Black Sow Terma Protection Amulet

Traditionally Prepared and Blessed at Tashi Chöthang Monastery

This traditional Tibetan Buddhist Black Sow Terma Protection Amulet (Tib. Phag Nag) was traditionally prepared and blessed by Tibetan lamas at Tashi Chöthang Monastery, the principal monastery of Khentrul Rinpoche's root guru, Lama Lobsang Trinley.

Prepared according to an authentic Tibetan Buddhist treasure (Terma) tradition, these sacred amulets contain blessed mantras, seed syllables, protective prayers, and sacred substances arranged according to lineage instructions before being sealed and consecrated through traditional rituals. They are worn with faith and respect as continual reminders of one's connection to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the enlightened lineage.

For centuries, Tibetan Buddhists have relied upon sacred protection amulets during times of illness, epidemic disease, war, famine, and uncertainty. Rather than being regarded as magical objects, they are understood to be supports for strengthening one's connection to enlightened wisdom, compassion, and the blessings of the lineage.

The Black Sow Terma

The Black Sow (Phag Nag) is a renowned protection terma traditionally revealed for an age in which diseases and obstacles become increasingly difficult to overcome. According to the lineage, this sacred support was intended especially for the challenging illnesses and adverse conditions characteristic of our present era.

Throughout Tibetan history, practitioners have carried this amulet while praying for protection from contagious disease, harmful influences, and obstacles that threaten health, longevity, and spiritual practice. Although the outer forms of illness change from generation to generation, the need for refuge, compassion, wisdom, and diligent Dharma practice remains timeless.

Khentrul Rinpoche often reminds students that while we naturally think of protection during times of illness, none of us knows when sickness, obstacles, or death may arise. For this reason, sacred supports such as this amulet can benefit anyone by encouraging us to remember the Dharma, cultivate bodhicitta, and live with awareness every day.

Traditional Benefits

According to this terma tradition, the Black Sow Protection Amulet is specifically relied upon as a sacred support for the difficult diseases and obstacles of the present age. It is traditionally worn to help create the causes and conditions for:

• Protection from epidemic and contagious diseases
• Protection from newly arising or difficult-to-overcome illnesses
• The pacification of obstacles affecting health and longevity
• Protection from harmful influences and adverse conditions
• Greater courage and confidence during times of illness and uncertainty
• The flourishing of Dharma practice despite challenging circumstances

These traditional benefits are understood to arise through the blessings of the terma, the power of the enlightened lineage, one's own faith and devotion, and the unfailing law of karma and interdependence.

A Sacred Support for Protection

Within Tibetan Buddhism, blessed protection amulets are not regarded as objects that guarantee health or eliminate all difficulties. Rather, they are sacred supports that deepen one's connection to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the enlightened lineage.

When respectfully worn, this amulet serves as a continual reminder to take refuge, cultivate bodhicitta, maintain ethical conduct, and rely upon wisdom and compassion in every circumstance. The blessings of the lineage, together with one's sincere motivation and Dharma practice, help create auspicious conditions for both worldly well-being and spiritual progress.

As with all Buddhist supports for practice, this amulet should be used alongside appropriate medical care whenever illness arises.

Care and Respect

To avoid damage to the amulet, it is recommended to keep it in a cloth or leather pouch. This also protects it from dust and moisture.

The amulet may be worn around the neck, across the body, or respectfully carried in a bag. It may also be placed on a clean shrine or another respectful location within the home.

As with all sacred Buddhist objects, it should be kept clean and treated with respect. Avoid placing it directly on the floor or in unclean locations.

Traditional Recitation

It is traditional to recite the Dependent Origination Mantra three times before wearing or respectfully handling the amulet:

Om Ye Dharma Hetu Prabhava
Hetun Teshan Tathagato Hyavadat
Teshan Tsa Yo Nirodha
Evam Vadi Mahashramanah Soha