The Five Forms of Jambala — Yellow, White, Black, Green, and Red — are highly revered wealth deities in Tibetan Buddhism. Each deity represent a unique aspect of enlightened prosperity grounded in Vajrayana teachings. They symbolize not only material wealth but also generosity, karmic cleansing, spiritual safeguarding, and the nurturing of conditions favorable for Dharma practice. Practitioners call upon them to dispel poverty and foster the inner qualities essential for abundance. Each form is linked to one of the five Buddha families and elements — earth, water, air, wind, and fire — flourishing within a rich symbolic framework that weaves together tantric rituals, ethical behavior, and meditative practices.
Often seen together in thangkas, the five Jambalas create a mandala of wealth deities and their collective presence reflects the multifaceted nature of prosperity. Their practices focus not on hoarding wealth for its own sake, but on skillfully using resources to alleviate suffering, promote spiritual development, and help others. Each Jambala embodies a specific energetic quality and ritual purpose, providing practitioners with a rich and intricate path to harmonize worldly success with the ultimate goal of liberation.
Jambhala (Tibetan: ཛམ་བྷ་ལ་, Dzambhala) is often regarded as an emanation of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Unlike gods of worldly fortune, Jambala embodies wealth as a skillful means — a tool to relieve suffering, eliminate poverty, and support the path of Dharma. His presence in Vajrayana Buddhism is not merely symbolic but rooted in a profound narrative of compassionate intervention.
A fascinating legend tells the touching story of Jambhala's origins. In this tale, during the sacred time when Shakyamuni Buddha roamed the earth, he was sharing the enlightening wisdom of the Maha Prajnaparamita Sutra. While not everyone who beheld his brilliance responded with awe but among those who walked alongside him was Devadatta, a cousin who became a rival. His jealousy grew as the Buddha’s influence grew. With a dark intent to harm the Enlightened One, Devadatta devised a malicious plan: he sent a torrent of enormous rocks crashing down from a cliff, targeting the Buddha as he shared his teachings. In that critical moment, five celestial beings appeared, acting out of pure compassion and protection. These were the Five Dzambhalas — Yellow, White, Black, Green, and Red — each representing a facet of enlightened action.
They positioned themselves between the descending rocks and the Buddha, taking the impact upon themselves.
Moved by their selfless bravery, Shakyamuni Buddha extended his healing energy. With his right hand, he blessed each of them with nectar — a gift of immeasurable merit. In that moment, he empowered the Jambalas with the ability to alleviate poverty and grant both material and spiritual abundance to beings across the six realms. In deep gratitude and unwavering devotion, Jambhala pledged to protect and support all who call upon his name with sincerity. He promised to assist practitioners who recite his mantras or perform rituals like pouring clean water over his image, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and the flow of generosity.
Far from being mere deities of indulgence, the Five Jambhalas emerged from an act of selfless sacrifice, embodying the true essence of Buddhist wealth — resources dedicated to serving the Dharma and liberating others from suffering.
Yellow Jambhala (Tibetan: Zho Jambhala) stands out as one of the key figures in Vajrayana Buddhism. Often celebrated as the "Embodiment of Supreme Generosity," he offers more than material wealth, he also bestows his devotees with spiritual abundance. This makes him a guiding force for practitioners looking to break free from poverty, scarcity, and any hurdles in their spiritual journey.
Yellow Jambhala, the most prominent of the five wealth deities in Vajrayana, is often depicted in a form that radiates authority, generosity, and spiritual nobility. He sits in Lalitasana (royal ease posture) atop a lotus seat, which floats amidst a sea of billowing clouds, emphasizing his elevated, celestial presence.
Symbolism and Attributes:
Yellow Jambala is the most frequently invoked form in many rituals, especially in wealth and prosperity practices. He helps his devotee tackle both material and spiritual poverty, helping to stabilize resources and boosting their ability to support themselves and the Dharma. The mantras and offerings associated with him are not just for personal gain; they are meant to inspire generosity, care for family, and wipe out the karmic roots of scarcity.
White Jambhala (Tibetan: Karpo Dzambhala) is celebrated as the gentle and calming presence among the five Jambhalas. He is highly regarded for his unique ability to wash away negative karma and promote longevity. Often linked with themes of purity and karmic cleansing, White Jambhala's compassionate energy aids practitioners in tackling the root causes of illness, lack, and misfortune.
White Jambhala is often shown sitting on a coiled dragon that rises from swirling waters. This dragon represents his control over elemental forces, particularly water and weather, domains closely linked to emotional balance, vitality, and prosperity. His body shines a brilliant white, symbolizing purity, tranquility, and a clear mind unclouded by karmic obstacles.
Symbolism and Attributes:
White Jambhala is called upon in rituals that emphasize longevity, health, and the cleansing of karma. He’s especially powerful when it comes to removing financial hurdles that stem from past negative actions, and he helps boost the flow of life-force (tsé) within those who practice. Typically, his rituals are done alongside or after Vajrasattva purification sadhanas, particularly when the goal is to clear away ingrained habits of stinginess, illness, or a sense of lack.
White Jambala inspires his followers to seek wealth without becoming attached to it, encouraging them to use their resources to nurture life, uphold the Dharma, and create positive karma. He teaches us that genuine abundance is deeply connected to our ethical intentions and the clarity we hold within.
Black Jambhala, or Nakpo Dzambhala in Tibetan, is the fierce and powerful figure among the five wealth deities. He’s celebrated for his ability to overcome obstacles, safeguard practitioners, and tackle the root of greed. With a blend of compassion and fierce determination, Black Jambhala helps to conquer both external threats and the internal doubts that can block the flow of generosity, merit, and spiritual growth.
Black Jambhala is depicted in a striking, fierce stance, often seen standing tall or stepping on a human figure—representing the annihilation of ego, ignorance, and selfish attachment. His dark or black-blue skin reflects immense strength and the powerful change that comes from wrathful compassion. He wears intimidating adornments: a crown made of skulls, serpent jewelry, and a tiger-skin loincloth, which visually connects him to other fierce protector deities like Mahakala.
Symbolism and Attributes:
Dark Complexion: His deep black hue embodies power, transformation, and the ability to overcome karmic obstacles. In Vajrayana, black isn’t seen as negative; instead, it represents the force that burns away ignorance and greed. Right Hand –
Skull Cup (Kapala): He holds a kapala, often filled with blood or nectar, symbolizing the process of consuming defilements and turning destructive emotions into wisdom.
Left Hand – Jewel-Spouting Mongoose: Just like all Jambhalas, a mongoose (nakula) rests in his left arm, spewing jewels — a clear indication that even through wrathful compassion, one can achieve boundless generosity.
Trampling Ego: He is often depicted crushing a figure beneath him, symbolizing the defeat of the ego, pride, and spiritual barriers like stinginess and delusion.
Wrathful Adornments: His body is adorned with snakes, a garland of skulls, and bone ornaments, highlighting his role as a guardian of truth and his connection to the charnel ground symbolism in Vajrayana — the place where self-transformation occurs.
Black Jambhala is called upon for protection against theft, curses, spiritual attacks, and those pesky inner hurdles like greed, arrogance, and miserliness. His fierce look isn’t meant to scare anyone; rather, it reflects the urgency and strength needed to tackle suffering right at its source. He’s particularly powerful when dealing with karmic issues related to hoarding, conflict, or the fear of losing what we have.
When practitioners find themselves in tough situations or facing significant obstacles—whether material or spiritual—they turn to Black Jambhala. His practices are crafted to slice through negative influences, safeguard one’s livelihood and Dharma journey, and transform fear into a brave, ethical abundance. In his wrath, he represents an unstoppable compassion—a force that frees us by obliterating ignorance and paving the way for genuine wealth.
Green Jambhala (Tibetan: Yangdag Dzambhala) represents the active, accomplishing energy of prosperity grounded in ethical conduct and virtuous karma. He is associated to Amoghasiddhi, the Buddha who represents karmic action and fearless achievement. What sets Green Jambhala apart is that he is shown alongside his consort, which symbolizes the beautiful blend of compassion and wisdom, as well as the balance between method and insight, highlighting an active commitment to spiritual goals.
Green Dzambhala is often depicted in a semi-relaxed seated position, radiating a sense of alertness and readiness for action. His green skin symbolizes the wind element, which is all about movement, karma, and activity. In various thangkas, you might see him portrayed in a yab-yum (father-mother) union with a consort, typically a female deity that embodies wisdom and abundance. This sacred pairing illustrates the beautiful non-dual harmony of dynamic compassion and deep wisdom — the foundation for achieving both spiritual and worldly success.
Symbolism and Attributes:
Green Complexion: The green color is associated with Amoghasiddhi Buddha, representing karma (action), fearlessness, and the quick realization of virtuous intentions.
Right Hand – Wish-Fulfilling Jewel: In his right hand, he holds a jewel that symbolizes the fulfillment of desires and the maturation of karmic merit.
Left Hand – Jewel-Spouting Mongoose: Like other Jambhalas, the mongoose in his left hand releases treasures, symbolizing the flow of abundance that comes from ethical actions and generosity.
Union with Consort: The presence of his wisdom consort signifies the enlightened union of method (compassion) and wisdom, which is a fundamental principle in tantra. It also embodies the fertility of merit and the creation of conditions for both worldly achievements and spiritual development.
Serene Yet Dynamic Posture: His relaxed yet attentive posture shows a readiness to act, a key characteristic of karma-driven Buddhas. It serves as a reminder to practitioners that wealth and outcomes come not from being passive but from skillful actions and engaged virtue.
Green Jambhala is called upon for quick success in business, career growth, and projects that align with Dharma and a righteous way of living. He fosters prosperity that comes from doing the right thing, helping practitioners create and maintain the conditions necessary for stability, generosity, and spiritual growth.
Practices that involve Green Jambhala alongside his consort are particularly effective in speeding up virtuous karma, amplifying the effects of generosity, and overcoming stagnation. The imagery of their union emphasizes that all achievements—whether material or spiritual—must stem from a blend of inner clarity and compassionate action. He is especially revered by householders, businesspeople, and those striving to balance worldly duties with spiritual goals. His blessings are aimed not just at personal gain but at fostering success that benefits others and upholds the Dharma.
Red Jambhala (Tibetan: Marpo Dzambhala) embodies the magnetizing power of enlightened wealth — the ability to draw in favorable conditions, benefactors, and support for one’s spiritual and worldly aspirations. He is associated with Amitabha Buddha and the fire element, which symbolizes transformation, desire transmuted into wisdom, and the energy of attraction.
This form of Jambhala is particularly effective in aligning outer wealth with inner purpose. Through his magnetizing activity, he draws together the right people, opportunities, and material support needed for the Dharma to flourish.
Red Jambhala is often shown sitting on a lotus throne, usually perched on floating clouds that highlight his otherworldly, captivating essence. His body boasts a deep, rich red color, symbolizing passion that has evolved into wisdom and a magnetic allure that remains unattached. His gaze is sharp and penetrating, inviting the viewer into the sphere of his influence.
Symbolism and Attributes:
Red Jambhala is called upon to draw in prosperity, foster relationships, create favorable situations, and gather resources that support noble causes. His magnetic influence isn’t about force; it stems from a deep connection to Dharma and a genuine compassionate intent. He’s especially beneficial for spiritual leaders, community organizers, or anyone looking to rally support for meaningful projects.
The practices associated with Red Jambhala aim to cultivate harmony, boost charisma, and align the karmic conditions necessary for success. He’s a vital ally for those who want to break free from feelings of isolation, lack of support, or blocked influence, making him invaluable for anyone dedicated to serving others through Dharma or ethical leadership. With Red Jambhala, the idea of prosperity shifts from being a personal ambition to a shared advantage, drawn in by the strength of wisdom and ethical purpose.
When illustrated together in a thangka, the Five Jambalas create a cohesive mandala representing enlightened wealth, with each one positioned in a quadrant or at the center based on their unique role. They embody the actions of the Five Buddha Families, addressing the complete range of enlightened responses to issues like poverty and material hardships.
| Jambhala Form | Element | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Earth | Integrates and stabilizes |
| White | Water | Pacifies and purifies |
| Black | Air | Subjugates and protects |
| Green | Wind | Accomplishes and energizes |
| Red | Fire | Magnetizes and attracts |
The mongoose, which appears in the left hand of all five Jambhalas, is much more than just a mythical creature that spits out jewels — it serves as a powerful symbol of anti-greed and the enlightened use of wealth. In ancient Indian mythology, the mongoose is celebrated for its ability to defeat the snake, a creature often linked to greed, envy, and hoarding. By holding a mongoose that releases treasures instead of hoarding them, Jambhala visually conveys the Buddhist idea that true wealth is found in generosity, not in accumulation.
This symbol reinforces a fundamental teaching of Vajrayana Buddhism: abundance only becomes virtuous when it’s shared. The jewel-spouting mongoose signifies an endless flow of merit that comes from selfless giving. It serves as a reminder to practitioners that material resources should be used wisely — not for personal indulgence, but to alleviate suffering, support the Dharma, and help others. In this way, the mongoose stands as a living emblem of compassionate prosperity, transforming wealth into a means of liberation.
The Five Forms of Jambhala offer more than just blessings of material wealth — they provide a comprehensive and enlightened perspective on wealth as taught in Vajrayana Buddhism. Each form, with its own unique imagery, elemental energy, and ritual purpose, represents a different way to overcome scarcity, purify karma, and inspire generosity. They are not merely gods of possession, but symbols of compassionate abundance — illustrating that when wealth is guided by ethics, mindfulness, and intention, it becomes a powerful tool for both worldly well-being and spiritual growth.
Whether practiced alone for specific needs or together as a mandala of enlightened prosperity, the Jambhalas remind us that wealth is never the ultimate goal — it’s a means to serve, protect, and awaken. Through their mantras, visualizations, and offerings, followers are encouraged to nurture not just external success, but also the inner richness of merit, stability, and freedom from attachment. By embodying the teachings of the Jambhalas, one discovers that true prosperity isn’t about how much you have, but about your ability to give, uplift, and liberate others.
Discover a curated collection of Jambhala thangkas and ritual ensembles by Enlightenment Thangka here.
