Materials: Gilded, Bronze, Cast

Size: 10 cm

Description:

Black Dzambala (Tibetan: མགོན་པོ་ནག་པོ, Dzambhala Nagpo) is one of the five wealth deities in Tibetan Buddhism. He is a key figure among the Five Wealth Deities (Yellow Dzambala, White Dzambala, Red Dzambala, Green Dzambala, and Black Dzambala), symbolizing wealth, blessings, and the power to overcome poverty. The following will discuss his influence and usage:

Black Dzambala's Influence in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Symbolism and Function**:

- Black Dzambala is a deity in Tibetan Buddhism closely associated with wealth, blessings, and the elimination of obstacles. He is particularly skilled in helping practitioners overcome poverty, illness, and external obstacles, while granting both material and spiritual prosperity. - His ferocious appearance symbolizes immense power and majesty, capable of dispelling evil spirits, eliminating karmic obstacles, and protecting practitioners from the suffering of financial deprivation.

- In the Tantric practice of Tibetan Buddhism, Black Jambhala is considered to possess the ability to manifest quickly, making him particularly suitable for urgent prayers for wealth or the removal of obstacles.

2. **Status and Lineage**:

- Black Jambhala is primarily worshipped within the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. In the terma tradition of the Nyingma school, Black Jambhala is particularly closely associated with Guru Padmasambhava.

- Black Jambhala is considered the wrathful manifestation of Guru Padmasambhava for the benefit of sentient beings, combating greed, poverty, and worldly obstacles, and helping practitioners focus on the Dharma.

- In Tibetan Buddhist worship of wealth, Black Jambhala, due to its swift blessing power, is often considered the "Fast-Acting God of Wealth," complementing other wealth deities (such as Yellow Jambhala, who primarily promotes wealth growth, and White Jambhala, who primarily promotes longevity and blessings).

3. **Cultural Influence**:

- The worship of Black Wealth God is not limited to Tibet. With the spread of Tibetan Buddhism, it has also influenced Buddhists in Han, Mongolian, and Himalayan regions.

- His image often appears in thangkas, Buddha statues, and Homa rituals in monasteries, serving as the main deity for believers to pray for wealth and career success.

Origins of the Uses of Black Wealth God

1. **Legend and Origin**:

- According to Tibetan Buddhist legend, Black Wealth God was originally introduced to Tibet from India by Guru Padmasambhava as a Dharma protector deity, used to combat demons and poverty that hinder the spread of Buddhism.

- According to one legend, Guru Padmasambhava, while subduing demons, incorporated Black Wealth God into the Dharma protector system, endowing him with the functions of protecting wealth and alleviating poverty. Black Wealth God's wrathful appearance symbolizes his resolve to fight greed and ignorance.

- The practice of Black Wealth God often originates from the Terma tradition, discovered and passed down by successive eminent monks from hidden teachings.

2. **Practice Methods**:

- **Rituals and Offerings**: The practice of Black Wealth typically involves specific Tantric rituals, including chanting his mantra (such as "Om Zangbala Zhalun Zhaye Soha"), visualizing his image (usually black, in a wrathful form, holding treasures and ritual implements, and trampling demons symbolizing greed), and making specific offerings (such as water, lamps, incense, and flowers).

- **Homa**: A fire offering (Homa) to Black Wealth is a common practice, particularly used to eliminate poverty and obstacles. Specific herbs and offerings are used in fire offerings to enhance the effectiveness of the prayers.

- **Daily Use**: Devotees often enshrine Black Wealth statues or thangkas at home or in temples and regularly recite his mantra, praying for prosperity, career success, and the resolution of financial difficulties. **Specific Timing**: Black Jambhala practice is particularly suitable for times of financial hardship, career setbacks, or when rapid wealth is needed. It is particularly popular during auspicious days or festivals in the Tibetan calendar, such as the Tibetan New Year.

3. **Symboling Meaning of Usage**:

- Black Jambhala practice emphasizes the transformation of greed and the cultivation of a spirit of generosity. Tibetan Buddhism believes that wealth is not an end in itself, but rather a means of spiritual practice and benefiting all beings. Therefore, practicing Black Jambhala is not merely about material gain, but also about cultivating generosity and compassion.

- Its wrathful form reminds practitioners that wealth must be acquired with mindfulness and righteous action; otherwise, it may incur karmic obstacles.

Summary

Black Jambhala holds a significant position in Tibetan Buddhism. As the deity of wealth and the remover of obstacles, its influence manifests itself in both material and spiritual blessings. Its practice, derived from the lineage of Guru Padmasambhava, helps practitioners achieve wealth growth and the removal of obstacles through tantric rituals, mantras, offerings, and fire pujas. The practice of Black Jambhala is not only a prayer for wealth, but also a way to transform greed and cultivate the spirit of giving, reflecting the core concept of "wealth serves the practice" in Tibetan Buddhism.