Swastikas

An ancient symbol of Buddhism often found painted on houses to bring good luck. Swastikas which point clockwise are Buddhist, those which point anti-clockwise are Boen.

Sun & Moon

Another popular protective motif painted on houses. Symbolises complementary opposites, in the form of wisdom and compassion.

Wind-Horse

Or Longda, is the main symbol found on prayer flags. The horse carries the Three Jewels of Buddhism (The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) on his back and carries prayers to the heavens.

Mani Walls

Mani stones are carved with sutras as an act of merit and placed in long walls often hundreds of meters long at holy sites.

Om Mani Padme Hum

The most common mantra carved on mani stones. The six syllables mean 'Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus' and form the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Thunderbolt (dorje) & Bell (drilbu)

These ritual objects symbolise male and female aspects used in Tantric rites and are held in the right and left hands respectively. The indestructible thunderbolt cuts through ignorance.

Ritual Dagger

Or phurbu, used during Tantric rituals to drive the invocation on its way.

Skull Drum

Small double sided hand drum traditionally made from two halves of a skull covered in leather or even human ski.

Torma

Small sculptured offerings made of yak butter and tsampa adorned with medallions of butter, the Shoetun festival and remain on display throughout the year.

Tsatsa

Small icons fashioned from clay collected from sacred sites.

Kalachakra Seal

Closely associated with the Kalachakra meditation deity and mandala and also the Dalai Lama.

Spirit Traps

Series of interlocking threads, often on a tree, which are supposed to ensnare evil spirits and which are burnt after their job is done.

Butter Lamps

Or choemay - kept lit continuously in all monasteries and continuously by visiting pilgrims equipped with a tub of butter and a spoon.

Rosary Beads

String of beads (traditionally 108) made from dried seeds. Prayers are marked off by each bead, with a second string to mark off higher multiples. British spies or pundits used adapted rosaries to keep record of distances as they secretly mapped large areas of Tibet during the 19th century.