Materials: Cast, Red Bronze, Gilded

Size: 30cm

Description:

The Status and Influence of Treasure God in Tibetan Buddhism

Treasure God (Sanskrit: Vaiśravaṇa, Tibetan: རྣམ་ཐོས་སྲས་, Namthöse), also known as Vaisravana or Vaiśravaṇa, is one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism, guarding the north. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is considered an important Dharma Protector and Deity of Wealth. He is typically depicted as a warrior riding a snow lion, holding a pagoda or a treasure-spitting rat, symbolizing protection and prosperity. His status is highly respected across all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within the Gelug school, where he is considered one of the three principal Dharma protectors, alongside Shadbhuja Mahakala and Yama Dharmaraja. He is responsible for protecting the Dharma, removing obstacles, and granting practitioners both material and spiritual prosperity. In the Tantric tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, influenced by Indian tantra, he is incorporated into complex ritual systems, symbolizing both inner wealth (spiritual freedom) and outer wealth (material prosperity).

His influence is widespread within Tibetan Buddhist practice and society. First, on a spiritual level, he is believed to provide wealth and freedom, allowing practitioners to escape the constraints of poverty and focus on the practice of the Dharma. This is particularly revered in modern society, where practitioners often face financial pressures. Secondly, on a cultural and artistic level, his image frequently appears in Tibetan Buddhist art, such as thangka paintings, sculptures, and temple murals, often fused with the Yellow Jambhala deity, symbolizing the accumulation and distribution of wealth. Finally, in terms of social influence, the worship of Ratnakara contributes to the economic stability and charitable activities of Tibetan communities. Many temples hold ceremonies to pray for abundance, and his influence extends to Tibetan Buddhist circles in Mongolia and China. Overall, he is not only a protector but also a key deity promoting the balance between worldly and transcendental dharma, playing a significant role in the globalization of Tibetan Buddhism.

Origin of Usage

The usage of Ratnakara (i.e., worship, rituals, and spiritual practices) stems from the fusion of Indian mythology and Buddhism, tracing its origins to the ancient Indian god Kubera, a Yaksha deity who governs wealth and protects the north. In early Buddhism (circa BC), he was incorporated into the Four Heavenly Kings and transformed into the Dharma protector Vaiśravaṇa, tasked with protecting the Dharma from external influences. This transformation further developed within Tibetan Buddhism, influenced by the tantric traditions, and became popular in East Asia (including Tibet) after the 8th century. Iconography incorporates symbols such as the snow lion mount and the pagoda, symbolizing both warrior and wealth.

In Tibetan Buddhism, its practice primarily stems from the lineage of Padmasambhava, who introduced Vaiśravaṇa to Tibet as a protector to overcome obstacles. Its wealth-giving aspect is particularly emphasized within the Nyingma school. Its usage includes:

- **Mantras and Offerings**: Reciting its mantra (such as "Om Jambhala Jalendraye Svaha"), derived from tantric texts, is used to pray for wealth and protection. This practice originates from the Indian Tantric practices of the God of Wealth and later evolved into daily rituals in Tibet.

- **Rituals and Pujas**: Offerings performed at temples, such as treasure offerings or the veneration of images, aim to eliminate the karmic obstacles of poverty. These rituals originate from the Buddhist transformation of Kubera, emphasizing the use of wealth for charity rather than greed. **Modern Application**: In contemporary Tibetan Buddhism, his practices are recommended for lay Buddhists to help them cope with economic challenges. They originate from the Dharmapala tradition of the Gelugpa school, which emphasizes the integration of meditation and worldly prosperity.

The origins of these practices reflect the adaptation of Buddhism from India to Tibet, transforming indigenous deities into instruments of the Dharma, aiming to help sentient beings achieve liberation.

Guru of Wealth, Red Bronze/Gilded