The Anandagiri Symbol |
Anandagiri - "Mountain of Delight"
The symbol on the monastery sign etc, is a fusion of several artistic styles and contains layers of very specific meanings. It was actually designed especially for Anandagiri by one of Thailand's best silk screen artists.
The actual image is of a lotus, with the moon behind it, blossoming upon a mountaintop, protected by friendly nagas below. The shape of the mountain also looks similar to one of Thailand's most famous ancient Khmer ruins. There are layers of special meaning in our symbol. In most simple terms... it was sincerely wished from the very beginning of the venture, that Anandagiri might blossom and shine (somewhat modestly:) upon this little mountain in remote Petchabun. Anandagiri means "mountain of delight"... and it is hoped that all who live and visit here 'Delight in the practice of Buddha-Dhamma.'
In terms of art - the lotus is in a traditional Chinese style, the top part of the mountain is Khmer style (Cambodian) and the lower part... which has protective celestial serpents (in profile) moving sideways is more Thai. There is a reason for everything! In terms of 'blending with the Feng Shui' here. We are situated in a place that rests between the site of two ancient Kingdoms in times of yore. One was Khmer (Si-Thep)... the other was Sukhothai, which many Thais see as the cradle of the modern Thai nation and culture. But Anandagiri has also received a great deal of support from people of Chinese ethnicity... and so I wanted our logo to reflect the fact that all of the devas from all of these cultures were welcome here... and that they ought to feel free to support and protect us as well! Thai's generally believe that naga spirits protect monasteries... so that aspect is a kind of an affirmation.
In terms of symbolism - The Lotus symbolises pure virtue. The moon symbolises the radiance of minds imbued with virtue, loving kindness and compassion. The mountain symbolizes firm concentration and wisdom.
The actual image is of a lotus, with the moon behind it, blossoming upon a mountaintop, protected by friendly nagas below. The shape of the mountain also looks similar to one of Thailand's most famous ancient Khmer ruins. There are layers of special meaning in our symbol. In most simple terms... it was sincerely wished from the very beginning of the venture, that Anandagiri might blossom and shine (somewhat modestly:) upon this little mountain in remote Petchabun. Anandagiri means "mountain of delight"... and it is hoped that all who live and visit here 'Delight in the practice of Buddha-Dhamma.'
In terms of art - the lotus is in a traditional Chinese style, the top part of the mountain is Khmer style (Cambodian) and the lower part... which has protective celestial serpents (in profile) moving sideways is more Thai. There is a reason for everything! In terms of 'blending with the Feng Shui' here. We are situated in a place that rests between the site of two ancient Kingdoms in times of yore. One was Khmer (Si-Thep)... the other was Sukhothai, which many Thais see as the cradle of the modern Thai nation and culture. But Anandagiri has also received a great deal of support from people of Chinese ethnicity... and so I wanted our logo to reflect the fact that all of the devas from all of these cultures were welcome here... and that they ought to feel free to support and protect us as well! Thai's generally believe that naga spirits protect monasteries... so that aspect is a kind of an affirmation.
In terms of symbolism - The Lotus symbolises pure virtue. The moon symbolises the radiance of minds imbued with virtue, loving kindness and compassion. The mountain symbolizes firm concentration and wisdom.
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Pure as a Lotus...
Radiant like the moon...
Still and peaceful like a mountain...
A positive affirmation of something that we can all aspire to.
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