My “Beautiful Sri Lanka” collaboration piece is inspired by eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, the major religion practiced in Sri Lanka.

The Endless Knot – symbolizes the unity of wisdom and great compassion

The Vase – prosperity and a long life, it represents the idea that no matter what we take out of the vase, it remains full of offerings

The Lotus Flower – teaches us that we must rise above hardship in order to blossom

The Dharma Wheel – has eight spokes, each spoke representing the eightfold path to enlightenment, which requires pure intentions and commitment to practice, ethical conduct and mental discipline

The Banner of Victory – stands for the complete victory of the Buddhist doctrine over death, ignorance and all the negativities of this world

The Parasol – protection from the heat and the sun, and therefore protection from suffering

The Conch Shell – good actions permeating through sound to the masses, who awake from ignorance into enlightenment

These symbols represent the offerings received by Buddha from the gods after his enlightenment, and by searching for deeper meaning in them, we can become better people