If you look closely at the border or the lower corners of a Tibetan thangka, you will often spot a small group of eight symbols. They are called the Ashtamangala, the eight auspicious signs, and they appear on everything from monastery doors to prayer flags.

The parasol stands for protection, the pair of golden fish for freedom and good fortune, the treasure vase for abundance, and the lotus for purity. The conch is the sound of the teachings, the endless knot is the link between wisdom and compassion, the victory banner marks the triumph of understanding, and the wheel stands for the Buddha's teaching. Buy authentic thangka painting where the symbols are drawn cleanly and in the traditional order, because a careless painter often mixes them up or leaves one out.

It is a nice detail to teach children or guests, since each symbol has a short story behind it.