Z- Zambala ( Tibetan God for Wealth and Prosperity)

Yellow Zambhala

All religion sciptures do mention about "wealth" or prosperity, although the meaning and interpretation may be different. Personally I think there is nothing wrong in wishing to be wealthy. Moreover, I believe poverty is an obstacle to understanding and learning the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) or other spiritual pursuits. Imagine this - How can one have the time and strength to practice the Dharma (or spiritual pursuit) if one needs to worry about your rice bowl (especially if economy is not good and companies are laying off staff), if you need to worry about money, if you need to worry about paying your bills on time, if you need to think about your children education etc. ?

Personally I think one can be both wealth and yet spiritual. Buddhism, Taoism and Hinduism all have Wealth Gods, and this shows that the religions are confident with wealth and that wealth do help in one's spiritual pursuit.

In Tibetan Buddism, one of the most revered Wealth deity is known as "Zambhala" or Dzambhala. The most famous one is the Yellow Zambhala. (recalled in previously article that "yellow" symbolise "prosperity").

Some background about Yellow Zambhala : Yellow Zambhala appeared and protected Shakyamuni Buddha from harm at Rajagriha when the Maras caused a mountain slide in order to create disturbance when Buddha was teaching the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutras. Later on, the Buddha ask Zambhala to help to benefit all sentient beings suffering in poverty in the future and become a protector of Dharma. A person who does the practice of Yellow Zambhala regularly shall be free from poverty and hardships, their wisdom , store of merit and life span shall also increase.

Yellow Zambhala is usually represented as a round or stout male Bodhisattva. I suppose round means "prosperity" in Asian culture. He usually has ornaments typical to that of the Bodhisattvas. His left hand hold a wealth-sprouting mongoose while His right hand hold a wish-fulling jewel. His Buddhist practice, rituals, and mantras are said and done specifically for the purpose of gaining wealth. All Zambhalas are said to be the wealth giving form of Avalokitesvara, this means they are manifestation of Avalokitesvara (Guan Yin) or the Compassionate Buddha.

It is considered very auspicious to invite the image of the Yellow Zambhala in your home or office. Every morning, you can also pour some fresh water on top of the head of Zambhala with your right hand, while you chant his mantra 7 or 21 times. You can also chant the mantra of Yellow Zambhla 108 times a day; this is to tap into His blessing. The mantra of Yellow Zambhala is OM ZAMBHALA DZALIN DRAYE SOHA.

You can also wear the Yellow Zambhala’s image as a pendant or Zambhala mantra ring. By wearing their image or mantra, your energy level would be align with the energy of prosperity and wealth and in no time these would be manifested to you ! The practice of Yellow Zambhala is a very magnetising practice.

Remember that once you acquire wealth, do contribute or share your wealth to the needy people, charity or good deeds (eg. temple restoration, food for the monks etc). All these acts of giving will sow the seeds for more prosperity to come.

Most of the Tibetan temples do have Zambhala practices or rituals. Do check out in your city or neighbourhood if you are interested.