Material: Brass. Set of 4

Dimensions: 1.2 cm / 0.8 cm

Description:

The Origin of Fire Offering Tsatsas

Fire Offering Tsatsas are a unique combination of religious artwork and ritual offerings in Tibetan Buddhism. They refer to the Tsatsas (derived from the Sanskrit word "satchāya," meaning "copy" or "mold") used or blessed during the Homa ("fire offering" in Tibetan). Tsatsas themselves originated in ancient India and arrived in Tibet around the 7th century with the spread of Buddhism. They evolved from the Indian custom of placing sacred objects within stone stupas. Concave metal molds were used to press soft clay (or clay) into small, mold-free clay sculptures depicting Buddha statues, stupas, mantras, or mandalas. Early Tsatsas were often Indian in style, such as sky-dropping stupas, bodhi stupas, or depictions of the Heart Sutra. They featured irregular edges and were often crafted from red clay.

In Tibet, tsa-tsa became popular during the 10th century, when Atisha visited Tibet to teach. Gradually, it became indigenous, with designs featuring Tibetan Buddhist deities such as Shakyamuni, Tara, Manjushri, and Tsongkhapa, incorporating the six-syllable mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum) or mandala motifs. During the production process, wheat grains, precious stone powders, spices, and even the ashes of cremated monks are often added to enhance their blessings. This is more than just artistic reproduction; it is a religious practice for accumulating good karma, reflecting the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of "image-building" (using images to educate illiterate believers). The specific use of tsa-tsa fire offerings stems from the Bon religion's (Tibetan indigenous religion) worship of the element of fire, dating back to the four elemental worship of the Zhangzhung civilization around 1600 BC. Later, it was incorporated into Tibetan Buddhist fire offerings, where tsa-tsa are burned as "blessing objects" (offerings) to symbolize the transformation of merit into nectar for the deities, dakinis, and guardian deities.

When to Use

Tsa-tsa fire offerings are primarily used in Tibetan Buddhist fire pujas. These rituals are a precursor to the four types of practices: pacification (pacifying disasters), growth (increasing merit), preservation (controlling negative karma), and destruction (subduing demonic obstacles). These rituals are often performed at specific times to ward off disasters, pray for blessings, liberate the deceased, or accumulate merit. Specific times include:

- **Times of frequent disasters or New Year prayers**: For example, on the eve of the Tibetan New Year (Losar), or after natural disasters such as earthquakes and epidemics, monks perform fire offerings to pacify disasters, burning tsa-tsa as a blessing object to pray for the cessation of karmic obstacles.

- **Rituals for the Resurrection of the Dead**: After the cremation or sky burial of a deceased loved one, the ashes are mixed with tsa-tsa to create a fire offering. This offering is performed in the evening or evening (when the hungry ghost realm is active and the dakinis gather). The tsa-tsa is placed on the deceased's body or on a mandala and burned to help eliminate karmic obstacles and allow rebirth in the Pure Land. **Tsatsas for temple consecration or mandala offering**: Before building a stupa, consecrating a Buddha statue, or cultivating a mandala, create and bless tsatsas and offer them during a fire offering to enhance the mandala's blessing. This is often done after a seven-day mandala ritual at a temple, when the merit is dedicated.

**For personal practice or pilgrimage**: Believers create tsatsas at home or during a pilgrimage and burn them in a small fire offering as a personal blessing, especially during the full moon or on auspicious days.

Tsatsas are not limited to fire offerings; they can also be used for daily merit-building, such as by placing them in a mani pile, a retreat cave, or wearing them in a ga'u box. However, fire offerings are the most symbolic time for their "transformation," transforming the material tsatsas into smoke and nectar, symbolizing impermanence and refuge.

How to Use

The method of using tsatsas for fire offerings strictly follows Tibetan Buddhist ritual, combining the three steps of creation, blessing, and burning, with an emphasis on visualization and dedication. The following are the detailed steps:

1. **Making**:

- Material Selection: Use red clay, yellow clay, or sacred temple soil as a base, and mix in wheat grains (symbolizing abundance), spices (for fragrance), precious stone powder (for wealth), or ashes of a revered monk (for increased possession). For fire offerings, black sesame seeds or grains can be added as a blessing ingredient.

- Molding: Place the soft clay into a metal or copper mold (engraved with a deity image, such as the Buddha of Longevity or a mandala), press firmly to release the clay, and trim the edges. The clay should be small (usually 2-10 cm) for easy portability.

- Drying: Dry naturally in a cool, dark place, or bake over a low flame to prevent cracking. Recite the deity's mantra over a thousand times during the process to infuse it with blessings.

2. **Blessing and Offering**:

- Placing in the mandala: Place the tsa-tsa in front of a fire altar (triangular or circular), offering water, lamps, and incense. Visualize the deity emerging from the tsa-tsa. Monks or a guru chant and consecrate the tsa-tsa for one or seven days.

- Personal Use: Believers can carry the tsa-tsa in a ga-u box, visualizing and worshipping it daily as a protective amulet.

3. **Fire Offering**:

- Preparing the Blessings: Mix the tsa-tsa with other offerings (such as tsampa, grains, and medicinal herbs) and place it in the center of the fire altar. Visualize the fire as the fire of wisdom, transforming the tsa-tsa into a cloud of nectar, offering it to the Three Jewels and sentient beings in the six realms.

- Burning Ritual: The guru leads the group in chanting mantras (such as the mantra of the deity), lighting the main fire (using sandalwood or pine branches), and gradually adding the tsa-tsa. As the burning progresses, visualize the smoke rising into a lotus cloud, carrying the merit and dedicating it to all sentient beings. The entire process should be performed in a clean place, avoiding strong winds or rain.

- Dedication: After burning, scatter the ashes in a sacred place or river, dedicating them to warding off disasters and longevity. To liberate the tsa-tsa, visualize the deceased passing away with the smoke.

The fire offering of tsa-tsa is not only a material offering but also a symbol of spiritual transformation. It emphasizes the principle of "absence of attachment and the arising of the mind." Through burning, it serves as a reminder of impermanence and the accumulation of immeasurable merit. If practicing at home, it is recommended to follow the guidance of a teacher and avoid performing the ritual on your own to avoid violating the ritual.