Dragon Symbolism

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In the Buddhist countries of the Orient such as Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, Tibet and other Asian Countries you will repeatedly see dragons especially in artwork. Even if the thanka does not feature the dragon in the center, often the embroidery around the outside has a dragon motif. Often outside of temples stands a dragon. Or they may display a dragon as a statue on their altars.

Most dragons are water deities or nagas associated with rainfall and bodies of water, and are typically depicted as large, wingless, serpentine creatures with clawed feet. They are often depicted in river beds or in clouds. Dragons are believed to be blessed with the abilities of omnipotence and creation at will. Displaying a dragon banner is said to protect one from slander and enhances one's reputation. The year 2012 is known as the year of the Water Dragon. Click to learn more.

Here is a Beautiful Water Dragon MP3 Speaker

This dragon also comes on phone covers.

Green Dragon Speakers doodle
Green Dragon Speakers by Rinchen365flower
Browse Zazzle's mini speakers for the ipod

A Dragon is Known as a Druk in Bhutan

The Druk is the "Thunder Dragon" in Bhutanese mythology. When I traveled to Bhutan I flew on the national owned airline Druk Air. The dragon or druk is a Bhutanese national symbol. A druk also appears on the Bhutanese Flag, holding jewels to represent wealth. In the Dzongkha language, Bhutan is called Druk Yul, or Land of Druk. Bhutanese leaders are called Druk Gyalpo or Dragon Kings. The national anthem of Bhutan, Druk tsendhen, translates into English as "The Kingdom of Druk".

This is a photo of the flag of Bhutan.

Dragon Zafu Meditation Cushion

DreamTime Perfect Balance Zafu Cushion, Gold Brocade Dragons

Amazon Price: $32.95 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

Filled with buckwheat. I have one and it's great for meditation! Highly recommended.

The Four Dignities of Tibetan Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism there are four qualities of the Bodhisattva which are represented by four animals as follows:

The Dragon represents strength. The thunder of the dragon symbolizes compassion. The Dragon also represents power, dominance and the water element.
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The Snow Lion represents a clear mind with unconditional cheerfulness and the earth element.

The Tiger represents the quality of confidence. He is relaxed yet energized; resting in a gentle state of being that has a natural sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, referring to the state of enlightenment. The tiger represents the air element. It also symbolizes, disciplined awareness, kindness and modesty.

The Garuda (a fictional bird) represents daring and fearless with the main quality of wisdom. It symbolizes freedom from hopes and fears and represents the fire element.

Dragon Luck Feng T-Shirt

Some Great Dragons

"The wisdom of the dragon tells us to slow down, let go, and be present for the moment,for that is where all power and magic lie."
~ Sakyong Mipham

Dragon Motif in Vietnam

To Vietnamese people, the dragon is associated with bringing rain, essential for crops. The dragon represents royalty the king or emperor as well as the prosperity and power of the nation. The dragon is the symbol of yang chi which represents the universe, life, existence, and growth. This is the Vietnamese coat of arms depicting the dragon in the center.

Look at this Fabulous Example of a Dragon in a Buddhist Sculpture

A Symbol of Spring

The earliest written description of the Chinese dragon occurs in the I Ching or "Book of Changes" where it appears as a symbol of the strong light giving male yang principle of heaven, spring, change and creative energy.

The dragon possesses the elusive or hidden nature, with the ability to transmute its form at will. It can render itself invisible, diminish to the size of a silkworm or expand its body to fill the heavens.

At the spring equinox it ascends into the sky, where it remains until the autumn equinox when it descends into a deep pool, encasing itself into the mud until the next spring.

As a symbol of heaven and the light giving powers of spring, the dragon is equated with the east, the color blue and the number nine of the strong yang principle.

Dragon Decorative Pillow

Natori 20 by 20 Dragon Embroidery Decorative Pillow, White

Amazon Price: $169.99 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

Japanese style pillow
20 by 20 inch Rayon made from bamboo and cotton Obi jacquard
Natori black colorway with white embroidery
1/4 inch decorative braid in black all around four edges
18" hidden zipper closure
95% Feather Down Insert, Dry Clean only

I Took This Picture at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center in Shipman, Virginia

By the Lama House Photo Taken June 2011 All Rights Reserved

Sleep Like Royalty with a Dragon Blanket

Dragon Bedroom Bedding Set - 7pcs - King Size Bedding

Amazon Price: $59.90 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

1pc Comforter 100in x 86in
1pc Dust Ruffle 70inx80in +14in
2pcs Pillow Shams 21in x 27in + 3in
2pcs Square Cushions 17in x 17in
1pc Neckroll Pillow 17in x 21in

Dragon Postage

Dragon Feng Shui

Dragon Statues

Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

The dragon is said to bring cosmic chi to house/office from its celestial breath. It is the symbol of preventing from evil chi and bringing celestial chi. This dragon is blowing the cosmic chi right now. This posture means it will fly to the sky soon.

A Netsuke Dragon from Japan

Wikipedia Loves Art at the Victoria and Albert Museum

This photo of item # 411-1904 at the Victoria and Albert Museum was contributed under the team name "VeronikaB" as part of the Wikipedia Loves Art project in February 2009.

Victoria and Albert Museum Institutional caption: Netsuke
Japan
1700-1870
Ivory

Credit for photo from Flikr from team VeronicaB

Click on the photo to learn more about Netsuke art collecting on my other lens.

The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons

The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons: Buddhist Themes in Modern Fantasy

Amazon Price: $9.26 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons: Buddhist Themes in Modern Fantasy is a fascinating read. The studies contained in this book are complete, well researched, and explained in an easy to read fashion. Thus, this book will be equally enjoyed by anyone interested in popular culture, the student of Buddhism, or the researcher looking for information on religion themes in popular works.

Photo of a Tibetan Thanka of a Blue Dragon by Gerry Heikes

Cute Dragon Mother's Day Card

How to Train Your Dragon

Dreamworks created this one.

Blown Glass Dragon

Photo Copyrighted by Marsha Camblin

This blown glass dragon was created by Lewis C. Wilson who gave me permission to take this photo at the Bead show at the Denver Merchandise Mart in April 2011. Click on the photo to visit his site.

Oriental Dragons

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Dragons Bring Luck

Dragon Luck Mall mousepad
Dragon Luck Mall by dragonsdragon
Make your own personalized mouse pads online at Zazzle.

More of My Lenses

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Surviving the Dragon

Surviving the Dragon Publisher: Rodale Books

Amazon Price: $30.90 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

A Dance with Dragons

#5 in the Series of Novels

A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 5)

Amazon Price: $16.58 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

A Dance with Dragons is the fifth of seven planned novels in the epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire by American author George R. R. Martin

Both Canada and Australia are Minting Chinese Dragon Coins in 2012

Some are silver and others are gold - well worth collecting. Very pretty.
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Dragon Lidded Jewelry Treasure Box

Gothic Medieval Dragon Lidded Jewelry Treasure Box

Amazon Price: $51.41 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

The Gothics are into Dragons too.

If You Love Dragon or Oriental Decor You Need to Check out This Site

Are You a Dragon Fan? Did You Learn Anything about Dragons?

If you enjoyed this lens, remember to give it a thumbs up! Thanks


  • skiesgreen May 12, 2012 @ 7:09 pm | delete
    A wonderful insightful lens on a symbol that puzzles most westerners. Featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012-2 and also on Religious Myths - Why Do They Exist. Hugs.
  • skiesgreen May 12, 2012 @ 7:09 pm | delete
    A wonderful insightful lens on a symbol that puzzles most westerners. Featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012-2 and also on Religious Myths - Why Do They Exist. Hugs.
  • aquarian_insight Apr 8, 2012 @ 6:09 pm | delete
    If I had just been born a few weeks later I would have been born in the year of the dragon! My partner and most of my friends were born in the year of the dragon - so I still have some dragon in my life. Lovely lens.
  • 7thStone Mar 23, 2012 @ 4:59 pm | delete
    I love dragons ... since this is the Year of the Water Dragon I made sure to do an appropriate display of dragons in my shop window for Chinese New Year this year. Great lens, beautiful pictures and great dragon products!
  • Mistel Feb 24, 2012 @ 1:06 am | delete
    I've always been fascinated by dragons. Nice information you have collected here.
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This Lens Received Five Angel Blessings!

This lens was awarded an Angel Blessing on October 23th, 2011 by SquidAngel kingsrookie, again on October 28th, 2011 by Tipi and on November 27, 2011 by Lifeboost and the latest blessing came from JDWheeler on December 4th, 2011, by KonaGirl on January 4, 2012 and by Greenskies on 5/12/12. The giant squid organizers here at Squidoo award Angel Blessings to their favorite lenses created by all-star Giant Squids. To learn more about the Angel Blessing Program, click here.

This angel pendant is a necklace - click on the photo and find necklaces.

Thank you all so much!

About Rinchen Chodron

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RinchenChodron

I'm Marsha Camblin.  My Buddhist name is Rinchen Chodron.  I'm a photographer and designer. Check out my Studio. For Clothing | Accessories... more »

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Feng Shui for Success and Power 

Agate Stone with Dragon Necklace 

Vinyl Wall Sticker of a Dragon 

Vinyl Wall Decal Sticker Chinese Asian Dragon 21"x46"

Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now