Ritual Objects

	PUSTAKA (Book) It is a symbol of transcendental wisdom accompanies both Buddhist and Hindu deities such as Brahma, Manjushree, Saraswati, Prajnaparamitta, Avalokiteswar, Vasundhara associated with wisdom, learning and arts. The book is sometimes placed on lotus. InBuddhist iconography, the Pustaka as a symbol represents the Prajnaparmita, a treaties on transcendent wisdom supposed to have been given to the Nagas by the Buddha to guard until mankind had become wise enough to grasp it profound truths.
	SANKHA (Conch Sheel) An offering vessel; a symbol of Vishnu. In Hindu tradition, the conch shell seems to have been extensively used in wars by ancient Indian. The white conch shell whose humming sound proclaims the glory of the saints. It is especially given as a symbol to the Gods as the sound vibrated through a shell penetrates far and wide.
	SHIELD It represents Dharma which protects like a shield.
	SHIRIVASTA It is a endless knot. It is also considered luck knot, life knot or love knot.
	SURYA (Sun) It is a Hindu sun God. In Buddhism it is associated with moon as symbol of basic unity of the apparently different relative and absolute truth; appears separately in the upper part of thang-kas. It is a special symbol of Akashgarbha.
	SWASTIKEA Used both in Hindusim and Buddhism as a symbol of the Law. It is also an auspicious sign. It is one of the sixty five marks of Buddhahood found in the imprint of Buddha's foot. As a Buddhist symbol in represents the esoteric doctrine of Buddha.
	VISWA VAJRA When two thunderbolts are crossed it is called a Viswa Vajra. It is the emblem of Amoghasiddhi. In Buddhist Tantra the word generally disignates Sunya or Void which cannot be cut, cannot be destroyed but which destroys all evils.
	TRI RATNA It symbolizes the three fold Jewels namely Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The meaning of these three fold jewels Buddha, Dharma and Sangha is a title signifying "The Englightened" or "The Awakened", Buddha, the doctrine and community propounded by Shiddartha Gautam.
	TRISULA (Trident) It is also called Sula. It is the favourite weapon and the symbol of Shiva. The three forked weapon symbolizes Shiva's creation, protection, and destruction. It is carried by members of Shaivists. In Buddhist iconography, it is regarded as a representation on Tri Ratna, the three fold jewels - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. It is also carried by Agni, Mahakala and Padma Sambhav.
	UTPALA (Half Closed Lotus) Elongated petals, blue, characterizes the Green Tara, consort of one of the Dhyani Buddha. It is designated by the word Utpala or Nilotpala. In tantric works Utpala or Nilotpala. In tantric works Utpala stands for Night lotus. It is the special symbol of Manjushree and green Tara.
	TANTR It is the name of the text which expound the mystic philosophy and the principles of action leading to the attainment of "Enlightenment" i.e. the state of mind of total independence from the bonds of existence in the span of one's life.
	YAB-YUM Yab-yum, is a Tibetan word consisting of two particles yab and yum. The word 'Yab' in Tibetan means the 'honourable father' and 'Yum' means the 'honourable mother'. He combined word therefore, means the father in the company of the mother or in her embrace.
	YANTRA Yantra is a nucleaus of the visible and knowable, a linked diagram of lines by means of which visualized energies are concentrated. There are different kinds of Yantras and Sri Yantra is the Great Yantra. Other lesser yantras (Om yantra, Kali yantras etc.) are obviously segments out of the all embracing Sri yantra. Yantras may be made in permanent form of many substances. The Most important is rock crystal. Its clear colourless substance which can be shaped so as to focus light at its apex in a very good emblem for the all, inclusive substance of fundamental reality just as colourless light includes all the possible colours of light. So crystal can serve as analogy for the substance which includes all substance.