As one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas of Wealth in Tibetan Buddhism, Green Jambhala is a revered protector deity dedicated to bestowing prosperity and abundance.
Origin & Identity
An incarnation of Vairocana Buddha (the Cosmic Buddha of the East), Green Jambhala’s teachings originate from the "Kalachakra Tantra"—a core text of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. Entrusted by Sakyamuni Buddha, he vowed to alleviate poverty and grant spiritual & material prosperity to all sentient beings.
Iconography
Typically depicted with one head, two arms, and three eyes, Green Jambhala wears a five-Buddha crown and is adorned with celestial silk robes and precious jewel necklaces. In his right hand, he holds a "bija fruit" (or sometimes a victory banner/treasure jewel) symbolizing wish-fulfillment; his left hand grasps a "norbu rat" (treasure-spitting rat) that dispenses endless wealth. He sits in a relaxed, playful posture, with his right foot gently resting on a conch shell.
Symbolism
His green complexion represents growth, hope, and the flourishing of both merit and wisdom. The wish-fulfilling fruit embodies abundance and spiritual fulfillment, while the treasure-spitting rat signifies the continuous flow of prosperity and blessings.
Blessing & Significance
Worshipping Green Jambhala (through thangka veneration or practice) is believed to:
· Attract material wealth and improve financial circumstances
· Remove obstacles to success and career advancement
· Purify negative karma and misfortune
· Bring harmony, fulfillment, and the realization of heartfelt wishes
This thangka serves as a sacred talisman, blending spiritual reverence with the universal desire for prosperity—perfect for those seeking balance between material abundance and inner peace.
About Rough Mineral Sand Thangka
· Unique Craft & Artistic Charm
· Rough mineral sand thangka is a distinctive category of thangka art. Its pigments are primarily sourced from natural minerals such as cinnabar, azurite, malachite, and lapis lazuli. These ores undergo careful selection to ensure purity and vivid color, then are ground into fine, uniform sand grains before being mixed with binding agents for application.
· Thanks to its unique materials and craftsmanship, it boasts extraordinary artistic effects:
· Vivid & Long-Lasting Clolors
· Crafted with natural mineral pigments like cinnabar and azurite, the thangka features bright, pure hues. After meticulous grinding and blending, these minerals offer exceptional stability and weather resistance—retaining their luster and vibrancy for centuries.
· Distinctive Texture
· The use of rough mineral sand gives the thangka’s surface a noticeable granularity and matte finish, contrasting sharply with the smoothness of traditional painted thangkas. This unique texture adds a sense of depth and antique elegance to the artwork.
· Strong Three-Dimensionality
· The stacked mineral sand grains create subtle undulations on the canvas. Especially in depicting figures, landscapes, and intricate details, this texture forms rich layers, making the composition more lifelike and dimensional.
· Unique Luster
· Leveraging the natural sheen of mineral sand, some thangkas reflect a star-like glow under light. This distinctive radiance enhances visual impact, lending the artwork an ethereal charm.
· Balance of Delicacy & Boldness
· Artists use fine brushes to outline delicate details with smooth, precise lines, while the mineral sand-filled areas exude a rugged texture.