Do you know the origin of the God of Wealth? In folk traditions, the God of Wealth holds an extremely important position, being one of the most popular and respected deities. Many people hope to obtain good fortune and blessings for their careers by welcoming and offering to the God of Wealth. But how much do you really know about the God of Wealth? This article will highlight the origin and images of the God of Wealth and provide tips on worshiping to increase the chances of you receiving blessings.
The Story of the God of Wealth: The Origin of Zhao Gongming
Among the various Gods of Wealth, Zhao Gongming is one of the most famous. He was also known as Zhao Xuantan or Xuantan Ye. According to the records in The Complete Collection of Gods and Origins in the Three Religions, Zhao guarded the immortal furnace for Taoist Zhang Daoling on Longhu Mountain, and later, due to his achievements, was appointed as the “Deputy Marshal of the Divine Capital” by the Jade Emperor.
In the Ming dynasty novel Investiture of the Gods, Zhao was originally an immortal on Mount Emei, summoned by King Zhou of Shang to assist in resisting the Zhou dynasty. Zhao, with boundless magical powers, once fought against Jiang Ziya but was ultimately destroyed by Jiang Ziya’s master, Primordial Heavenly Worthy. After the fall of King Zhou, Zhao was appointed as an overseer of Earthly wealth, becoming the God of Wealth. Because Zhao Gongming died on the battlefield, he is often depicted as wearing armor, wielding weapons, and exuding a formidable presence. The well-known Five Gods of Wealth refer to Zhao and his four generals, which include Inviting Treasure Heavenly Worthy, Gathering Treasures Heavenly Worthy, Wealth Attracting Messenger, and Profitable City Immortal Official, who collectively oversee all business transactions and the welcoming of auspiciousness and blessings.
Worshiping the Right God of Wealth
In terms of belief in the God of Wealth, it is usually divided into “Primary Gods of Wealth” and “Secondary Gods of Wealth.” If you want stable and regular financial income, such as a salary, it is recommended to worship the Primary Gods of Wealth; the Secondary Gods of Wealth are sought for quick wealth or windfall gains. The Primary Gods of Wealth also have distinctions between Civil and Military Gods of Wealth, and one may choose to worship different Gods of Wealth in accordance with one’s profession. Let’s look at the differences among them.
- Civil Gods of Wealth
Civil Gods of Wealth include Wenqu Xingjun, Bigan, and Tao Zhugong Fan Li. Taking Bigan as an example, he was framed by Daji and died from having his heart removed; therefore, he represents impartiality and justice, as the heartless can’t be biased. Fan Li was famous for his business acumen, and many people hope to gain wisdom for business success through his power. As such, civil servants, lawyers, accountants, those in the financial industry, and those engaged in clerical work or in the arts and culture industry are suitable for worshiping Civil Gods of Wealth.
★ Civil Gods of Wealth: Fan Li’s three entrepreneurial journeys to wealth - Military Gods of Wealth
Military Gods of Wealth mainly include General Guan Yu and Marshal Zhao Gongming. Guan Yu, known for his loyalty and righteousness, is a symbol of integrity and trustworthiness, deeply beloved by the people. He is suitable for businesspeople who emphasize honest operation without deception. That is why businesspeople who prioritize integrity often choose to worship Guan Yu. Zhao Gongming, the marshal, emphasizes fairness and justice, so it is believed that seeking his blessings for fair transactions will be rewarded. He is also worshiped by many salespeople, construction workers, police officers, and firefighters, as well as those who frequently travel.
★ Military Gods of Wealth: The legendary loyalty of Guan Yu - Yellow God of Wealth
In the Tibetan Kangyur, the Yellow God of Wealth is referred to as “Jambhala” and is one of the Five Way Gods of Wealth in Tibetan Buddhism (Five Way Gods of Wealth: Yellow God of Wealth, White God of Wealth, Red God of Wealth, Black God of Wealth, and Green God of Wealth). He is not only a God of Wealth but also a Divine guardian. The Yellow God of Wealth is considered an incarnation of Dhritarashtra and is associated with abundance, symbolizing the accumulation of merit and the growth of wisdom. The Yellow God of Wealth is depicted with golden skin, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel in his right hand, symbolizing the radiance of treasures illuminating all directions and bringing fortune to sentient beings. In his left hand, he cradles a wealthy creature, a treasure-spouting mongoose with jewel beads in its mouth, symbolizing the wealth bestowed by the Heavens. By sincerely worshiping and reciting the Yellow God of Wealth’s mantra, one can receive his blessings, attract abundant wealth, alleviate financial pressure, and achieve lasting freedom from poverty.
★ Blessed by Grandmaster JinBodhi: Reciting the Yellow God of Wealth Mantra - Secondary Gods of Wealth
Secondary Gods of Wealth are deities with other responsibilities, but which are also associated with wealth. For example, “Tu Di Gong” (Earth Deity) is considered a Secondary God of Wealth. Tu Di Gong is a deity overseeing the land and is responsible for the wealth on the earth, including agricultural harvests and real estate transactions. Therefore, Tu Di Gong is regarded as a God of Wealth. Tu Di Gong also serves as a protector of peace, health, and happiness. Other Secondary Gods of Wealth include Zao Jun (Kitchen God), Hu Ye (Tiger God), Wen Chang Di Jun (God of Literature), and Kui Xing Ye.
What does a God of Wealth like to eat? Learn how to properly make offerings to the Gods of Wealth for abundant fortune!
Many people choose to make offerings to the Gods of Wealth around Chinese New Year, hoping for abundance in the coming year and seeking their blessings for wealth and prosperity. However, the God of Wealth worshiped in temples varies from place to place, and the steps and methods of worship may vary slightly. It is recommended to find out the local temple’s worship customs and rules to demonstrate sincerity and respect. Here are two key points to correctly worship the God of Wealth and attract good fortune:
- Sweet Treats
The God of Wealth enjoys various sweets and pastries. Therefore, in the offerings, prepare items such as nian gao (sticky rice cake), fa gao (prosperity cake), longan, red dates, peanut candy, and cookies. Both traditional and modern treats, as long as they have a sweet taste, are appreciated by the Gods of Wealth. Avoid sour, bitter, or astringent foods. Also, avoid choosing foods whose names sound similar to “loses” or “poor,” such as walnut pastry (loses) and apple (poor), as they are not suitable for worshiping the Gods of Wealth. - Gratitude and Giving Back
When making offerings to the Gods of Wealth, approach with a sincere and focused heart, showing respect and humility, praying and expressing gratitude for their blessings. Additionally, in daily life, practice kindness, accumulate merits, and engage in charitable activities, helping those genuinely in need. Grateful individuals who give back and perform good deeds are sowing positive seeds that will yield favorable outcomes in the future. Such actions also align with Buddhist principles, attracting more blessings and happiness, making life smoother and more fulfilling.
Bodhi Meditation | Build a Golden God of Wealth Statue for a Prosperous and Auspicious Life!
Do you desire a prosperous and auspicious life in the 2024 Year of the Dragon, attracting wealth and fortune? Grandmaster JinBodhi compassionately advises us that regularly reciting the Yellow God of Wealth mantra “Om Jambhala Jalendraya Svaha” with a compassionate heart and being mindful of one’s words and actions, grounded in compassion, can accumulate more merits and blessings, ensuring a happier and more auspicious New Year. Additionally, consider enshrining an image of the Yellow God of Wealth or inviting a thangka of the Yellow God of Wealth to protect your financial luck in the New Year, welcoming wealth from all directions.
This year, Bodhi Meditation College is offering a special opportunity for those with affinity to help in building a golden image of the Yellow God of Wealth. May everyone receive the blessings and protection of the Yellow God of Wealth, turning adversity into good fortune, ensuring peace and prosperity, and living a beautiful life.
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