Shih Tzu were seen to have a number of characteristics that were believed to be comparable to characteristics of Buddha. The white mark on the forehead of the Shih Tzu was perceived as the energy center, often called the third eye or sixth chakra, and is symbolic of the trinity, oneness of mind, universalism, salvation for all, and the three mystical areas (body, mouth, and mind). Positive qualities were believed to exude from the Shih Tzu which were intuition, perception, optimism, and vision.