2026.08.25
Śrī-Lakṣmī — The Tantric Goddess of Wealth and Well-Being
Śrī-Lakṣmī is a goddess symbolizing happiness, beauty and wealth. In the Hindu tradition she is the consort of the great god Viṣṇu; in the Buddhist tradition she is counted among the dharma protectors, often bringing beings resources, sustenance and well-being.
Śrī-Lakṣmī in Hinduism
Her Sanskrit names are Śrī and Lakṣmī, symbols of abundance, radiance and auspiciousness.
She is said to have been born from a lotus at the churning of the milk ocean, and so is often shown seated on a lotus, holding lotus flowers.
Her most famous form is Gaja-Lakṣmī: two elephants pour pure water over her with their trunks, signifying merit that is full and unceasing.
Śrī-Lakṣmī in Buddhism
Buddhism counts Śrī-Lakṣmī among the protective deities; in Chinese Buddhism she is called the "Goddess of Merit" (Gongde Tian) or "Great Auspicious Goddess."
She sustains practitioners with sufficiency of food and clothing and the increase of wealth, and with peace of body and mind, helping them leave poverty and obstacles behind and practise with a settled heart.
In the Vajrayāna, making offerings to wealth deities and protectors is above all about gathering the accumulation of merit with a pure mind, and dedicating it so that oneself and others may be free of suffering — wealth being a favourable condition for the path, not its ultimate aim.
Symbolism of the Image
The lotus throne: rising unstained from the mud, symbolizing purity kept amid the world.
The two elephants pouring water: merit like living water, its benefit flowing without end.
The cascading gold coins: abundant generosity and the forming of good connections.
The gentle countenance and the gesture of giving: embracing beings with compassion, bestowing well-being.
A Reminder for Devotees
Seeking wealth is inseparable from cultivating merit: accumulating merit through generosity, discipline and offering to the Three Jewels is the most stable way to attract prosperity.
May we take Śrī-Lakṣmī's qualities as our own example — dignified, compassionate, glad to give — so that merit naturally increases.
May the blessings of the guru and the Three Jewels grant everyone sufficiency, peace of body and mind, and the fulfilment of their wishes. 🌿🙏