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**Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams** (Tibetan: **སྤྱི་བླ་སྲུང་འཁོར**, transliterated as "Sabaho") is an important amulet and Feng Shui instrument in Tibetan Buddhism. It combines the eight trigrams of Han, the nine palaces of Tibet, and the twelve zodiac signs, and has powerful effects of warding off evil, calming the house, and changing luck.
**1. The origin and symbolic meaning of the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams**
- **Source**:
It is said that it was created by Guru Padmasambhava (the founder of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism), combining the eight trigrams of the Han "Book of Changes", the five elements algorithm of Tibet (Nine Palaces Flying Stars) and the mantra wheel of Tantric Buddhism to form a powerful amulet.
- **Core functions**:
- **Resolve evil spirits** (such as Feng Shui conflicts and bad luck in the year).
- **Block evil spirits** (evil spirits, curses, and non-human interference).
- **Balance the Five Elements** (harmonize personal and environmental energy).
**2. Analysis of the patterns of the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams cards**
The cards are usually divided into three layers:
**(1) Outermost layer: Twelve Zodiac Signs**
- Represents the twelve Earthly Branches (Rat, Ox, Tiger, etc.), symbolizing the cycle of time and the fate of all living beings.
- **Function**: Resolve the conflict between zodiac signs and protect the wearer from the influence of the Tai Sui of the current year.
**(2) Middle layer: Eight Diagrams**
- Adopts the Eight Diagrams of the Later Heaven (Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, Dui), representing the eight energies of nature.
- **Function**: Regulate Feng Shui and block the evil spirits from all directions (such as road rushes, sharp corners, etc.).
**(3) Innermost layer: Nine Palaces**
- The center is the "Nine Palaces Flying Star Diagram" (Tibetan Five Elements Algorithm), and the core often has:
- **"ཧྲཱིཾ"** (Sanskrit seed word, symbolizing cosmic energy). - **Taiji diagram** (balance of yin and yang).
- **Function**: Stabilize your own fortune and enhance your blessings.
**(4) Back**
- Often engraved with **mantra** (such as Guru Rinpoche's Heart Mantra, Six-Syllable Great Bright Mantra) or **Vajra**, to enhance the power of protecting the dharma.
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**3. The purpose of the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams amulet**
**(1) Wearing for protection**
- Can be hung on a necklace, key chain or in a carry-on bag to block evil spirits and villains.
- **Suitable for**:
- People with low fortune and prone to accidents.
- People who often travel on business or walk at night.
**(2) Hanging for home protection**
- Hanging on the door, window, office to dispel feng shui evil spirits (such as opposite door evil spirits and sky-slashing evil spirits).
- **Note**:
- It needs to be consecrated for better effect.
- It should not be facing the toilet or trash can.
**(3) Use with other instruments**
- Often used with **Vajra knot and five-color rope** to enhance protection.
**4. Types of Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams cards**
| **Type** | **Features** | **Applicable scenarios** |
|----------------|-----------------------------|---------------------------|
| **Gilded copper** | Traditional craftsmanship, stable energy | Long-term wear, home protection |
| **Painted thangka version** | Bright colors, contains more mantras | Hang in Buddhist halls and places of practice |
| **Mini protective version** | Small and light, suitable for carrying | Travel, daily protection |
**5. Taboos and precautions for use**
- **Taboos**:
- Avoid being touched by others (especially those with bad luck).
- Do not place in dirty places (such as toilets and trash cans).
- **Purification methods**:
- Use **Tibetan incense** or place in the sun for a short period of time (avoid exposure to the sun). - Recite the Heart Mantra of Guru Padmasambhava (Om Ah Hum Benza Guru Padma Siddhi Hum) regularly.
**6. How to distinguish the authenticity of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams amulets**
- **Features of genuine products**:
- The pattern is clear and the eight trigrams are in the correct position (Li is in the south and Kan is in the north).
- The material is mostly copper, and some high-end versions contain gilding and gemstone inlays.
- **Problems of counterfeit products**:
- The eight trigrams are misplaced and the zodiac signs are blurred.
- The energy is weak and there is no consecration and blessing.
**Summary**
The Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams amulets are powerful amulets in Tibetan Buddhism that integrate Han and Tibetan cultures. They can not only adjust personal fortunes, but also improve Feng Shui. Correct use can help the owner avoid disasters and bring blessings, but it needs to be combined with a pure mind and good deeds to achieve the greatest effectiveness.