As you travel Bhutan, you can see cone-shaped clay castings clinging to rocky outcroppings near caves, piled high at the foot of prayer wheels and even floating down rivers on rafts of sacred wood, such as cedar and sandalwood. These votive earthen offerings are called Tsa-Tsa, pronounced with a silent T.
The history of the Tsa-Tsa goes back to thousands of years and their origin is traced in the Himalayan regions of India, Bhutan and Tibet. The moulds and casting process have been handed down through generations from master to student, lama to monk. Also passed down are the meditations and mantras that are chanted during the casting process. It is a prayer for the well-being of a beloved human (living or departed).
Tsa-Tsas evoke the same powers as the largest stupa, but only if the maker and sponsor of them is a true believer in their powers. During construction and placement of the Tsa-Tsa and for many days after, one should recite aloud the most precious Sutra of Long Life, a thousand times over or even more. We should enlist the aid of monks at monasteries to continue to chant the sutra as many times as possible. All of this will focus the healing powers of the Tsa-Tsa on those who are true believers as well as their makers and sponsors.”
First, fine clay is collected from different sites in Bhutan, some from near Paro but most from southern Bhutan. This clay is very sticky and contains a minimum of sand which makes it perfect for pressing into the mould. The Tsa-Tsa caster, after picking out all the small pebbles and stones, pounds the mixture of clay with a wooden mallet. He also mixes in it the clay particles of saffron, holy herbs and spices and kneads it like bread dough until it is pliable and ready for the mould.
So as you venture across Bhutan and witness its glorious landscapes, architecture, history and culture, pay particular attention to the thousands of Tsa-Tsas that you will come across on your journey.
