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A '''universal monarch''' (Skt. ''cakravartin'' or ''cakravartirāja''; [[Wyl.]] '' 'khor los bsgyur ba'i rgyal po'') is someone who has the power to overcome, conquer and rule all inhabitants of | A '''universal monarch''' (Skt. ''cakravartin'' or ''cakravartirāja''; [[Wyl.]] '' 'khor los bsgyur ba'i rgyal po'') is someone who has the power to overcome, conquer and rule all inhabitants of a [[world|four-continent world system]]. In the Buddhist teachings this is considered an example of the most powerful rebirth possible within [[samsara]]. Rebirth as a universal monarch can occur only when the lifespan of the human beings of the four continent world system ranges from eighty thousand to a countless number of years. Universal monarchs are in possession of three sets of seven emblems: | ||
#the [[seven precious emblems of royalty]], | #the [[seven precious emblems of royalty]], | ||
#the seven secondary possessions, and | #the seven secondary possessions, and | ||
Revision as of 10:19, 24 September 2009
A universal monarch (Skt. cakravartin or cakravartirāja; Wyl. 'khor los bsgyur ba'i rgyal po) is someone who has the power to overcome, conquer and rule all inhabitants of a four-continent world system. In the Buddhist teachings this is considered an example of the most powerful rebirth possible within samsara. Rebirth as a universal monarch can occur only when the lifespan of the human beings of the four continent world system ranges from eighty thousand to a countless number of years. Universal monarchs are in possession of three sets of seven emblems:
- the seven precious emblems of royalty,
- the seven secondary possessions, and
- the seven types of jewel insignia.
Further Reading
- Jamgön Kongtrul, Myriad Worlds (Ithaca: Snow Lion, 1995), pages 134-138.
- Robert Beer, The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols (Boston: Shambhala, 2003), pages 36-48.