| 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].
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.
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 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 by meditating on the triskelion symbol, perhaps not very successfully. |
