Om is the sacred syllable venerated since ancient times by Buddhists, Brahmins, and Hindus alike. The universe is said to have begun with this sound, and all life to be contained within it. Om is thus considered the "breath of all life", and often regarded as too holy to be spoken aloud.

This is the sacred symbol, Om, embroidered within a mandala. Mandalas are circular diagrams that act as microcosms for larger concepts, such as one's own life or the universe. They are widely used as meditation aids in Vajrahyana Buddhism or tantra.

The Tibetan knot of Eternity, or shrivasta, symbolizes the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The knot has no beginning and no end, only continuity. The eternity knot is someteimes also used used to illustrate such concepts as the endless suffering that is existence, unending luck, or eternal love.