This exploration and explanation of Tibetan Buddhist symbols uses full color images of the actual art work painted over the centuries in Tibet. By using the actual art work the context is kept and expounded on so the reader can fully appreciate the depth of meaning, for example, that an object surrounded by flames and kusha grass set in the Mahamudra Mists conveys. Explanations are offered into the various layers of those meanings and how they can be applied by any person seeking truth and self-awareness on the path to enlightenment. This leads to a powerful multilayered message and instruction that the viewer and reader can apply to their own journey. The actual teachings of Buddha are used to explain the Path to Awareness along with commentary.

We have ventured into the wisdom secrets of the esoteric world of tantric Tibetan Buddhism, providing in-depth explanations along with translations of the originating texts from noted teachers such as Tilopa, Milarepa, and Naropa among others. Along the way we provide context to the symbols, so when symbols have divergent meanings the viewer can determine which meaning applies to that particular depiction. For example, delving into a seemingly simple depictions of cinnabar, showing how it is used to connect to the mind-stream, through both the use of cinnabar and the thought process shown in the multilayered context of actual Tibetan art. How to apply it to help focus meditation and access primordial wisdom and additionally, cinnabar is recommended by Buddha for use to access that supernormal wisdom.

Another example would be the yin-yang symbol: what does it have to do with the Dharma Wheel and the Eightfold Noble Path? We show the relationships provided by context in ways no other book has explored.
Symbolism in Tibetan Buddhist Art: Meanings and Practical Applications, David Huber and Dave Glantz, Paperback, 94 pp., $28.95

David Huber worked for USNSGA for nearly ten years, with six of those years on the intel side completing several "special missions", as they were then called. He specialized as an in-theater tactical analyst whose primary objective was to locate targets for exploitation and then provide advance warnings for the team in the event of detection by hostile forces. His final years at the agency focused on counter-espionage, completing 88 special assignments. These included working with and alongside US military allies in the Pacific Rim as an advisor during joint operations. Following his government career, David leveraged his skills as an art and antique furniture restoration expert for insurance companies, museums and private clients. He quickly branched into custom furniture design and manufacturing, working in these combined fields for over 20 years. He commenced his current endeavor of saving the surviving Tibetan art in the Golden Valley and started research on the history, art, culture and philosophy of the area, dedicating 15 years to this study. David has an A.S. degree in Computer Science from Coleman College, and a B.S. in the Bible from Southern Christian University, and attended seminary at Turner Theological Seminary.

Dave Glantz has over 25 years of experience as an educator, international consultant and market researcher, designing and directing qualitative and quantitative studies for leading government contractors, federal agencies, associations and Fortune 500 companies. His research spans such widely varying topics as cybersecurity, international development work, college financing, and the use of the International Space Station's national laboratory, among dozens more. Dave's research focuses on thought leadership, branding, website usability, satisfaction and loyalty, and capture research, as well as concept, message and ad evaluation. He also writes about issues he cares about, such as his 2008 analysis of how a president Obama or McCain would conduct U.S. foreign policy, and a 2015 call to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. Dave holds a M.A. in Political Studies (International Relations) and B.A., History (minoring in Art History), from the University of Manitoba in Canada. He is a member of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA).

CONTENTS: Symbolism in Tibetan Buddhist Art
Preface					vi
Sources					viii
Introduction					ix
Acknowledgments					xiii
Chapter 1 -- General Symbols					1
	Alms Bowls and Offering Bowls				1
	Bael Fruit -- also called Bilva Fruit				1
	Book				3
	Cinnabar				4
	Cintamani				5
	Dorje				5
	Grass (durva and kusha)				6
	Mahamudra Mists				7
	Mare's Tail Cumulus Clouds				12
	Medicine Bowl				12
	Mirror				13
	Rainbows				13
	Red Coral				14
	Rock Cliffs				14
	Simulacrum				14
	Shou				15
	Skulls				16
	Subtle Energy				18
	Swastika				18
	Sword				19
	Thread Cross				19
	Thunder or "T" Wave				20
	Torma				21
	Trefoil				21
	Tse Bum				22
	Yak Butter Lamp (and red torma offering of Vajra Yogini)				22
	Weapon Wheels				23
	Yin-Yang and the Wheel of Joy				24
	Yogurt				25
	Zig-zag				26
Chapter 2 -- Animals -- Real and Mythical					27
	The Story of the Four Compatible Brothers				27
	Bat				28
	Buffalo				28
	Camel				31
		The Story of the 12 Yearly Cycles (and why the camel was left out)			31
	Cuckoo				32
	Deer				33
	Dragon				35
	Elephant				37
	Fish				38
	Garuda				38
	Horse				40
	Leopard				41
		Leopard and Tiger Skins Together			41
	Makara				42
	Mongoose				42
	Naga				43
	Peacock				43
	Pheasant				44
	Phoenix				45
	Ram				46
	Snow Lion				46
	Tiger				48
	Tortoise				49
	Yak				50
	Zipak				51
Chapter 3 -- Musical Instruments					52
	Bell				52
	Cymbals				53
	Flute				54
	Lute				55
Chapter 4 --Flowers					56
	Lotus				57
		Color Associations of Lotus Blossoms			57
	Ashoka				59
	Champaka				60
	Chrysanthemum				60
	Datura				60
	Four-Petaled Flower				61
		The Four Noble Truths			61
Chapter 5 -- Eight Auspicious Symbols					64
	The Parasol				65
	The Two Golden Fish				65
	The Treasure Vase				66
	Lotus				68
	The Right-turning Conch Shell				70
	The Glorious Endless Knot				72
	The Victory Banner				73
	The Wheel				74
		Eightfold Noble Path			75
		1.	Right Understanding		75
		2.	Right Attitude		75
		3.	Right/Perfected Speech		76
		4.	Right/Integral Action		77
				The Five Precepts	77
		5.	Right Work/Proper Livelihood		78
		6.	Right Effort/Complete/Full Effort		79
		7.	Right Mindfulness/Thorough Awareness		79
		8.	Right Meditation		80
Chapter 6 -- The Seven Precious Possessions of Charavartin					81
	The Precious Wheel				82
	The Precious Horse				83
	The Precious Elephant				84
	The Precious Minister('s Earrings)				86
	The Precious Queen('s Earrings)				87
	The Precious General('s Insignia)				88
	The Precious Eight-faceted Jewel				89
Index					90