Very small Tibetan Tsa Tsa - Sacred object - Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

Tibetan Tsatsa:

- A Tibetan tsatsa is a small Buddhist deity image, usually made of terracotta (clay), which is used in Tibetan Buddhism for meditation and worship. They are often found in temples, monasteries and Tibetan homes. It is an object that is revered and believed to provide blessings and protection.

- Handcrafting tsatsa is an ancient tradition that dates back over 1000 years. Tsatsa are small clay sculptures that are handmade in Lhasa, Tibet. They are often made from white or red clay and are often decorated with religious images or spiritual symbols. They are made to represent various deities and religious beliefs and are often used as offerings to deities or as talismans. Tsatsa are also used as objects of worship and meditation for Buddhist practitioners. The crafting of tsatsa is very important to Tibetan culture and is an integral part of religious practice.

- Here we have a Tsatsa handmade in Lhasa using the traditional method. Each statue contains clay but also barley. Plated with gold-based paint in accordance with Buddha's law.

- This object can be used for decoration but also for prayer.

The making of our Tsa Tsa:

Our Tibetan Tsa Tsa are made in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, using traditional methods. Our Buddhist artisans begin by preparing a mixture of special clay, often composed of different minerals and sacred elements. This mixture is then carefully kneaded to obtain a homogeneous texture.

Then, our craftsmen use hand-carved wooden molds to create the shapes of the Tsa Tsa. The molds can represent Buddhist deities, mandalas, mantras or other sacred symbols. The clay is pressed into the moulds, then the surpluses are removed to obtain a smooth and uniform surface.

Once the Tsa Tsa have been formed, they are carefully dried in the open air or in the shade to avoid cracking or deformation. Sometimes they are also sun-dried to further harden the clay. After drying, our Tsa Tsa are gilded with gold leaf to add detail and an extra artistic touch.

Once the finishes are completed, our Tibetan Tsa Tsa are ready to be used. They can be worn by Buddhist devotees or used during purification and blessing rituals in temples or shrines. Tsa Tsa can also be distributed to believers as a sign of blessing and protection.

Making Tibetan Tsa Tsa in Lhasa is an artisanal process that takes time, patience and traditional skill to create these sacred objects that are charged with spirituality and Buddhist symbolism.

Each Tsa Tsa is meticulously shaped by hand, without the use of machines. Being in dried clay, slight flaws may appear, but they contribute to the authenticity of each piece.

The Tsa Tsa and Buddha Law:

Tsa Tsa are objects that are often associated with the law of Buddha in Buddhist practice. Although Buddha law does not directly specify the use of Tsa Tsa, these objects are revered as symbols of devotion and protection in Buddhist spirituality.

Buddha Law, also known as Dharma, is the body of teachings and principles enunciated by Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. These teachings aim to guide followers towards enlightenment, freedom from suffering and the attainment of the state of Buddhahood.

In Buddhist practice, Tsa Tsa are used as devotional objects to recall the Buddha's teachings and inspire spiritual practice. They can be placed in domestic altars, temples or shrines, where the faithful venerate them and offer them prayers.

Although the Tsa Tsa themselves do not directly contain the teachings of the Buddha Law, they serve as a visual reminder of these teachings and as a support for meditation and contemplation. Buddhist devotees can use Tsa Tsa as focal points to connect with Buddhist principles and cultivate awareness and spiritual presence.

It is important to note that Tsa Tsa are not considered sacred objects in themselves, but rather symbolic representations of Buddhist spirituality. They are used as supports for practice and devotion, helping worshipers connect with Buddha's teachings and cultivate Buddhist qualities such as compassion, wisdom and benevolence.