Ushnisha Sitatapatra, also known as the White Umbrella Goddess or the Deity with White Parasol, is a prominent figure in Buddhism, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism. She is often depicted with a thousand arms and a thousand faces, and sometimes with two arms. She always holds the White Umbrella which symbolizes her ability to protect sentient beings from various dangers and obstacles, much like how an umbrella shields from rain and sun.

Ushnisha" refers to the crown protuberance or cranial bump that is often depicted atop the head of Buddha and certain deities in Buddhist iconography. It symbolizes wisdom, enlightenment, and the attainment of Buddhahood. "Sitatapatra" is a Sanskrit compound word. "Sita" means "white" and "patra" means "umbrella."

The origins of Ushnisha Sitatapatra are rooted in the Buddhist concept of compassion and the bodhisattva ideal, which emphasizes the altruistic intention to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. As a bodhisattva, Ushnisha Sitatapatra embodies the compassionate aspiration to protect beings from suffering and guide them towards spiritual awakening.

The White Umbrella Sutra is traditionally attributed to Buddha Shakyamuni and is included in the Mahayana Buddhist canon. The White Umbrella Goddess issued from the ushnisha of the Buddha Shakyamuni as he rested in samadhi on Mt.Meru, the center of the god realm. The sutra details a litany of dangers, illness, and threats and emphasizes the power of Ushnisha Sitatapatra to protect beings from various forms of harm, obstacles, and negative influences. It contains teachings and instructions on the recitation of Ushnisha Sitatapatra's dharani (incantations) as a means of invoking her blessings and safeguarding practitioners.

White Umbrella prayer flags, also known as "Dukar" flags, usually feature the image of the two armed version of Ushnisha Sitatapatra in the center surrounded by sacred texts, usually a short version of the White Umbrella Sutra, dharanis and mantras. As the wind blows through the flags, it carries the prayers and blessings inscribed on them, spreading the protective energy throughout the surroundings.

We just added White Umbrella Prayer Flags to our website in sets of 5, 10, and 25. Unlike the 5 color sets of all the other prayer flags on our site, these the flags in these sets are all white.

WHITE UMBRELLA

SET OF 5 (6 FT LONG)

Retail Price: $15

Sale Price: $12

WHITE UMBRELLA

SET OF 10 ((12 FT LONG)

Retail Price: $24

Sale Price: $19

WHITE UMBRELLA

SET OF 25 ((30 FT LONG)

Retail Price: $45

Sale Price: $36

While on a pilgrimage to Taksang Monastery above Paro, Bhutan, I came across this large old (29 in x 40 in) woodblock print of Ushnisha Sitatapatra in a little roadside stall. It looks to be printed on linen cloth that must have been hanging on the wall of some smoke filled cave or yogi's hut for many years. I have no idea how old it is or of its history, but it exudes the spiritiual power of Taktsang, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century.

I'm not sure what to do with this relic. I'm getting older everyday and am reminded of my mortality. I'm afraid that to some, this print might just seem a dirty piece of cloth and won't appreciate its sacred qualities. It should be preserved in frame, under glass.

If any of you are interested in this, please email me (prayerflags2@gmail.com). I'd like to sell it for $200, but if it's something that you'd really appreciate but can't afford, let me know.

This woodblock print on rice paper measures 14.5 inches x 29 inches

Thank you for submitting your entries. Please be sure to include your address.

. Congratulations to the winners of last month's drawing for the

Vajrasattva thangka and rice paper print:

Diane Ansel of Chicago, IL

  David T. Moss, Esq. of Akron, OH

The Third Lunar Month goes end May 8. During this month, the Nagas are gathering together in great meetings. If you make offerings on offering days, they will perceive your offerings as ambrosia. The result of this will bring much benefit to the surrounding environment, and all your wishes and aspirations will come true.

The Fourth Lunar Month goes from May 9 through June 6. During this month, the Nagas pay particular attention to abiding by the laws of their realm. If we make offerings to them during teb days, then they will provide true support to us. If we make offerings to them on dok days, our offerings will turn to poison, so beware!

Make offering to the Nagas on the days listed below. The especially good days to make offerings are May 1, 3, (dakini day), 12, 17, 31 and June 2 & 6.

To avoid harming the Nagas and attracting their wrath be sure and not make offerings on May 9, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26.

If you have any questions or comments, I will try to answer your emails. I appreciate getting photos and videos of prayer flags on display, especially prayer flags that you got from us.

Email me at: prayerflags2@gmail.com

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter.

Timothy Clark

Owner of Radiant Heart Studios