Materials:

Sterling Silver

Coral, lapis lazuli & turquoise

Gold-plated silver

Rubies

Dimensions & Weight:

Length: 2.5 inches

Width:  2.5 inches

Depth: 0.5 inch

Weight: 90 grams

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:

Master Nepali craftsman created this extraordinary gold-plated, sterling silver Ghau, intricately inlaid with lapis lazuli, coral, and turquoise.

In Buddhism, a Ghau (also gau or gao) is a prayer box that opens to a concealed inner space to hold a picture of their favorite deity or Lama, a folded up scroll of sacred mantras, special herbs, or sacred relics.  The Ghau is used as an amulet to help the wearer to ward off negative energy and attract blessings.  A Ghau is also used as a portable shrine and is worn on a cord around the neck and hung close to the heart.

The White Tara, carved from coral, on the top, called “the Mother of all Buddhas” is the perfect embodiment of graceful power, wisdom, and purity.  Pure, truthful, powerful, transcending all limitations – these are just some of the attributes of the color white that describe the energy of White Tara.  Sometimes the White Tara is called “the Goddess of Seven Eyes” because, in addition to the third eye, she is also depicted with eyes in her hands and feet.  This represents White Tara seeing all human suffering, as well as encourages the devotee to develop vigilance and sensitivity to the energy in an around them.

Inside, carved of turquoise, is Chenrezig, is the most revered of all Bodhisattva, embodying the compassion of all Buddhas.  He listens to the prayers of all sentient beings in times of challenge and difficulty.  In one prominent Buddhist story, Chenrezig vows never to rest until he has helped free all sentient beings from samsara, but despite his best efforts, his task is overwhelming.  So, in his effort to reach out to so many cries of suffering, his arms are shattered into pieces, making them many, to better reach out to those in need.  Chenrezig is considered the patron of Tibet, and, in fact, the living Buddha, the Dali Lama, is an incarnation of him.