes together to create balance and harmony. Change and harmony, is the basis of yin and yang and of Tai Chi; the principles of yin and yang are reflected in the form the sequence of movements that make up the Tai Chi discipline. The form is actually a sequence of movements that flow continuously representing both change and harmony. A movement begins, grows completes and empties then another begins until the sequence is completed.
Lotus
Elongated petals, blue, characterizes the Green Tara, consort of one of the "Dhyani", or meditative Buddhas. It is designated by the word Utpala, or Nitopala which, in Tantra Buddhism, stands for Night Lotus. It is the special symbol of Manjushri and Green Tara.
Trident
It is also called Sula, or Trisul. It is the favoured weapon and the recognized symbol of Shiva. This three-forked weapon symbolizes Shiva's role in the creation, preservation and ultimate destruction of the universe. It is carried proudly by members of the Shaivite orders of Sadhus. The trident symbolizes the three 'gunas' or qualities of Samkhya: Sattwa, or unsullied purity; Rajas, or active passion, and Tamas or passive materialism.
Om
It is not a word but rather an intonation which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters: aa...au...and ma which, when combined, make the sound Aum, or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the universe as the whole of creation buzzes like a giant tuning-fork with the tension created by the magnetic fields and the spinning of matter in orbit and is thought to contain all sounds. It is a Mantra, or prayer, in itself and, if repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one’s being, the Atman, or soul.
Swastik
Used both in Hinduism and Buddhism which was, after all, a Hindu reform movement, as a symbol of the immutable Law that governs human development and the cyclical nature of all universally manifested events. It is also an auspicious sign ('Swasti' in Sanskrit means Well-being) and is one of the sixty five marks of Buddhahood found in the imprint of Buddha's foot, that itself was the first and tentative representation of Gautama to remind subsequent generations of the importance of his personal enlightenment and its value for humanity. Thus, as a Buddhist symbol, it represents the esoteric doctrine of Buddhism.
Pentacle-Triangle-Star of David
An ancient sign, deeply associated with Hindu Tantrism and signifying the union of the upward and downward tendencies of the human condition; the triangle with the apex down that is considered to represent the downward flow of female energy, as in menstruation, giving birth and attention to earthly matters, is joined to the male triangle, whose apex points upwards to denote the upward surge of seed, imagination and life-force that together, symbolize the potential of balance inherent in the human paradox.
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