Snow Lion

The Snow Lion (sometimes spelled snowlion; Tibetan: གངས་སེང་གེ་, Wylie: gangs seng ge; Chinese: 雪獅) is a celestial animal of Tibet.

The version shown on right with two Snow Lions was introduced by the 13th Dalai Lama in 1912 based on old military banners, and is still used by the Government of Tibet in Exile.

[1] Marpa was called to interpret the meaning when, "Tibet's great yogin, Milarepa, once had a prophetic dream which included a snow lion.

[1] The milk of the Snow Lioness (Tibetan: Gangs Sengemo) is reputed to contain special nutrients to heal the body and restore it to harmony.

[4] The body of the Snow Lion is white while its flowing hair of mane, tail and curls on legs, is either blue or green.

The Snow Lion is a tulku or personification of the primordial playfulness of ananda "joy, bliss" (Wylie: dga'), comparable to the western unicorn.

The gankyil is the principal polyvalent symbol and teaching tool of all the doctrinal trinities of Dzogchen and is the energetic signature of the trikaya.

The roar of the Snow Lion embodies the sound of 'emptiness' (Sanskrit: Śūnyatā), courage and truth, and because of this is often a synonym for the Buddhadharma, the Buddha’s teachings, as it implies freedom from karma and the challenging call to awakening.

Snow Lion as depicted in the Emblem of Tibet .
The flag of Tibet , in use in Tibet from 1916 to 1950. It features two Snow Lions amongst other elements and is still used by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile . Its use is outlawed in the People's Republic of China .
The emblem of Tibet , adopted by 1947.
1912 Tibetan stamp with snowlion
Snow Lions decorating a cupboard
Tibetan Snow Lion Dance, Bodhgaya , India
Chinese stone lion at guard the entrance to the Potala Palace
A Snow Lion tattoo
Snow Lion insignia of the Special Frontier Force