Endless knot
The endless knot or eternal knot is a symbolic knot and one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. It is an important symbol in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. It is an important cultural marker in places significantly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism such as Tibet, Mongolia, Tuva, Kalmykia, and Buryatia. It is also found in Celtic, Kazakh and Chinese symbolism.
History
The endless knot appears on clay tablets from the Indus Valley civilization and on a historic era inscription. While associated with Dharmic religions, it also appears in Islamic art. It likely was introduced due to trade and other cultural contact with China, the Mongols, and Iran.Interpretations
Buddhism
Various Buddhist interpretations of the symbol are:- The endless knot iconography symbolised Samsara i.e., the endless cycle of suffering of birth, death and rebirth within Tibetan Buddhism.
- The inter-twining of wisdom and compassion.
- Interplay and interaction of the opposing forces in the dualistic world of manifestation, leading to their union, and ultimately to harmony in the universe.
- The mutual dependence of religious doctrine and secular affairs.
- The union of wisdom and method.
- The inseparability of emptiness and dependent origination, the underlying reality of existence.
- The link between ancestors and omnipresence represented by the etymology of Tantra, Yoga and religion)
- The wisdom of the Buddha as neither are said to have a beginning or end.
Hinduism