Material: Old item. Copper

Size: About 5.8 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, **Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams** (sometimes combined with concepts related to divination or cosmic concepts in Tibetan) are not directly equivalent to the "Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams" in Chinese Taoism or Feng Shui, but its similar cosmic structure and symbolic system have corresponding expressions in Tibetan Buddhist divination, astronomical calendar and mandala design, especially in combination with the Tibetan "Bon" tradition and Buddhist cosmology. The following is a brief description of the meaning and origin of the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams in Tibetan Buddhism:

**The meaning of the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams in Tibetan Buddhism**

1. **Cosmic order and structure**:

In the cosmology of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon, the Nine Palaces (or similar nine-grid structures) are often used to express the harmony and order of the universe, which is similar to the geometric design of the mandala. The Nine Palaces symbolize the nine directions of the universe (eight directions plus the center), reflecting the unity of heaven, earth, and man, as well as the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. Similar concepts of the Eight Trigrams appear in the Tibetan divination system, symbolizing the dynamic balance between nature and the human world.

2. **Divination and fortune-telling**:

In Tibetan Buddhist divination (Tibetan: mo, divination; or dpe kar, astrology), the Nine-square grid is often used to predict fate, good or bad luck, or suitable religious activities. These Nine-square grids are similar to the principles of the Eight Trigrams, analyzing cause and effect and karma through specific symbols, numbers, or astrological signs to guide the behavior of practitioners or believers. For example, Tibetan fortune-tellers may use the Nine-square grid to calculate an auspicious day for someone to perform a ritual or travel.

3. **Purification and Dharma Protection**:

The structure of the Nine-square Eight Trigrams is also used in Tibetan Buddhist Dharma protection rituals or space purification. For example, in the design of some temples or practice places, the Nine-square grid is used as the basis for arranging altars or Dharma protection statues, symbolizing the protection of the nine directions and preventing the invasion of negative forces. This structure has something in common with the center-eight-direction layout of the mandala, emphasizing the harmony and balance of the universe.

4. **Symbolizes the Five Elements**:

The Tibetan Buddhist cosmology includes the concepts of the Five Elements (earth, water, fire, wind, and space) and the Five Directions, which have a certain echo with the Five Elements theory of the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams. These elements are used in divination, medical treatment, and rituals, reflecting the dynamic balance of the universe and are related to the harmony of the practitioner's body and mind.

### **Origin of the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams**

1. **Influence of Bonism**:

The concept of the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams in Tibetan Buddhism is partly derived from the indigenous religion of Tibet, Bonism. Bonism has its own cosmology and divination system, using a structure similar to the Nine Palaces to explain the laws of the universe. With the introduction of Buddhism into Tibet (around the 7th century), some of the symbols and cosmological concepts of Bonism were absorbed into Tibetan Buddhism, forming a unique hybrid system.

2. **Fusion of Indian Buddhism and Tantra**:

Tibetan Buddhism was deeply influenced by Indian Tantra, especially the geometric structure of the mandala. Mandalas often radiate outward from the center point to form a structure similar to the Nine Palaces, symbolizing the harmony of the universe and the blessing power of the deity. The concept of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams may be combined with Indian astronomy and Tantric cosmology in Tibetan Buddhist astrology and calendar calculation (Tibetan: rtsis) to develop a unique application method.

3. **Exchange with Han culture**:

The historical exchanges between Tibet and the Central Plains (especially during the Tang Dynasty, through cultural envoys such as Princess Wencheng) may have introduced a symbol system or cosmic concept similar to the Eight Trigrams. Although the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams of Tibetan Buddhism are not exactly the same as the Eight Trigrams of Taoism, the similarities between the two in cosmic structure and divination application show traces of cultural integration. For example, the "Parkha" system in Tibetan divination has similarities with the Eight Trigrams and is often used to calculate personal destiny or annual fortune.

4. **The development of Tibetan astrology and calendar calculation**:

Tibetan Buddhist astrology (Tibetan: skar rtsis, 星算) is closely related to the Nine Palaces structure. Tibetan astronomers and fortune tellers use the Nine Palaces to analyze the relationship between the stars, time and space, and guide religious activities, architectural layout and medical diagnosis. This system is used in various sects of Tibetan Buddhism, such as the Gelugpa and Nyingma sects, and is passed down in important temples such as Namdroling Monastery.

**Specific applications**

- **Divination and decision-making**: Tibetan Buddhists often consult lamas or fortune tellers before major events (such as pujas, migrations, and marriages), using the Nine Palaces or similar systems to predict good and bad luck.

- **Mandala and architecture**: The design of a temple or mandala may incorporate the Nine Palaces structure, symbolizing the center and eight directions of the universe, ensuring the spiritual balance of the space.

- **Medical treatment and the five elements**: In Tibetan medicine (Tibetan: sowa rigpa), the Nine Palaces are sometimes used to analyze the relationship between the five elements and the human body, and guide diagnosis and treatment.

- **Dharma Guardian Ceremony**: In some demon-conquering or purification ceremonies, the Nine-square grid is used to arrange instruments or spells to ensure protection in all directions.

**Cultural and Modern Significance**

- **Cultural Heritage**: The concept of the Nine-square grid and the Eight Trigrams in Tibetan Buddhism reflects the Tibetans' profound understanding of the universe and life, integrating elements of Bon, Buddhism and foreign cultures, and has become an important part of Tibetan culture.

- **Modern Application**: With the globalization of Tibetan Buddhism, the divination and cosmic concepts related to the Nine-square grid are used by Tibetan communities and Western believers for meditation, numerology analysis and cultural research, continuing its influence.

**Summary**

In Tibetan Buddhism, although the concept of the Nine-square grid and the Eight Trigrams is not completely equivalent to the Taoist Eight Trigrams system, it has formed a unique cosmology and divination system through the influence of Bon, Indian Tantric Buddhism and Han culture, symbolizing the order of the universe, purifying space and guiding practice. Its origin is closely related to the religious integration of Tibet, especially in astrology, mandala design and Dharma Guardian Ceremony, which is widely used, reflecting the Tibetan Buddhism's profound understanding of cosmic harmony and spiritual balance.