Material: Handmade, Nepalese, embossed red copper

Size: 1 kg (approximately)

Description:

1. Overview of the God of Wealth Water Offering Set

In Buddhism (particularly Tibetan Buddhism), a "God of Wealth Water Offering Set" refers to a set of specialized instruments used for ritual water offerings to the God of Wealth (such as Yellow Jambhala, Black Jambhala, or the Water Buddha). It typically consists of seven or eight bowls of clear water (often made of metal, ceramic, or crystal), each symbolizing a different element of offering. These vessels are placed before the God of Wealth altar. These vessels are not merely physical objects; they also symbolize a pure mind and wisdom. The water offering itself is the first of the eight (or seven) offerings in Buddhism, performed specifically during ceremonies or daily practices to heal the God of Wealth's "old wounds," increase the devotee's merit, and pray for wealth, career success, and well-being. Common additions include sprinkling saffron (symbolizing compassion and blessings) in the water to enhance the ritual's sacredness.

2. Role in Buddhist Ritual

In Buddhist rituals, the Wealth God Water Offering Set plays a key role in healing and circulation, embodying the core Buddhist teachings of self-benefit and altruism. Specifically:

1. **Healing the Wealth God and Increasing Merit**: Wealth Gods such as Yellow Jambhala and Black Jambhala have been injured while protecting the Dharma. Water offerings are considered "nectar" for healing. For example, offering water to Yellow Jambhala can alleviate pain in his right big toe (caused by injury sustained while warding off negative karma); offering water to Black Jambhala can cool his inner fire (caused by anger burning his throat). Offering water with these utensils not only expresses gratitude but also receives the blessings of the Wealth God, bringing increased wealth, health, and career success. According to the Tsangpa Lama Sutra, a single water offering is equivalent to reciting the Amitabha mantra or the Yellow Jambhala mantra one million times each. It can relieve the hunger and thirst of beings in the hungry ghost realm, eliminate the sins of killing aquatic creatures, foster good karma, and bring freedom of body and mind.

2. **Symbolizing Purity and Flow**: The seven bowls of clear water in the water offering set symbolize the seven kinds of wealth (life, Dharma, desire, happiness, good fortune, and liberation). The water surface must be calm, fresh, and clean, representing "unobstructed flow." This is the opening ceremony of a God of Wealth ceremony, followed by offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, ointments, fruit, and music. During the water offering, chant the three-syllable mantra "Om, Ah, Hum" or the Great Compassion Mantra three to seven times to bless the water and purify the three poisons of greed, hatred, and ignorance, helping believers to seek wealth with a pure heart and use it with compassion.

3. **Practical Benefits**: In Tibetan Buddhist temples and home altars, the God of Wealth water offering set is often used during daily morning and evening prayers or special ceremonies (such as the God of Wealth Festival). It can relieve hunger and thirst of wandering spirits within a ten-kilometer radius, eliminate negative karma from fishing and eating seafood for the past year, and secure the protection of the Dakini protectors at all times. For believers, this is a simple and accessible practice that doesn't require expensive offerings, yet it fosters a generous heart and increases merit and wisdom.

In short, the water offering set is more than just a ritual prop; it serves as a bridge, connecting believers with the God of Wealth and transforming material offerings into spiritual blessings, in line with the Buddhist principles of generosity and protection.

III. The Origin of the Water Offering to the God of Wealth

The origins of the water offering to the God of Wealth can be traced back to the tradition of offerings during the lifetime of Shakyamuni Buddha. It later developed into a dedicated practice dedicated to the God of Wealth in Tibetan Buddhism.

- **Origins in the Buddha's Time**: According to Buddhist texts, the Buddha observed the rituals of offerings made upon the king's return to the palace: the king would receive the "Seven Offerings"—water for washing the body and feet, flowers, lamps, fragrant oils, and fruit. Adding music to this ritual constituted the "Eight Offerings." Court musicians would play music to enhance the atmosphere. The Buddha instructed his disciples, "If you wish to make an offering to me, emulate the king's seven or eight offerings." However, considering that water is inherently pure, readily available, and free from stinginess, and that offering water is the purest form of heart, the Buddha specifically recommended "seven or eight cups of water" instead of elaborate offerings. This is the original form of water offering, symbolizing purity and wisdom, and stems from the Buddhist reverence for the "Eight Meritorious Waters" (the water of the Buddha's Pure Land, which can remove impurities and bring coolness).

- **Evolution of Tibetan Buddhism**: After its introduction to Tibet, water offerings were incorporated into the practice of worshipping the God of Wealth. The God of Wealth's main deities (such as the Yellow Jambhala) were originally Indian Yaksha kings, who were inspired by the Buddha to vow to protect the Dharma. Therefore, water offerings are not only a general offering but also a specific way to "repair" damage done to the God of Wealth. During the Song Dynasty, when Buddhist fasting offerings reached their peak, similar elements were incorporated into water and land ceremonies, emphasizing the fluidity of water to increase merit. In modern Tibetan Buddhism, saffron (a rare plant symbolizing compassion) is often added to water offerings. Its orange-red color and long-lasting fragrance meet the requirements of "incense offerings," reflecting Tibetan culture's inclusiveness and the integration of foreign elements into local beliefs.

IV. Related Stories

Several legends support the water offering to the God of Wealth. These narratives not only explain the necessity of the ritual but also reinforce its symbolic meaning of healing and protection. The following are the main stories:

1. The story of Yellow Jambhala healing wounds by blocking a rock (most directly related to the healing power of water offerings):

According to the Tibetan Dharma of the God of Wealth, Yellow Jambhala was originally a Yaksha king in ancient India. He had a fierce temperament and a fondness for flesh and blood. After being enlightened by Shakyamuni Buddha, he developed bodhicitta, vowing to protect the Dharma and help sentient beings escape poverty, becoming the "embodiment of wealth and compassion." One day, the heretic Devadatta, jealous of the Buddha, threw a huge rock at him, attempting to harm him. Upon hearing this, Yellow Jambhala quickly used his head to block the stone, which shattered and injured his right big toe, causing profuse bleeding and unbearable pain. Seeing this, Black Jambhala (Yellow Jambhala's brother) was enraged, his heart ablaze with anger, burning his throat and causing his voice to become hoarse. From then on, despite their tireless efforts to protect the Dharma, the two deities' old injuries remained unhealed, requiring devotees to offer water to heal them. Devotees offered this water, and Yellow Jambhala received nectar to cleanse his wounds and grant him wealth; Black Jambhala's inner fire cooled, granting him success in his career. This story emphasizes that offering water not only heals divine wounds but also teaches believers to repay the Dharma protectors with compassion.

2. **The Legend of the Water Buddha (Ubaku)'s Wealth-Making (emphasis on offering water):

This story takes place during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. To promote Buddhism, Ashoka vowed to build 84,000 stupas to house Buddha relics and convene the Third Buddhist Council. However, the massive and time-consuming project left the treasury empty and the workers hungry. Upon hearing the news, Venerable Ubakku (an ascetic monk) emerged from his underwater retreat and, using his miraculous powers, summoned treasures from the sea, providing an endless supply of building materials and food, enabling the project to be successfully completed. King Ashoka, grateful for his kindness, venerated him as the "Water Wealth Buddha," because his statue is often placed in water (a pool of water is placed beneath the statue in temples, symbolizing the wealth of the sea). Since then, believers have offered water to the Water Wealth Buddha statue, praying for "wealth to flow from the water." This legend has it that he is one of the three wealth gods of Thailand, emphasizing that water offerings can mobilize hidden sources of wealth and dispel the obstacles of poverty.

3. **The Story of the God of Wealth's Vow to Protect the Dharma** (Background of the Broad Meaning of the Water Offering to the God of Wealth):

During the lifetime of our teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha, God of Wealth (the chief of the wealth gods) vowed before the Buddha, "I vow to protect the Dharma, bestow wealth and resources upon sentient beings, and enable them to achieve worldly dharma." Later generations of believers offered this water offering as a symbol of repaying his kindness. Stories found in Buddhist scriptures emphasize that the God of Wealth is not a greedy deity, but rather an incarnation of a bodhisattva. Offering water activates his vows and brings blessings from the five wealth gods (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth).

These stories not only enrich the ritual meaning of offering water to the God of Wealth but also remind believers that wealth comes from Dharma protectors and generosity, not from personal gain. By using the water offering kit daily, believers can personally experience the power of these legends. For practical practice, it is recommended to follow the guidance of a teacher, keep the water clean, and recite the mantra with sincerity to maximize the benefits.

size:1kg