The Five Wealth Deities of Buddhism
Across Asia’s vast landscapes, the Buddhist tradition of wealth deities has a long and profound history. From ancient India to the snowy plateau of Tibet, the Buddhist pantheon of wealth is embodied in five distinct deities: the Yellow, White, Red, Green, and Black Wealth Deities. Each deity possesses unique characteristics and specific roles, forming a vibrant world of wealth deities that fulfill devotees’ aspirations for prosperity, health, and success.
1. Yellow Wealth Deity: The Radiance of Wealth and Wisdom
The Yellow Wealth Deity, revered in Tibetan Buddhism, is depicted in a golden hue, glowing like the sun’s brilliance, symbolizing endless wealth. Clad in ornate celestial robes and crowned with a Five Buddha Crown adorned with sparkling jewels, he embodies nobility and spiritual authority. His round face and bright, discerning eyes reflect wisdom and compassion. His plump belly and slender frame signify his capacity to embrace all worldly riches, bestowing blessings upon sentient beings.
2.White Wealth Deity: The Manifestation of Compassionate Abundance
The White Wealth Deity, a compassionate manifestation of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, appears in a pure white form, like a pristine lotus, symbolizing his untainted purity and boundless compassion. With one head, two arms, and a fierce expression, his three open eyes radiate powerful insight, as if perceiving and alleviating all worldly suffering through his merciful energy.
3. Red Wealth Deity: Harmony of Love and Prosperity
The Red Wealth Deity, representing love and wealth, is depicted in a vibrant crimson hue, as radiant as the morning霞 (dawn), exuding charm and vitality. With one head, two arms, and a dual-expression face (gentle and wrathful), he embodies both tender compassion and regal authority. Adorned with a jeweled crown and holding the Mani jewel in his right hand, which emits multicolored light to fulfill desires, and a treasure mouse in his left hand, symbolizing the endless flow of wealth, he grants material abundance and emotional fulfillment.
4. Black Wealth Deity: Banishing Obstacles and Filling Treasures
The Black Wealth Deity, a wrathful manifestation of the Eastern Buddha Akshobhya, was born to liberate beings from poverty and hardship. His deep black form represents the transcendence of all delusions, embodying the nature of “Diamond Wisdom” and pure consciousness. Portrayed with a short, stout body, red hair and skin, and three fiery eyes, he wears a jeweled crown and is adorned with eight dragon kings and璎珞 (jeweled ornaments). His right hand holds a blood-filled skull cup, while his left grips the treasure mouse, standing triumphantly on the back of a yellow wealth guardian, seated on a lotus and crescent moon base.
5. Green Wealth Deity: Success and Growth in Career
The Green Wealth Deity, an embodiment of the Eastern Buddha Akshobhya, is depicted in a vivid emerald green, symbolizing vitality and the flourishing of endeavors. With one head, two arms, and three eyes, he wears a Five Buddha Crown and celestial robes, adorned with precious jewels that signify his noble status. His right hand holds the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel, its radiant light representing the power to grant success and fulfillment in one’s career.
