Celtic Buddhist symbolism - triskelions, triskeles,   three magatamas and the three hares symbol.

The triskele, triskelion or three magatama symbol, which resembles three commas or teardrop shaped beads chasing one another round a circle, is a Buddhist meditational symbol that represents the three aspects of Dependent Relationship which give existence to all functioning things.

The Buddhist teaching on Dependent Relationship states that phenomena exist in three fundamental ways. Firstly, phenomena exist by dependence upon causes and conditions. Secondly, phenomena depend upon the relationship of the whole to its parts and attributes.  Thirdly, and most profoundly, phenomena depend upon meaning, mental imputation, attribution, or designation [1]. This latter aspect of dependence upon a 'non-material' mind is where Buddhist metaphysics parts company with Western process physicalism.

The appearance of motion of the three swirling teardrops symbolises that the impermanence of all compound phenomena arises from these three ever-changing relationships.

In traditional Buddhist art, triskeles are frequently seen in the centre of Dharma wheels, four-pronged vajras and auspicious symbol mandalas. More recently, the three-magatama symbol has been adopted as the emblem of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies.

The triskelion magatama symbol is also a common feature of Celtic sacred art such as stone carvings, enamel ornaments, book illumination and knotwork.

This metaphysical symbol provides evidence for the influence of Buddhism in pre-Christian Britain.  It is probably the 'Caer Sidin' which was the object of meditation by the Cumbrian Druidic bard Taliesin, as he explains in this verse:

Mi a fum ynghadair flin
Uwch Caer Sidin
A honno ya troi fydd
Rhwng tri elfydd
Pand rhyfedd ir byd
Nas argennyd

Which is translated as:

I have presided in a toilsome chair
Over the circle of Sidin
Whilst that is continuously revolving between three elements;
Is it not a wonder to the world,
That men are not enlightened? [2]

The untranslated term 'Sidin' is not explained. Could it be related to the Sanskrit Siddhi ?

According to the article by John Michael Greer, the 'three elements' of Druid metaphysics to which Taliesin refers are known in old Welsh as Gwyar (change, causality), Calas (structure) and Nwyfre (consciousness).

The verse suggests that Taliesin may be attempting to realise emptiness (sunyata) by meditating on the triskelion symbol, perhaps not very successfully.

Buddhist Triskele Magatama Symbols
Indian Buddhist Dharma wheel

An Indian Dharma wheel with a triskele magatama at the hub

 Japanese Buddhist Dharma wheel

A Japanese Dharma wheel with a triskele magatama at the hub
English Buddhist Dharma wheel
An English Dharma wheel with a triskele magatama at the hub		 Tibetan four-pointed vajra

Four pronged Tibetan vajra with central triskelion magatama
 

Celtic Triskele Magatama Symbols
Scottish Carved Stone 1

Scottish Celtic sculptured stone triskele magatamas

 Scottish Carved Stone 2

Scottish Celtic sculptured stone dual triskelion magatamas

Ancient Silverware from St Ninian's Isle, Scotland

Silver object (function unknown) from Saint Ninian's Isle Treasure, Shetland

Celtic Enamel Ornament from Middleton Moor, Derbyshire

Central triskelion magatama surrounded by three magatamas on Celtic enamel ornament from Derbyshire

Irish Metalwork second century A.D.

Irish metalwork showing interleaved triskelion magatamas, second century A.D.
Did the Wheel of Dharma once turn in the Ancient Celtic Lands?

The Laxey Wheel Triskelion Isle of Man

 

Buddha's bunnies - the three hares symbol
In the beautiful three hares triskelion, the aspect of motion is especially apparent, emphasising that all phenomena arise from the three dependencies and are thus inevitably impermanent and devoid of any essence. This symbol was originally Buddhist, but is believed to have travelled westwards along the silk routes and can be found in medieval church ornamentation (See photos by Chris Chapman), where it probably symbolised a mystical interpretation of the Holy Trinity.

Related links

Symbolism, Visualization and Ritual in Buddhism, Paganism and Christianity

Dangerous samsaric gods

Dharma Jewel - A Metaphysical Crystal

Tara's letter TAM

Buddhist Psychology, Symbolism and Jungian Archetypes

King Ashoka's Missions to the West  | Celtic Buddha  | Celtic spirituality

Karma

Druids and Buddhists | Buddhist Halloween

Process Philosophy | Three hares links

The Winter Solstice

 

References

[1] Victor Mansfield 'Time and Impermanence in Middle Way Buddhism and Modern Physics'. Talk at the Physics and Tibetan Buddhism Conference, University of California, Santa Barbara January 30-31, 1998

[2] Stewart, R. J. and Williamson, R. (1996) Celtic Bards, Celtic Druids , ISBN 0-7137-2563-X, publ Blandford, London, p 146.