Material: Fabric, Tailoring, Embroidery, Printing (Five-Colored Khata Tie)

Size: Approx. 85cm long

Description: Description of the Five-Colored Khata and the Vajra Knot in Tibetan Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism (also known as Tibetan Buddhism or Lamaism), the **Five-Colored Khata** and the **Vajra Knot** (Dorje Knot, also known as the Endless Knot or Eternal Knot) are common auspicious objects and protective amulets, often used together. The Five-Colored Khata typically refers to a long strip of silk cloth (or five-colored cord) in five colors: blue, white, red, green, and yellow, symbolizing the five elements (earth, water, fire, wind, and space) and the five Buddhas (the five wisdom Buddhas). The Vajra Knot is a special knot woven from these five-colored threads, resembling an endlessly looping knot, representing the eternal, indestructible power of the Vajra (a sacred metal implement).

This "Vajra knot made of five-colored khatas" is often made into bracelets, necklaces, or amulets, worn on the body or placed in the home or car for warding off evil, attracting good fortune, and removing obstacles.

Origin of the Story: The origin of the Vajra knot can be traced back to Indian Tantric Buddhism, later introduced to Tibet. In Tibetan, it is called "Sengdu" (protective knot). Originally used as a blessed object and amulet, it originates from the compassionate and expedient methods of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, helping sentient beings to combat karmic obstacles, disasters, and demonic hindrances.

- **Legendary Story**: A famous legend involves Karma Norbu (a great master of Tibetan Buddhism). At that time, a group of bandits were preparing to rob pilgrims traveling to Lhasa. Karma Norbu stepped forward to stop them. The bandit leader swung his knife at the Venerable One, who instantly tied a Vajra knot on the blade and returned the knife intact. The bandit leader was terrified, subdued by the Venerable One's supernatural powers, prostrated himself before him, and devoted his life to spiritual practice. This story symbolizes the demon-subduing power of the Vajra knot, indestructible yet harmless.

- Another modern legend involves Penor Rinpoche. A Tibetan nobleman formed a guerrilla force to fight against foreign enemies. During a celebration, Penor Rinpoche came to offer his congratulations, but having no valuable gifts, he took his shoelace and tied a Vajra knot as a gift. The nobleman initially disdained it (thinking the Vajra knot was readily available) and casually tied it to his tent. Later, enemy artillery bombarded the area, destroying all the tents except for the one with the Vajra knot, which remained intact. From then on, the nobleman deeply believed in its blessing power.

The five colors originate from the color pairing of the Five Wisdom Buddhas (the Five Great Buddhas) in Buddhism, similar to prayer flags (wind-horse flags), representing the transformation of the five poisons (greed, anger, ignorance, pride, and jealousy) into the five wisdoms. The khata itself originated in the Yuan Dynasty, brought to Tibet from Central China by the Sakya Trizin Phagpa. Initially white, it symbolized purity. Five-colored khatas were more solemn, used as offerings to bodhisattvas or close relatives. Later, it was combined with the vajra knot to become a protective amulet.

Significance and Influence on Buddhism

- **Significance**:

- **Vajra Knot**: Symbolizes the vajra, representing indestructibility, dispelling ignorance, and subduing demonic obstacles. Wearing it is equivalent to carrying the ritual implement of Vajrapani Bodhisattva, capable of warding off evil, attracting good fortune, and increasing blessings and wisdom. Different knots have different functions (e.g., the nine-knot knot is a common peace knot, longevity knot, etc.).

- **Five Colors**: Blue (emptiness/wisdom of the Dharmadhatu), white (water/wisdom of the great mirror), red (fire/wisdom of discernment), green (wind/wisdom of accomplishment), yellow (earth/wisdom of equality). Overall, it represents the protection of the five Buddhas, transforming negative energy into wisdom.

- Combined: The five-colored khata (ceremonial scarf) Vajra knot is a blessed object of the compassion of all Buddhas. Wearing it connects the wearer with the Buddha, granting wishes, peace, and auspiciousness. Its merit is amplified when blessed by a Guru's mantra (according to the Guru, it is equivalent to the protective power of the vajra).

- **Impact on Buddhism:**

- In Tibetan Buddhist practice, this is an important "expedient means" to help sentient beings in the degenerate age overcome obstacles and increase merit. It is widely used for protection, home warding, and offerings, strengthening believers' faith in Tantric Buddhism.

- Influence on Tibetan culture and daily life: It has become a symbol of ritual and protection, spreading to Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal, and other regions. In modern times, it is popular among Tibetan Buddhists worldwide as an object for good fortune and protection, reflecting the emphasis on immediate protection in Tibetan Buddhism.

- Symbolizing the endless cycle of rebirth and the connection of cause and effect (similar to the endless knot in the Eight Auspicious Symbols), it reminds practitioners of the unity of compassion and wisdom.

This Vajra knot requires proper blessing to possess full merit and is commonly found in temples. If it breaks while being worn, Tibetan tradition holds that it has averted misfortune and should be replaced with a new one. Overall, it is a practical and profound auspicious symbol in Tibetan Buddhism, blending Indian Tantric beliefs with Tibetan indigenous faiths.

85CM