The eight auspicious symbols are to be found everywhere in Tibetan Buddhism and and are painted, carved and etched on all manner of sacred objects, furniture, panels, carpets and ornate brocades. The eight auspicious symbols originated from an early group of Indian symbols which would have included a throne, a swastika, a handprint, a hooked knot, vase of jewels, a water liberation flask, a pair of fishes and a lidded bowl. In Buddhism, these eight symbols of good fortune represent the offerings made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha immediately after he gained enlightenment.