Endless knot
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The endless knot or eternal knot (Sanskrit: Shrivatsa; Tibetan Dpal be'u) is a symbolic knot and one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. It is an important cultural marker in places significantly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism such as Tibet, Mongolia, Tuva, Kalmykia, and Buryatia. It is also sometimes found in Chinese art and used in Chinese knots.
The intertwining of lines reminds us that all events are conjoined together in a cycle of cause and effect. The knot also represents the binding to our karmic destiny. In addition, since there is no beginning or end the knot also symbolizes the infinite wisdom of the Buddha. The knot is one of the most used symbols in Tibetan Buddhism, and often appears independently.
The endless knot sometimes appears on greeting cards. When this occurs, it is a way to symbolize the link between the giver and the receiver. The recipient is granted righteous karma, which may brighten their path as a result of their good deed.
The video below illustrates the concept of interconnectedness with the world and experience.
Interpretations
The endless knot has been described as "an ancient symbol representing the interweaving of the Spiritual path, the flowing of Time and Movement within That Which is Eternal. All existence, it says, is bound by time and change, yet ultimately rests serenely within the Divine and the Eternal. Various interpretations of the symbol are:
- Eternal Love and Friendship
- The Endless knot iconography symbolised Samsara i.e., the endless cycle of suffering or birth, death and rebirth within Tibetan Buddhism.
- The inter-twining of wisdom and compassion.
- Interplay and interaction of the opposing forces in the dualistic world of manifestation, leading to their union, and ultimately to harmony in the universe.
- The mutual dependence of religious doctrine and secular affairs.
- The union of wisdom and method.
- The inseparability of emptiness (shunyata) and dependent origination, the underlying reality of existence.
- Symbolic of knot symbolism in linking ancestors and omnipresence and the magical ritual and meta-process of binding (refer etymology of Tantra, Yoga and religion) (see Namkha.)
- Since the knot has no beginning or end it also symbolizes the wisdom of the Buddha.