Material: Bronze. Cast. Handmade. Antique

Dimensions: Approximately 16.6 cm in height (Medium-sized Buddha statue)

Description: Ganesha (also known as Elephant-Nosed God of Wealth, Elephant-Headed God of Wealth, Red Elephant-Headed King of Wealth, or Holy God), whose Sanskrit name is Vinayaka or Ganapati, is a manifestation of the elephant-headed god Ganesha from Hindu mythology in Buddhism, especially holding an important position in Tibetan Buddhism (also known as Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism). It blends elements of Hinduism and Buddhism, and is regarded as a multi-functional protector deity, symbolizing wisdom, wealth, and the removal of obstacles. In Tibetan Buddhist practice, Ganesha is not only an object of prayer for worldly wealth but also embodies the Buddhist teachings' inclusiveness and transformation of both the secular and the transcendental realms.

Role in Tibetan Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism, Ganesha plays multiple roles, primarily as a **protector of wealth and prosperity**, helping believers eliminate poverty and obstacles, and bestowing material and spiritual abundance. He is often depicted with a red body, a curved trunk, and holding a vase, mani jewel, or lotus flower—symbols of wealth—representing the endless flow of riches. As a **god of wisdom**, he commands numerous spirits and protectors, responsible for clearing obstacles on the path of spiritual practice, enabling believers to successfully achieve their goals and spiritual endeavors. In some traditions, he is considered an **emanation of Avalokiteshvara**, embodying compassion and salvation, and is particularly widely worshipped in the Nyingma and Sakya schools.

Furthermore, Ganesha also possesses the **function of protection and suppression**. Originally a fierce and malevolent spirit, he later converted to Buddhism, leading an army of 9,800 great demons to suppress the three thousand worlds, protecting the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), and eliminating calamities and evil deeds. In Vajrayana Buddhism, Ganesha is often associated with Hevajra, known as the "Red Jambhala," and used in wealth rituals (such as Jambhala ceremonies). Believers pray for success in their careers and harmony in their families through mantra recitation and offerings (such as rice and fruit). He is extremely popular in Tibet and Mongolia, frequently appearing in temple murals and thangkas. His image is ubiquitous in the streets of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in India and Thailand, symbolizing a wisdom deity that transcends cultural boundaries.

Overall, Ganesha in Tibetan Buddhism is not only a symbol of worldly wealth but also a reminder to practitioners that wealth should be cultivated with wisdom and compassion, avoiding attachment and transforming it into resources for the path to enlightenment.

Mythological Background: The origin story of Ganesha primarily comes from the Indian Puranas, later absorbed into Buddhism and transformed into a protector deity legend, emphasizing the transformation from obstacle to salvation. Here is a detailed account of its classic myth:

In ancient India, Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wealth, was the son of Shiva and Parvati. Legend has it that one day, while Parvati was bathing, she used turmeric paste (or a mixture of honey and turmeric) to create a boy at the entrance, giving him life and entrusting him with guarding the bathroom and preventing anyone from entering. This boy was loyal, armed, and dutifully fulfilled his duty. When Shiva returned from afar, unknowingly attempting to enter the bathroom, the boy resolutely blocked him, leading to a fierce conflict. Enraged, Shiva beheaded the boy with his sword. Parvati, upon hearing the news, was heartbroken and commanded Shiva to resurrect her son.

To appease his wife's anger, Shiva searched far and wide for a suitable head to replace it. Following divine instructions, he found a reclining elephant king facing north and transplanted its head onto the boy's body. Thus, the elephant-headed boy was resurrected, becoming Ganesha (meaning "Lord of Armies"). In compensation, Shiva granted him the power to rule over all spirits (Ganas) and made him the guardian of all beginnings—gods, humans, and spirits alike must first pay homage to Ganesha to successfully accomplish any undertaking. Parvati bestowed upon him wisdom and an unhindered elephant trunk, symbolizing the ability to absorb cosmic knowledge.

In the Buddhist version, the story takes on a deeper meaning. Ganesha was originally a fierce and malevolent spirit in Brahmanism, who enjoyed devouring flesh and disturbing the human realm. Later, he encountered the Buddha or Avalokiteshvara, took refuge in the Three Jewels, abandoned his evil deeds, and led his army of spirits to become protectors of the Dharma. The Buddha entrusted him with the mission of suppressing the three thousand worlds, enabling him to protect the Dharma, eliminate calamities, and transform into a god of wealth, dedicated to bestowing riches and blessings upon believers. For example, in Tibetan legend, the father of Phagpa (the founder of the Sakya school), Shangsa Sonam Gyaltsen, devoutly practiced Ganesha's worship, praying for "limitless power and the power to attract all beings." The elephant-headed god of wealth granted his request and prophesied that his son would possess immeasurable wisdom and fortune. His son, Phagpa, was born, becoming a model of the elephant-headed god's protection of his descendants.

Another branch of Tibetan Buddhism combines the elephant-headed god of wealth with the red god of wealth: it manifests as an attendant of the god of great joy, specifically dedicated to dispelling the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, and helping practitioners accumulate merit. In the fusion of Thai and Tibetan legends, it is called "Ganesha," emphasizing its cross-cultural appeal, transforming from a Hindu god of wisdom into a Buddhist protector of compassion.

These stories not only vividly depict the origin of the elephant-headed god of wealth but also symbolize the inclusivity of Buddhism: transforming a non-Buddhist deity into a protector, embodying the doctrine that "all sentient beings possess Buddha-nature." Believers can personally experience its blessings, remove obstacles in life, and usher in abundance through the practice of its deity yoga.