Page 53 - Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols

Handbook of Tibetan Buddhis#12B 9/1/10 11:38 AM Page 35

The Five Attributes of Sensory Enjoyment 35

fineness of their silks by passing the width of central bosses of the pair of cymbals and
a bolt of silk through a finger ring. However, then extend outwards on either side. It may
the gossamer thread of the divine silks of the be knotted around the neck of the lute. It
gods is described as being so fine that a may also drape over the central lip of the of-
square of this divine silk, large enough to fering bowl and then swirl upwards at either
cover Mt Meru, can be drawn beneath a fin- side. The silk offering may be colored in one
gernail. This divine silk is so light and subtle of the five rainbow colors: white, yellow, red,
that it appears as if to float upon a heavenly green, and blue, which correspond to the five
breeze, with its edges and ends making the elements and the Five Buddhas, or the partic-
most graceful folds and twisting curves. ular Buddha Family to which the deity be-
The silk offering ribbon may be knotted longs. A multicolored and tied bundle of silk,
around the base of the mirror or wheel, with a group of silk bolts, or a cluster of bird
its two ends twisting upwards on either side feathers may also be illustrated to depict the
of the offering bowl. It may pass through the faculty of touch.