Four Powerful Animals

Known as “The Four Dignities,�? these powerful animals represent sacred qualities and attitudes that Bodhisattvas develop on the path to enlightenment; qualities such as awareness, vast vision, confidence, joy, humility and power.

The Dragon (Inscrutable) enjoys resting in the sky among the clouds and wind. It is energetic, powerful and unwavering yet gentle and playful. The Sky Dragon symbolizes generosity, spontaneous achievement, elegance, and equanimity.

The Garuda (Outrageous) is daring and fearless. Possessing great strength and power it soars beyond the beyond - no holding back. It symbolizes freedom from hopes and fears, the vast mind without reference point.

The Snow Lion (Perky) represents unconditional cheerfulness, a mind free of doubt, clear and precise. It’s synchronized body and mind results in a youthful, vibrant energy of goodness and a natural sense of delight.

The Tiger (Meek) symbolizes unconditional confidence, disciplined awareness, kindness and modesty. It is relaxed yet energized; resting in a gentle state of being with a natural sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Four Harmonious Friends

Four Harmonious Friends

This familiar Bhutanese motif, called Thunpa Punshi, has its origins in the Jataka tales of the Buddha’s previous lives. The parable is one of “honoring age�? and working cooperatively. It relates how four animal friends - an elephant, a monkey, a hare and a partridge - once lived beneath a great Banyan tree in the Himalayan foothills. They were discussing the tree and how to harvest its fruit.

The elephant related how the tree was a small when he was a baby.

The monkey said that it was a bush the size of his body when he was young.

The hare related how he had licked the dew off the leaves of the tree when it was a small shrub.

Finally the bird spoke telling of how he had one swallowed the original seed and how this mighty tree had actually sprouted from his droppings.

The partridge was honored as the eldest, senior in rank to the hare, monkey and elephant. Through their proper ranking and harmonious cooperation the fruit was obtained.

This symbol is displayed in the home to bring harmony and cooperation.