Eight Auspicious Substances
The eight auspicious substances are symbolic offerings to the Buddha of the eight factors of the noble eightfold path – right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.
1. Mustard Seed
The mustard seed signifies right understanding. Its significance relates to the Buddha’s response to a woman who came to him distraught at the loss of her child. He instructed her to collect a mustard seed from every home that had never had a bereavement. She returned empty-handed. In this way, the Buddha eased her pain, showing her that she was not alone in her sorrow and that death is an inescapable part of life.
2. Mirror
The mirror corresponds to right thought. The mirror reflects things as they really are.
3. Conch Shell
The conch shell symbolizes the power of Buddha’s teachings. It signifies right speech, the third factor of the eightfold path.
4. Bilva Fruit
The bilva fruit symbolizes right action
5. Yogurt
Curds (or yogurt) correspond to right livelihood as no animal is harmed in its production. When the Buddha was meditating prior to gaining enlightenment, this food (milk rice) was given to him by Sujata, a farmer’s daughter.
6. Durva Grass
Durva grass corresponds to right effort because this grass is known for its durability.
7. Medicine
The precious medicine corresponds to right mindfulness. This medicine acts as an antidote to the disease of ignorance and the suffering that attends it.
8. Vermilion Powder
In India, vermilion powder was used to make a red mark in the center of the forehead. In Buddhist symbolism this signifies right concentration, the eighth factor of the noble eightfold path.