Yaksha General Holding a Mongoose: Famous Sculpture

Q: Where can I see it?

At the Art Institute of Chicago. 18th-century gilt copper from Tibet.

This 18th-century gilt copper figure from Tibet depicts one of the twelve Yaksha generals from the Medicine Buddha's retinue. He holds a mongoose in his left hand, the creature spitting jewels. In Buddhist mythology, the mongoose is a predator of nagas (serpent beings who guard treasures), and its jewel-spewing represents "subduing the karma of stinginess" and the dispensing of wealth. All twelve Yaksha generals carry a mongoose.

This connects to the broader cult of Jambhala (Kubera in Hinduism), the Buddhist deity of fortune and wealth who also holds a jewel-producing mongoose. In Tibetan Buddhism, wealth deities aren't about personal enrichment. They emphasize that prosperity should support generosity, dharma practice, and charitable activity. The mongoose teaches that wealth must be shared, not hoarded. The piece is at the Art Institute of Chicago.

In Buddhist mythology, the mongoose preys on nagas (serpent guardians of treasure). Its jewel-spewing represents "subduing the karma of stinginess" and the ability to access and dispense wealth. It's the defining attribute of wealth deities.

Twelve heavenly protectors in the Medicine Buddha's retinue. All twelve hold a mongoose and another attribute. They wear princely jewelry and bare chests with silk dhoti, representing their status as divine warriors and protectors.

No. In Tibetan Buddhism, wealth deities emphasize that prosperity should support generosity, dharma practice, and charitable activity. The mongoose "subduing stinginess" teaches that wealth must be shared, not hoarded.

At the Art Institute of Chicago. 18th-century gilt copper from Tibet.

Yaksha General Holding a Mongoose

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