In the Tibetan tradition, the offering of white silk scarves, called "khatas", symbolizes an auspicious offering of one's good intentions during the welcoming and commencement of new relationships.
Khatas are also offered ceremonially to the deceased; perhaps a well-wishing for the departed's auspicious transition and welcoming into his/her next life.
Khatas can be offered as a blessing to any new relationship.
The decision to enter into a marital relationship, business relationship or political relationship, for example, often represents powerful change and transition in one's life.
The auspicious offering of a white silk scarf, or khata, symbolizes that one's intentions for the other are positive and pure, and that the offering is truly a blessing from the heart.
In the Tibetan tradition, khatas are offered in a spirit of honor, love and respect to spiritual images and statues of Buddha, spiritual teachers, monks, nuns and to political leaders such as H.
H.
The Dalai Lama.
It is very common for Tibetan people, and others following their tradition, to hang white silk scarves over their altars and around the sacred objects that adorn them.
In the Tibetan tradition it is an honor for a person to be bestowed with this genuine act of blessing.
President Obama honored this powerful tradition at his Inauguration Day ceremony.
While President Obama was being sworn in as President of the United States, he was carrying a white silk scarf, or khata, blessed by H.
H.
the Dalai Lama, in his pocket.
This is testament that traditions travel far and wide, crossing borders and boundaries, from generation to generation, for centuries at a time.
The auspicious offering of khatas, holy white silk scarves, is an ancient Tibetan tradition which is still being honored today.
It is a beautiful offering to spiritual images, spiritual teachers and objects of devotion; as well as in religious and political ceremonies, marriage ceremonies, funeral ceremonies, births and in any event in which one feels inspired to offer his/her purest blessing.
H.
H.
the Dalai Lama travels all over the world teaching the Buddhist path of compassion and loving kindness.
If you have the opportunity to attend a teaching, which is a blessing in itself, remember to buy a luxurious white silk scarf and carry it with you to be blessed by H.
H.
the Dalai Lama.
If you feel like sharing this beautiful offering with others, carry a few extra white silk scarves with you to give to the ones you love.
The offering of khatas is a beautiful way to offer one's purest blessing to another.