Material: Alloy, 3D painted, lucky knot, Buddha amulet

Size: 56mm*46mm

Description: The Origin of the Zashi Lhamo Buddha Amulet

Zashi Lhamo (Tibetan: གྲ་བཞི་ལྷ་མོ, Zashi Lhamo) is the unique protector deity of Sera Monastery in the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism, and also the most famous female wealth deity in Tibet. Her main temple is Zashi Monastery (the only temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth in Tibet), located in the northern suburbs of Lhasa. Originally built during the Qing Dynasty (around the 18th century) as a temple to worship the emperor for longevity, it later became Zashi Lhamo's exclusive temple.

The most popular origin story (according to Han Chinese tradition):

- During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, a high-ranking monk from Sera Monastery in Lhasa went on a pilgrimage to Mount Wutai in Han China.

- Meanwhile, a beautiful concubine in the Beijing Imperial Palace was poisoned and killed in a palace intrigue. Her vengeful spirit haunted the palace, causing widespread fear and unease.

- Emperor Qianlong invited a high-ranking monk to the palace to exorcise the evil spirit. The monk discovered the concubine's weeping spirit and advised her to let go of her resentment and return with him to Tibet to practice Buddhism.

- The monk converted her into a guardian deity, built a small temple for her, named her "Zhaqi Lhamo" (meaning "Zhaqi Goddess"), and performed a demon-subduing ceremony.

- From then on, she became a goddess of wealth, especially efficacious in bestowing riches.

Other interpretations:

- The indigenous guardian deity theory states that Zhaqi Lhamo was originally a guardian deity of Tibet, related to Palden Lhamo.

- Some scholars believe she may have originated from the "Chicken Foot God" belief brought from southwestern Tibet by the Qing army stationed in Tibet.

Her image: Black face, angry eyes, long protruding tongue, chicken claw feet (legend says she was poisoned and the poison reached her tongue, or that chicken feet grew back after her feet were cut off), wearing a skull crown, ornate clothing, holding treasure, riding a horse or standing alone.

Uses of the Zhaqi Lam Amulet

Zhaqi Lam amulets are small, commercially produced pendants or plaques (similar to Thai amulets), featuring the image of Zhaqi Lam. They are often made of metal, jade, Thangka paintings, or molds. Although the Zhaqi Temple itself does not produce amulets, the "Zhaqi Lam amulets" circulating in the market are very popular among believers.

Main uses and effects (according to folk beliefs):

- **Attracting wealth and blessings:** The most efficacious wealth deity, especially suitable for business people, job seekers, and shop owners. Many businessmen believe that wearing it will bring prosperous business and abundant wealth.

- **Business prosperity and good fortune:** Praying for both legitimate and windfall income, and career success.

- **Protection and protection from evil:** Protecting the home and warding off evil and disaster.

- **Seeking Children/Healing:** Some believers seek fertility or health (a few associate this with the image of the Medicine King, but the mainstream view is that of the God of Wealth).

- **Exclusively for Women:** Known as the "Female God of Wealth," this amulet is especially suitable for women to wear, bringing compassion and good fortune.

Offering Methods:

- Temples: Every Wednesday (an auspicious day), bring white wine and a hada (a ceremonial scarf) to Zhaqi Temple as an offering, pouring the wine into a jar (she loves to drink).

- Home: Place it high on the shrine, keep it clean, and avoid direct sunlight.

- Wearing Taboos: Avoid wearing it if you were born in the Year of the Rat (folk belief says it's incompatible); do not place it below waist level; clean it regularly.

Influence on Buddhism

Zhaqi Lhamo is a "worldly protector" in Tibetan Buddhism (still in the cycle of reincarnation, but dedicated to protecting the Dharma), belonging to the orthodox Gelugpa protector system, and connected to Manjushri and Palden Lhamo.

Positive Impacts:

- **Promoting Tibetan Buddhism:** Zhaqi Temple is a popular tourist destination in Lhasa, attracting thousands of worshippers daily (especially businesspeople), drawing Han Chinese, Tibetans, and tourists, and promoting cultural exchange between the two cultures.

- **Protecting the Dharma:** As a guardian deity, she reminds believers to cultivate themselves, let go of resentment, and symbolizes compassionate salvation.

- **Cultural Integration:** Her legend reflects the interaction between Han and Tibetan cultures during the Qing Dynasty. In 2011, she was even invited to inhabit temples in Northeast China (such as Falun Temple in Shenyang), expanding her influence.

Potential Controversies:

- Some amulets are overly commercialized (such as commercially available pendants), seen as part of the "commercialization of Buddhism," deviating from pure spiritual practice.

- However, in Tibetan Buddhism, worshipping guardian deities for worldly benefits is a common tradition and does not violate the teachings (guardians inherently help sentient beings alleviate worldly suffering).

In summary, Zhaqi Lam amulets are a product of the fusion of folk beliefs and Tibetan Buddhism, and are very effective in bringing wealth. If you'd like to experience it firsthand, I recommend a pilgrimage to Zhaqi Temple in Lhasa; the atmosphere there is the most authentic! If you wish to wear amulets, choose a reputable Buddhist supplies store to avoid counterfeit goods. Wishing you prosperity and good fortune!