Image Source: gyalyongsachen.com

In Buddhist iconography, animals are often depicted together to convey profound symbolic meanings, even when they are naturally incompatible. These pairings symbolize harmony amidst diversity and the overcoming of worldly conflicts. Here are three pairs of such animals that are considered incompatible in nature but brought together through imagery in Buddhist symbolism:

Lion and Garuda

• Lion: The lion, often known as the “king of beasts,” represents fearlessness, majesty, and power. In Buddhist symbolism, it is also associated with the Buddha’s voice, which roars with clarity and strength.

• Garuda: The Garuda is a mythical bird, known for its immense size and power, often considered the “king of birds.” In Hindu and Buddhist mythologies, the Garuda is a sworn enemy of snakes and is said to be capable of soaring through the heavens with unrivaled speed.

• Symbolism: Despite their natural incompatibility, the lion and the Garuda are often paired together, representing the union of earth (lion) and sky (Garuda). This symbolizes the overcoming of worldly divisions and the balance between grounded strength and spiritual liberation.​​

Fish and Otter

• Fish: Fish are an important symbol in Buddhism, representing abundance, freedom, and the ability to swim through the ocean of samsara (the cycle of life and rebirth) without being caught in its net. They are often shown swimming gracefully, unbound by the constraints of land or air.

• Otter: The otter is a semi-aquatic creature that feeds on fish, symbolizing conflict and predation in the natural world. In the wild, the fish and the otter would be natural enemies, as otters hunt fish for food.

• Symbolism: In Buddhist imagery, the pairing of the fish and the otter illustrates the overcoming of inherent worldly conflict. It signifies the transcendence of duality, where opposites come together harmoniously, reflecting the ultimate unity of all beings.

Crocodile and Conch

• Crocodile: In various cultures, the crocodile is associated with danger, ferocity, and survival instincts. It is a creature of water and land, representing strength and primal aggression. In the Buddhist context, it may symbolize the untamed mind or base desires that need to be controlled.

• Conch: The conch is a symbol of purity and the Buddha’s teachings. Its deep, resonant sound is said to awaken beings from ignorance, symbolizing the spreading of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) across the world. It represents truth, clarity, and peaceful communication.

• Symbolism: The pairing of the crocodile and the conch embodies the contrast between worldly aggression (crocodile) and spiritual purity (conch). When seen together, they symbolize the idea that even the fiercest, most untamed forces can be subdued and guided by the pure sound of truth and wisdom.

These symbolic pairings in Buddhist art emphasize the teaching that differences, conflicts, and opposites in the material world can be reconciled through spiritual understanding and enlightenment.

Product 0049 showcases the depiction of Oater-Fish combination carved from ‘Bogh’.

Our Timber Source is a remarkable piece with a rich history. It was originally utilized as a Bogh element in Chagri Monastery and is believed to be around 400 years old. The age and significance of this timber element make it a valuable addition to any collection.