The offering of a khata, or white scarf, in greeting is perhaps one of the best well known Tibetan customary traditions. It is an auspicious symbol. It lends a positive note to the commencement of any relationship, and it indicates the positive intentions of the person offering it.
Khatas, sometimes spelled khataks, are offered to religious holy images and to lamas prior to requesting their assistance in the form of prayers or other religious services. The offering of the khata indicates that the request is not polluted by corrupt thoughts and ulterior motives.
While there are many meanings behind exchanging greetings in the form of offering khatas, the predominant meaning is that such an offering is an indication of sincerity and purity of one's heart. Making offerings to the holy statues, images, and holy beings is a representation of devotion and brings about the fulfillment of one’s wishes. Making khata offerings to higher officials is an indication of truthfulness in regards to the issue one is to speak about. Exchanging of khata offering between our close and dear ones symbolizes our purity of love and affection with each other.
The manner of exchange varies according to the rank of the person to whom you are presenting the khata. When offering a khata to high ranking lamas, the khata is generally offered to the respective attendants. Then for those general ranking lamas and higher officials, the khata is offered on the table fully stretched. And for those of equal ranking status, the khatak is exchanged by means of hand to hand offering.
In the west, khatas are commonly offered to a teacher at the end of the teaching. The white cloth is usually folded in half lengthwise, with the opening facing the teacher, indicating you are offering with an open heart. The khata is offered with both hands, and the custom is for the teacher to immediately present it back to you by placing it over your head, sometimes accompanied with a tap to the head as a blessing. The personalized mutual exchange of offerings is generally a very festive and joyful way to thank the teacher and create a positive karmic connection.
by Ven. Gyalten Tsondue
VGT/gd
Originally posted on ADC Facebook, 4/20/17
Khatas, sometimes spelled khataks, are offered to religious holy images and to lamas prior to requesting their assistance in the form of prayers or other religious services. The offering of the khata indicates that the request is not polluted by corrupt thoughts and ulterior motives.
While there are many meanings behind exchanging greetings in the form of offering khatas, the predominant meaning is that such an offering is an indication of sincerity and purity of one's heart. Making offerings to the holy statues, images, and holy beings is a representation of devotion and brings about the fulfillment of one’s wishes. Making khata offerings to higher officials is an indication of truthfulness in regards to the issue one is to speak about. Exchanging of khata offering between our close and dear ones symbolizes our purity of love and affection with each other.
The manner of exchange varies according to the rank of the person to whom you are presenting the khata. When offering a khata to high ranking lamas, the khata is generally offered to the respective attendants. Then for those general ranking lamas and higher officials, the khata is offered on the table fully stretched. And for those of equal ranking status, the khatak is exchanged by means of hand to hand offering.
In the west, khatas are commonly offered to a teacher at the end of the teaching. The white cloth is usually folded in half lengthwise, with the opening facing the teacher, indicating you are offering with an open heart. The khata is offered with both hands, and the custom is for the teacher to immediately present it back to you by placing it over your head, sometimes accompanied with a tap to the head as a blessing. The personalized mutual exchange of offerings is generally a very festive and joyful way to thank the teacher and create a positive karmic connection.
by Ven. Gyalten Tsondue
VGT/gd
Originally posted on ADC Facebook, 4/20/17
RSS Feed
