President Obama, a Tibetan Khata and its Significance.
Did you know that President Obama had a Tibetan Khata in his pocket during his first inauguration? What are Khatas, and what do they mean? Read a quick introduction to Khata:
Richard Blum, a friend of Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama and husband of Senator Diane Feinstein, offered the blessed Khata from the Dalai Lama to President Obama just before he went on the podium during his first inauguration.
So what are Khatas?
Khatas are scarfs of felicitation. Every Tibetan home has a small supply of Khatas as they are used on various occasions. They come in a variety of colors, but white is the most common and recommended one. They could be ornate or simple, long or short. The price of khatas is not essential. It’s the representation of meaning behind them — the expression of our emotion towards the person we are offering the khata.
When and where are these Khatas used?
Khatas are used to express our feeling of appreciation, respect, devotion, and good wishes. They are offered to the shrine, to teachers, friends, and family, on birthdays, graduations, weddings, to someone departing or arriving and even at a funeral. It is a simple piece of clean white cloth with a lot of meaning. The use of Khatas is not limited to the Tibetans, and anyone can use it.
Besides people, Tibetan offers Khata to new buildings or machines to express approval and to wish success and prosperity. If you visit a Tibetan monastery, you’ll see hundreds of khatas suspended beside the deities.
“It is among them the purest and sincerest expression of all noble sentiments. The finest words, the most costly presents, are nothing without the khata. With it, on the contrary, the most ordinary object acquires immense value. If someone asks a favor of you, a khata in his hand, it is impossible to refuse it, unless one wishes to show contempt for all rules of propriety.” (Huc, Souvenirs d’ un voyage, ii, p. 88.)
Colors of Khatas?
There are various colors of Khatas; white, blue, red, yellow, and green. They represent the elements: Yellow for the earth, green for water, red for fire, white for air or wind, and blue for sky or space. Colorful khatas are used for specific Buddhist rituals.
However, the most recommended and safest color to go with is white. It symbolizes a pure heart with no malice.
The color white represents warm-heartedness, truthfulness, and honesty. The smooth texture of the scarf represents non-violent conduct — trying to help others whenever you can and refrain from harming them.
— His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Another commonly-used color of khata is yellow. It is used as an offering to a shrine or religious teacher. It represents the aspiration of Buddha dharma to spread far and wide.
Are they plain or printed?
It could be either and doesn’t matter as long as you are offering it with a pure heart and positive emotions. There are, however, khatas printed with the eight auspicious signs. The eight auspicious symbols are the precious parasol, the golden fishes, a wish-fulfilling vase of treasure, the exquisite lotus blossom, the conch shell, the endless knot, the banner of victory, and the all-powerful wheel.
The Precious Parasol symbolizes protection from suffering, obstacles, sickness, and destructive emotions.
The Golden Fishes signifies freedom and happiness as well as fertility.
The Wish-Fulfilling Vase of Treasure expresses a long and healthy life. It also stands for prosperity.
The Lotus Blossom means the purity of mind and heart, as well as compassion.
The Conch Shell signifies the spread of Buddha’s teachings.
The Endless Knot means interdependence.
The Banner of Victory stands for victory over all obstacles and disharmony.
The All-Powerful Wheel symbolizes the teachings of Buddha and the source of wisdom.
Is there a standard way to offer the Khata?
Khatas signifies great respect, so they are always offered with both hands. They are usually folded lengthwise, and the fold’s opening is faced towards the person you are offering the khata to.
If you are offering Khata to someone younger than you in age or position, put it around the neck. If you are offering the Khata to someone older than you or a teacher, always offer it on hand and never put it around their neck.
Where can I get some Tibetan khatas?
You can find them in Tibetan/Himlayan stores in your area or purchase them online
President Obama and the His Holiness the Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama calls President Obama his Old Trusted Friend. The two luminaries and Noble laureate have met several times including four times at the White House during Obama’s presidency. discussing topics such as “sense of oneness among seven billion human beings”, “compassion and altruism”, and “promoting peace in a world torn by strife and violence” among others.
