Material: Painted Resin (PolyGold Series)

Size: 12cm

Description:

An Overview of White Umbrella Goddess in Buddhism

White Umbrella Goddess (Sanskrit: Sitātapatrā, literally "white umbrella," transliterated as Siddharthapatrā), also known as White Umbrella Goddess or White Umbrella Buddha Crown, is a prominent guardian deity in both Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhist traditions. She is considered the incarnation of the Mother of All Buddhas (Buddha Crown), symbolizing boundless compassion and protection. Her iconic white umbrella symbolizes the power to shield all calamities and protect all beings. In Buddhist art and practice, she is often depicted as completely white, with one face, two arms, and three eyes (the third eye on the forehead symbolizing wisdom). She wears a bun on her head (called Buddha Crown), holding a white umbrella in her right hand and a vajra in her left. She stands majestically on a lotus throne, her feet resting on the six realms of existence, symbolizing her control over samsara and her subjugation of demons. Her imagery exists in two variations: a peaceful and tranquil form and an angry one. The thousand-armed, thousand-eyed, thousand-legged form emphasizes her boundless power, capable of simultaneously protecting countless beings.

Role in Buddhist Ritual

White Umbrella Goddess plays a central role in Buddhist ritual as a protector and pacifier. Revered as the "Vajrayana deity of pacification and protection," she is specifically tasked with dispelling adverse conditions, dispelling calamities, and subduing both external and internal obstacles. Her practice rituals are derived from the White Umbrella Sutra (also known as the "Sutra on the White Umbrella Mantra," considered the "essence of all tantric mantras"). These rituals include powerful mantras (such as "Om Bala Hum Ha") and visualization techniques used in daily life and in specific rituals.

Specifically, her roles include the following:

1. **Prayers for Disaster Relief and Protection**: In Tibetan Buddhist and Chinese Tantric Buddhist rituals, she is often enshrined in the mandala as the primary deity. Practitioners chant her mantra and visualize her white light enveloping the body and mind to ward off natural disasters, man-made calamities, illness, evil spirits, and supernatural dangers. For example, during New Year prayers, fire pujas, and epidemic prayers, the practice of White Umbrella Goddess is widely used to "reverse all adverse conditions," such as resolving family disputes, career obstacles, and health crises. Her white umbrella symbolizes "cool shelter," shielding against the burning heat of karma and afflictions, bringing coolness and peace to all beings.

2. **Demon-Subduing and Dharma-Protecting Function**: As a "virtuous deity who subdues demons," she is viewed as a Vajra deity in Dharma-Protecting rituals, capable of suppressing demons, ghosts, and negative energies. During practice, visualize her holding a thousand Dharma instruments (such as the Dharma wheel, bow and arrow, and sword and pestle), symbolizing the destruction of all demonic obstacles. In Vajrayana initiation (transmission) ceremonies, she is often placed alongside other Dharma protectors (such as Hayagriva) to strengthen the altar's protective power.

3. **The Role of the Buddha Mother in the Combined Esoteric and Exoteric Traditions**: She is not only a Dharma protector in Tantric Buddhism but is also revered as the "Buddha Mother of the Three Ages." In exoteric and esoteric rituals, prayers for wisdom and blessings are used to invoke wisdom. For example, during Avalokitesvara or Medicine Buddha ceremonies, her mantra can help increase merit and prolong life. Daily practitioners (such as lay believers) can receive immediate protection through the brief "White Umbrella Goddess Ritual"—visualizing the "Om" symbol on a white lotus at the heart center, merging with the body and mind.

Overall, her ritual emphasizes the "radiance that covers all beings." It is not limited to large temple ceremonies but also applies to personal retreats, helping practitioners to overcome inner greed, hatred, and delusion and achieve peace of mind and body.

Origin and Story

The origins of White Umbrella Goddess can be traced back to the Indian Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. Around the 7th century, she was translated and introduced to China by Amoghavajra, and has since spread widely within Tibetan Buddhism. Her fundamental text, the White Umbrella Sutra, records her mantra and vows, emphasizing that she is an incarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha, born to protect all living beings. Her lineage is divided into two categories: the human lineage (derived from translations of the scriptures and oral transmissions from the ancestors) and the celestial lineage (directly witnessed by devas such as Indra), reflecting her transcendental sacredness.

Major Origin Story: The Battle between Indra and the Asuras

The famous origin story of White Umbrella Goddess, originating from the White Umbrella Sutra, describes a celestial battle that highlights her compassion and divine power:

In ancient times, a fierce war broke out between Indra (one of the Thirty-three Heavenly Kings in Buddhism), the ruler of the heavens, and the Asuras (a clan of demons). The Asuras' forces were formidable, and Indra was repeatedly defeated. His army was shattered, and the heavens were on the verge of destruction. In despair, Indra led the remnants of his army to the human world. Kneeling at the Jetavana Monastery, he pleaded with Shakyamuni Buddha for help: "World-honored One! The heavens are in imminent danger, and sentient beings are about to plunge into an endless sea of ​​suffering. Please have great mercy and protect us!"

Upon hearing this, Shakyamuni Buddha entered into a state of meditation, and from his crown (the Buddha's crown) emanated immeasurable light. Within this light emerged an incredibly majestic female deity—the Thousand-armed, Thousand-limbed White Invincible Great Buddha Mother. This Buddha Mother's body was as white as snow, her hair atop a bun, her three eyes wide open. In her right hand, she held a vast white umbrella, in her left, a vajra, and with her feet resting on a lotus, she stood majestically in the sky. Her thousand hands each held a different magical instrument (such as a bow and arrow, sword, wheel, and rope). Her thousand eyes watched over all beings, and her thousand feet crushed the demonic army.

Upon her appearance, the Buddha Mother radiated boundless white light, transforming into a massive umbrella that enveloped the entire heavens and the human world. A cool breeze blew beneath the umbrella, shielding them from the raging fire and hail of arrows. The Asura army lost its way, inflicting infighting and ultimately fleeing in defeat. Indra's army triumphed, and peace returned to the heavens. The Buddha Mother then recited the sacred mantra, "Om Bharata Hum Ho Soha," vowing to forever protect those who recite it and free them from all calamity. Shakyamuni Buddha personally blessed this mantra, naming it the "Great White Umbrella," and instructing all beings to practice it for protection.

This story not only explains her name ("White Umbrella" derives from the instrument used to shield against disasters), but also symbolizes the compassionate nature of Buddhism: even in the midst of war, the Dharma can resolve conflict through its non-violent divine power. Later practitioners drew inspiration from this story and developed various rituals, such as the Two-Armed Stillness (suitable for beginners) and the Thousand-Handed Movement (for powerful demon subjugation). During the Tang Dynasty, this belief was introduced to China with the translation of the Amoghavajra Sutra. Incorporating Taoist elements (such as the Bai Ze mythical beast), it became a core tenet of Chinese Tantric Buddhism.

Other Related Legends

- **Incarnation of the Mother of All Buddhas**: Another theory holds that she is a manifestation of Amitabha Buddha or Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, appearing specifically for sentient beings in the Dharma-Ending Age to help them overcome their karmic obstacles.

- **Modern Application**: In contemporary Tibetan Buddhism, such as at the Leizang Monastery in Taiwan or at Tantric centers in Hong Kong, this story is often used to open ceremonies, emphasizing that "no living being is unprotected under the umbrella."

The story and role of White Umbrella Goddess embody the core Buddhist spirit of "protecting the Dharma and benefiting all sentient beings." For in-depth practice, it is recommended to consult the White Umbrella Sutra or seek guidance from a qualified teacher.