Gya-zhi (also pronounced as Jabzhi) literally means “Four Hundred” and it refers to the four hundred offerings of which one hundred are tormas, one hundred are butter lamps, one hundred tsha-tsa (miniature stupas), and one hundred human effigies. It is one of the, or probably the most powerful kurim (rituals to remove obstacles).

In ancient Tibet, the ritual was conducted only by the wealthiest of families because everything had to be human size or bigger. In Bhutan, however, the Bhutanese masters simplified this powerful and elaborate puja – making it accessible to ordinary people by doing all in miniature size. In fact there are stories of how Tibetans would be in awe when they used to hear that every Bhutanese family would do gya-zhi.

The one being prepared at Kuenselphodrang is the elaborate one and even bigger. In fact it could be biggest in size in recent history.

What do the prayers mean?

The ritual mainly aims at appeasement of the Four Great Maras, who are hindrances in our mundane life in causing us untimely deaths, diseases, delusions, destructive emotions. The mantras basically invoke Buddha Shakyamuni to negotiate with the Maras and bless them and send them away with gifts of four hundred items. Hence, it is appropriate that the biggest gya-zhi is performed in front of the biggest Buddha statue.

At a deeper philosophical-spiritual level the butter lamps are to eradicate one’s delusion from clinging to forms and perceptions as ‘real’. The hundred tormas represent our desire for pleasure, convenience, and peace, resulting in jealousy and greed. The hundred human effigies are to subdue the demon of death, which causes untimely deaths and represents our fear of change and impermanence. The hundred Tsha tsas to overcome our negative emotions.

The benefits.

The benefits of this ceremony, therefore, are many. From removing obstacles affecting one’s career and business to preventing malevolent beings, and sorcery from affecting you – to extending your life and recharging you with extra life-force and positive karma, Gya-Zhi is the most popular ritual to ward off negative energy.

Ultimately, every ritual, every aspirational prayer in Vajrayana Buddhism is about cultivating the Bodhisattva ideals.

May you all make it there in spirit as well as with your body, and pray for all the challenges we are facing as a country and humanity – and wish for the peace and happiness for all sentient beings.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻