Artistic expression and interpretation in relation to religion are often misunderstood and constantly changing. For example, in Christianity, the cross, an important symbol in the Christian religion, was understood within the confines of Jewish culture and Christianity as an object of suffering and pain. Nailing a criminal to a cross was the Romans' favorite method of execution in ancient times. Today this same symbol is proudly displayed on numerous works of art, jewelry and clothing. Unfortunately, this symbol, which was once widely interpreted as synonymous with suffering, now represents a fad among many modernized cultures. Unfortunately, symbols specifically linked to Buddhism have also been affected by the modernization of society and the secularization of its religious culture. This article will discuss 3 “auspicious” symbols found in Buddhist art; I will try to carefully explain each piece in relation to the ancient religion of Buddhism. The first symbol we will talk about is the shell. The Buddhist conch serves a variety of purposes; in Tibetan Buddhism it can b...