ABS 049
Code: ABS 049
Country: Tibet (central)
Style:
Date: 1250 - 1350
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 7.3 x 11 x 5.7
Materials: Brass
Jambhala – God of Wealth
Jambhala sits in the ease posture upon a lotus throne, crushing the Hindu deity of wealth Dhanada or Kubera, his right foot supported by a treasure vase. Pot-bellied, the god of wealth is clad only in a tiger-skin loincloth, his right extended hand holding a skull cup and his left grasping the gem-spouting mongoose (nakula), the typical attribute among the deities associated with prosperity.
Although Buddhism advocates abandoning mundane possessions and preoccupations, wealth might sometimes be considered positively. For the faithful, it can be a source of merit through practices like generosity. Moreover, a life of poverty prevent from religious practice. The puja or ritual dedicated to Jambhala is said to summon positive wealth energies resulting from one’s past actions. The ritual does not create wealth but ‘accelerate’ the maturation of the karmic potential.
Traditionally, the yellow Jambhala has no wrathful expression nor attributes (tiger skin, skull cup…) and he does not trample on the Hindu god. This normally corresponds to the black form. However, the latter is always standing and not sitting, holding the kapala before his heart, and devoid of any jewellery. Therefore, this statue must be a hybrid form of the god. The small effigy of buddha Akshobhya in his hair identify him as his emanation.
Jambhala sits in the ease posture upon a lotus throne, crushing the Hindu deity of wealth Dhanada or Kubera, his right foot supported by a treasure vase. Pot-bellied, the god of wealth is clad only in a tiger-skin loincloth, his right extended hand holding a skull cup and his left grasping the gem-spouting mongoose (nakula), the typical attribute among the deities associated with prosperity.
Although Buddhism advocates abandoning mundane possessions and preoccupations, wealth might sometimes be considered positively. For the faithful, it can be a source of merit through practices like generosity. Moreover, a life of poverty prevent from religious practice. The puja or ritual dedicated to Jambhala is said to summon positive wealth energies resulting from one’s past actions. The ritual does not create wealth but ‘accelerate’ the maturation of the karmic potential.
Traditionally, the yellow Jambhala has no wrathful expression nor attributes (tiger skin, skull cup…) and he does not trample on the Hindu god. This normally corresponds to the black form. However, the latter is always standing and not sitting, holding the kapala before his heart, and devoid of any jewellery. Therefore, this statue must be a hybrid form of the god. The small effigy of buddha Akshobhya in his hair identify him as his emanation.