August 27, 2025
THE CONCH SHELL
The conch shell, or dhungkar in Tibetan, is the second of the Auspicious symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. These symbols represent good fortune and the path to enlightenment, woven into Tibetan culture carrying specific meaning.
Made from the shells of large sea snails, the conch shell serves as a sacred musical instrument and ritualistic tool. Traditionally, the conch shell is used to call together the monastic community for prayer and sacred ceremony; the shell carefully prepared to produce a deep, resonant sound when blown. The sound is considered to have spiritual power, transcending ordinary noise to reach great distances to bring many together, capable of banishing negative energies and purifying the atmosphere. This use of the conch symbolises unity and the collective aspect of religious practice on the Tibetan Plateau.
Made from the shells of large sea snails, the conch shell serves as a sacred musical instrument and ritualistic tool. Traditionally, the conch shell is used to call together the monastic community for prayer and sacred ceremony; the shell carefully prepared to produce a deep, resonant sound when blown. The sound is considered to have spiritual power, transcending ordinary noise to reach great distances to bring many together, capable of banishing negative energies and purifying the atmosphere. This use of the conch symbolises unity and the collective aspect of religious practice on the Tibetan Plateau.
During rituals, the blowing of the conch shell is believed to cleanse both the physical and spiritual environment. This purification process is essential in Tibetan Buddhism as it prepares the space for invoking divine energies and conducting spiritual activities without worldly interference. It sets a tone of sanctity and peace, essential for the proceedings that follow.
The Tibetan conch shell is more than just an instrument; it is a potent symbol in Buddhist rituals, embodying spiritual awakening, community, and the sanctification of space necessary for meaningful spiritual practice. The shell's natural spiral formation, which coils clockwise to the right, is especially valued in Tibetan culture as it symbolises the deep and resonant sound of Buddhist teachings that extends in all directions; the shell symbolising the origin of life and time.
In Thangka paintings and altars, the conch is painted with intricate designs or inlaid with precious metals and stones, symbolising its divine nature. Conch shells are also frequently placed around houses as a symbol of protection and spiritual purity.
