Taking the idea that a pattern is a decoration often repeated, we can see a number of patterns on the container.
We should note that there are many reasons to use patterns. They are an easy decorative technique, able to hide flaws, and are comforting to the mind as they are simple to comprehend. (More on the last point.)
Patterns create a feeling of vibrancy, the repeated elements visually oscillating, vibrating, as one's eyes pass over them. In this particular piece there are two distinct areas of decorative vibrancy.
The lower portion, having a few strong repeated elements, sets up a slow, firm, steadfast sort of visual frequency...basso profundo. This conveys the sureness of the philosophy and its grounding in the truth that does not change.
The upper porton, where the prayers are stored, has smaller elements repeated, along with non-repeated elements. This sets up a more vibrant, multi-toned, visual frequency...coloratura. This is expressing the power of the philosophy, its living extension.
The bases' balusters set up a horizontal pattern, which can be seen as being extended to infinity... encorporating the horizon, the world.
The middle panels' corner pattern, running vertically, can be understood to connect the higher and lower concepts, heaven and earth, sacred and profane, unchanging and changing. However, unlike the balusters, the base and the lid interrupt the vertical pattern. Perhaps this is to allow for a grounding in the base, and a release when the lid is taken off. Otherwise the pattern is contained...just like the prayers inside.
Patterns can be seen and used as more than just decoration, they can carry meaning.
10:39:06 PM 
