Question asked by Craig Milford
In an interview with Lati Rinpoche (link below), the interviewer observed that “amongst many Gelugpa centres around the world today, there is a trend to practice only the Solitary Yamantaka and the Vajrayogini of the Naropa Tradition or more commonly called the Naro Kachod.” I did not know this, and it makes me wonder: why these two deities in particular? How did this happen? (I do not mean to criticize—on the contrary, I am attracted to these same deities.) Rinpoche, could you please explain this? Thank you!
Reference: http://www.4ui.com/eart/142eart1.htm
Dear Craig,
To make a long story short, yet complete, these are the deities that Lord Tsongkapa practiced Himself.
Tsongkapa practiced many deities, but he kept Yamantaka surpreme of his practices along with Heruka, and Guhyasamaja and recommended it to his followers.
Vajra Yogini was kept as his most secret practice. It was so secret, that no one knew He was practicing till after His parinirvana.
Also during the degenerate age (now) Kyabje Dechen Nyingpo or Pabongka Dorje Chang recommended highly we practice Vajra Yogini. The practice is shorter than the Yamantaka, Heruka, etc but complete. The visualizations are simpler, shorter and less but just as effective. Vajra Yogini is highly recommended.