Vajravarahi Caves in China
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Vajrayogini is well known to have emanated within the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia and even China. According to Buddha Shakyamuni, as years progressively become more distant from the time when the Buddha was alive, the “effectiveness” of the Tantras will diminish as the merits to uphold these teachings decrease. But for the Heruka and Vajrayogini tantras, it is the opposite. As we get further away from the time of the Buddha, our desires increase. Thus, the effectiveness of the Heruka and Vajrayogini tantras also increase as they use our desire as a tool to bring us to Enlightenment.
The Vajravarahi/Yogini Cave (Dorje Phagmo Cave) is located within the boundaries of Vajravarahi Hill (亥母山) in Liangzhou in Gansu Province, China. The origins of this cave dates back to the year 1004 AD. According to records, on the 25th day of the 1st lunar month, Vajravarahi reincarnated in human form together with her four other dakinis. These dakinis began to make tsog offerings and perform tantric rituals at the age of five in this sacred cave every 10th and 25th of the lunar month until they reached the age of eight. At that age, on the 25th day of the 12th lunar month, they ascended to Kechara Heaven.
Vajravarahi statue made by Drukpa Rangmo
Throughout the centuries, many high lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist order have visited this cave. For instance, in 1244, the great Tibetan sage, Sakya Pandita went to Liangzhou for a meeting with the officials of China and brought with him his younger sister, Drukpa Rangmo and his nephew, Chogyal Phagpa. At this sacred site of Vajravarahi, the entourage made extensive offerings and performed tsog. It was during this time that Drukpa Rangmo made a Dorje Phagmo statue from clay and enshrined the statue in this very cave. On another occasion, the 6th Dalai Lama on his way home from a pilgrimage to Wutaishan stayed in this cave for a long duration in retreat and prayer. To mark this occasion and also the sacred space of Vajravarahi, the 6th Dalai Lama erected a stupa made of clay in the cave.
Stupa made by the 6th Dalai Lama
A temple stands at the mouth of the cave, said to be one of the last temples built during the Western Xia or Tangut Empire. During this period, the Sutra and Tantra teachings of Lord Buddha were very much practiced and, according to Chinese sources, many practitioners would go to this cave to do extensive retreats on Vajravarahi. Today, a huge entrance marks the location of the cave and butterlamps are offered inside daily.
Entrance to the Vajravarahi Cave
Butterlamps are offered inside the Vajrayogini cave daily by devotees
A group of Chinese devotees decided to take responsibility for this cave in 2004 and with the help of the Chinese government, rebuilt the temple complexes. Today, Chinese representations of Vajravarahi can be seen in this new temple. The central figure of Vajravarahi is wearing the royal clothes of a Chinese princess. This is a very special form of Vajravarahi as it is not found in any of her scriptures prior to this. Vajravarahi must have manifested in this manner in China to suit the people of that time and culture. Thus, it is clear that her lineage also has close ties to China and has become part of Chinese culture in this part of the Dragon Kingdom. The temple also has statues of five other dakinis which represent the five directions, each holding a damaru in their right hands. The wall mural behind these dakinis depicts the lineage masters and also Tibetan representations of Vajrayogini herself.
Entrance of the Vajravarahi temple
The central Vajravarahi statue. On the wall painting behind her is Naro Kachö Vajrayogini (top left) and Sukhasiddhi (top right)
Vajravarahi’s attendant dakinis (click image to enlarge)
The Western Xia Empire
Western Xia, also known as the Tangut Empire is located in the northwestern Chinese provinces of Ningxia, Gansu, eastern Qinghai, northern Shaanxi, northeastern Xinjiang, southwest Inner Mongolia, and southernmost Outer Mongolia. As it is geographically part of the Silk Road, the country was very much influenced by Buddhism. Many of the cave murals are those of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas which are still preserved until today.
The Tibetans refer to the Tangut Empire as Minyak, which existed from 1038 to 1227. The entire empire is very advanced as it has received a lot of influence from earlier dynasties Tang and Ming. They have their own language and script which is similar to Chinese characters. As Buddhism is very widespread in Western Xia, the monks and monasteries had used 50 years to translate the entire Kangyur (words of the Buddha) from Sanskrit into the Tangut language. This is remarkable because it is about the same duration taken by the Tang Dynasty to translate the Kangyur into Chinese. The Tanguts did it with less resource with the same faith to the Three Jewels.
Buddhism practiced during that time was predominantly Chinese Mahayana with focus on the Vinaya. The monastic system was very strict with the government imposing strict rules according to the Vinaya. It was recorded that any religious master who was caught fortune-telling would be arrested as this was prohibited within the Vinaya.
Tangut Buddhism was strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, especially from both the Kagyu and Sakya lineages. Like the Vajravarahi cave, there were many pilgrimage and retreat sites for predominantly Kagyu and Sakya practitioners. This is clearly written in texts on Tangut Buddhism. For instance, the book “Latter Days of the Law” states that murals of Heruka Chakrasamvara and Vajrayogini were present in the caves of Western Xia.
In summary, the people of Western Xia had the necessary foundation of Buddhist study and practice to be able to receive higher teachings such as Vajravarahi. Through their study and practice of the Tripitaka, and the stringent adherence to the Vinaya, they were in general fit vessels for higher trainings. To increase their faith in the deities and the lineage, Vajravarahi also emanated in this cave, a testament for those who would enter her path that it will lead them to inner and secret Kechara.
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The Vajravarahi/Yogini Cave , also known as Dorje Phagmo Cave is located within the boundaries of Vajravarahi Hill in Liangzhou in Gansu Province, China. Gansu province has a great diversity of religious beliefs. Vajrayogini is well known to have emanated within the Himalayan regions. The caves recording to some it is dated back to the year 1004 AD. Hence not surprised that many high lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist order have visited ,meditate and do extensive retreats on Vajravarahi in this cave. The 6th Dalai Lama had erected a stupa made of clay in the cave. Many practitioners and non practitioners had offered butterlamps inside the Vajrayogini cave as well. Looking at those pictures in this post tells all. Interesting read of the Western Xia Empire related to Vajrayogini .The murals of Heruka Chakrasamvara and Vajrayogini were present in the caves of Western Xia
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing .
Ancient civilization of China already embraced Vajrayogini lineage long before where Mahayana Buddhism was prevalent. Interesting history of Vajrayogini’s teachings and practice that takes root in China . The practice of Vajrayogini is so deep rooted in China not till I know of until I read this post. It is also a really eye opening for me. The Western Xia empire Xixia was one of the three great barbarian empires ruling over northern China during the Song period. A land of myths and mysteries, monks and monasteries, the enchanting nation of happiness . There is that many rocks and cave formations around empire Xixia. The Vajravarahi/Yogini Cave (Dorje Phagmo Cave) is one such caves. Having a beautiful story behind it . This cave is well known after Vajrayogini reincarnated in human form and her four other dakinis performed tantric rituals. Recording to records this caves dates back to 1004 AD, that’s incredible indeed. Since then many Tibetan high lamas such as Sakya Pandita and 6th Dalai Lama had visited this cave doing retreats and prayers. The 6th Dalai Lama even erected a stupa in the cave.
With the Chinese government help the cave is restored to this present day. Having Vajrayogini manifested as a princess in China to suit the people of that time and culture. May this cave be well preserved for the Vajrayogini practice to flourish in China.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing of a special form of Vajrayogini found in China.
Amazing information and knowledge to show that the Vajrayogini practice had it beginning in China.The Buddha are always kind to manifest in ways and forms that will make it easy for us to accept and practice the Dharma
Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful and good article about Vajrayogini in China.
The story about the Vajravarahi cave seems to be unbelievable. A Buddha took rebirth as a human being and could perform tsog offerings at the age of 5 and ascend to Kechara at the age of 8 years old. I guess it must be real, otherwise, no high lamas will travel this far to this cave to pay homage to Vajravarahi.
If we read the ancient Buddhist stories there are many things that look impossible and magical. For examples, some great Mahasiddhas had the ability to fly, to turn the stones into gold, etc. I was told these were real. People in the old time have less negative karma and obscurations. Therefore, they can accept things as it is.
Modern people like us are clouded by delusion. We see good things as bad things and bad things as good things. Our desires are much stronger in this age. It is not easy for Dharma to sink in, we have to do a lot of purification practices and collect a tremendous amount of merits to help us progress in our spiritual practice.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this beautiful and educational post about Vajrayogini in China. It’s so blessed even just to see the picture of the statues and caves. It is heartwarming to learn that the ancient civilization of China already embraced Vajrayogini lineage even at a time where Mahayana Buddhism was prevalent.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and educational post about Vajrayogini in China. It’s so blessed even just to see the picture of the statues and caves.
First time to learn about Vajrayogini in China and in this form.
May I have the chance to visit this holy place and do offering to the sacred lady one day.
it’s amazing to know that Vijra Yogini do exist long time in China and they do practice much earlier. I do enjoy reading it …it’s so interesting to know the history .even though I have,nt got a chance to visit it but I do consider that I am lucky to see some of those beautiful images posted here.Tibetian Buddhism and Chinese Buddhism is more or less similar though the deity defer by appearence.May more people be blessed with the practice.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this informative and interesting post.
With folded hands
China has been influenced heavily by Mahayana Buddhism, somewhat less affected by Hinayana Buddhism, today it is called Theravadan one of the sub schools of Hinayana that is still left. As I learn more from the blog I find that tantric practices also pervaded China and Chinese thinking, not via the influences from the Manchu Emperors.
May Vajrayogini lineage and practices spread once more amongst Chinese citizens.
离佛陀时期太远的我们，现在可以被称为处身于末法时代。现今的人们只为了短载的快乐、无明的追求物质上的满足还有不相信因果等等。这些已造就了我们对生活上的执着而引起了本来不必要的痛苦。
不过，很感恩的是因为可以更多的接触与了解佛法尤其是跟随上师尊贵的詹杜固仁波切的教诲，以前的执着已经开始慢慢的减少了。也因为上师的关系，让我们有机会的接触与了解此佛母～金刚瑜伽母。因为上师的慈悲，不想再看到我们这些众生继续轮回于此娑婆世界，所以就带给我们有关持修金刚瑜伽母的好处、建造金刚瑜伽母的佛像于克切拉佛教中心和金刚瑜伽母的佛塔于克切拉禅修林，好让我们可以种下善因以便将来可修此法门。
感谢仁波切此博文的分享。虽然不知道有没有机会到此地一游，不过最起码当有人问起的时候，可以将此资讯分享于他人。
Great researrch on Vajravarahi in China.tnx.
Amazing information and knowledge indeed! First w elearn that there there is the existence of a Vajavarahi Cave in China, visited by great Tibetan Buddhist Lamas including Sakya Pandita, whose sister made a Dorje Pagmo statue, which is enshrined in the cave! The cave has been a place for prayers, offerings and long retreats. The Sixth Dalai Lama visited it and did a long retreat there. He had a stupa erected there also.
Then we learn that there is the temple at the mouth built during the time of the Tangut Empire. Amazing too is the information that there was a Tangut Empire in existence around 1038 AD to 1227 AD. The Tangut Empire was a very advanced Empire. The Tangut Buddhist monastic community observed the Vinaya code strictly. Monks and the monastic community had translated the Kangyur into their Tangut language! They thus had the foundation for higher practice like the Vajrayogini practice! Hence their presence in the Vajravarahi Cave in the form of a temple at the mouth of the cave.
Amazing wonderful information and knowledge to show that the Vajrayogini practice had its beginnings in China as far back as 1004 AD when the cave was probably built.
As this age moves further away from the time of Lord Buddha, our desires have increased. Thus the effectiveness of the Heruka and Vajrayogini tantras for this age’s beings will increase as they use desire as a tool to bring us to Enlightenment.Hence the spotight is now on the practice of Vajrayogini to attain her Pure Land of Kechara.
It is very auspicious for Vajravarahi to emanate in China, especially with the Dakinis. Boddhisattvas will always manifest according to the local culture, to suit the people there. It is a good knowledge to know about Vajravarahi in China.
It is heartwarming to learn that the ancient civilization of China already embraced Vajrayogini lineage even at a time where Mahayana Buddhism was prevalent. It also goes to show that enlightened beings (like Buddha Vojayogini) do not discriminate against any particular race or culture. It is my aspiration to pay homage personally at Vajrayogini cave one day and to perform retreat and prayer.
Thank you very much Rinpoche for sharing this blogpost with us.
Humbly, bowing down,
Stella Cheang
Rejoice to know that a very special form of Vajravarahi was found in China. Before this, I did not know about Vajrayogini/ Vajravarahi in China.
This reminded me of the Naro Kacho lineage revealed to Kyabje Pabongkha directly by Vajrayogini herself, that Buddhas are kind to manifest in different forms, according to the karmic connection of the people of that time
I’m also surprised to know that the monks and monasteries would spent up to 50 years to translate the entire Kangyur from Sanskrit into the Tangut language. This shows how important Buddhism was in their culture.
As many high lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist order have visited this cave, this also goes to show that this is a very important pilgrimage site as travelling was not easy in the past.
Many high lamas, yogis and accomplished Mahasiddhas have explained that the tantra of Vajrayogini is an excellent antidote against the damages brought about by an excess of desire and greed. There has been many cases of Vajrayogini practitioners showing miraculous signs at the time of death. She is the secret practice of Lama Tsongkapa himself.
Thank you for posting this amazing information and pictures of Vajravarahi. There is a long history of Vajrayogini’s teachings and practice which takes root in China. These teachings will grows as the time is more degenerated. I have just googled and found out that the local people and governments have work together in taking care this previous cave.
http://www.haimudong.com/xinwen/default.html
I noticed that the locals have made Vajravarahi statue suit into their local culture, her facial expression, body proportion, dress etc, is very similar to a Chinese lady.
I hope that i can follow the foot steps of the High lamas who have done so many retreats in this cave, making statue and build stupa in this holy site.
Wow, it is so amazing to see Vajrayogini is such a unique image. The Buddhas are always kind to manifest in ways and forms that will make it easy for us to accept and practice the Dharma.
It is exciting to know that the practice of Vajrayogini is so deep rooted in China because China is a rising nation and their ways of life will surely influence people around the world more and more. If they embrace the practice of Vajrayogini which is perfect for this degenerate age, then the connection to the 3 Jewels will remain open as we go deeper into the kaliyuga age! Besides Vajrayogini, China is also a strong advocate of Dorje Shugden with their consistent support to monastic communities who uphold this practice.
Thank you for this short and fun post on our “power lady” of the 21st century – Vajrayogini
Here is a great video on Vajrayogini practitioner who left relics… From the documentary “Remains of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet”, an extract – from Looking for Ancient Tibet, =part of the documentary, after minute 3.49 … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHf7uPo-V2o
Also at 1h26 in this video same relics left behind , ringsel and – heart, tongue, eyes , by Lati Rinpoche, great Gelugpa Master.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12NMqA-f6Js
Very nice. Thank you. Tsem Rinpoche
What struck me about the second video was the great reverence shown to Kyabje Lati Rinpoche’s remains. The respect for the lama continues after his physical body no longer remains.
What is so great about a body’s ability to produce holy relics after it is cremated? It is not that this is some kind of accomplishment we should strive for but rather, the fact it CAN happen shows that there are results in deeper Dharma practice.
This harkens back to a teaching Rinpoche previously gave about siddhis like tummo, fast walking, clairvoyance, etc. Rinpoche said that it is not that those are attainments to strive for as an end goal but that they are aids to our meditational practices, and they are signs our practice is successful.
Tummo allows practitioners to meditate in remote places free from fear of extreme temperature like the cold, while fast walking allows practitioners to put great distances between themselves and the adoring crowd so they can remain in isolation to continue their meditations. And well, even ghosts have some degree of clairvoyance so it’s no big deal.
The attainment we should ACTUALLY wish to achieve is control of our rebirth so that we can ensure we return in our next life to meet the Dharma at a young age and to resume our practice from where we left off.
Actually, on typing this, I’ve just come to another thought – it is not literally control of our rebirths from life to life that is the ultimate attainment, but rather ultimate control of our rebirths which is actually freedom from samsara.
Also, thank you Duldzin for sharing this video. Kensur Lati Rinpoche was the lama who instructed our Rinpoche to come to Malaysia to raise funds for the monastery. Without Kensur Rinpoche’s instruction we would never have met our Rinpoche and Kechara would not have come into existence. So the fact I have a lama and a home today is thanks to Kensur Rinpoche’s kindness _/|\_
For those who are interested, you can read more about Kensur Lati Rinpoche’s funeral here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/his-eminence-kyabje-lati-rinpoche-enters-clear-light.html
I was present to represent H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and Kechara when the holy body of Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was escorted and enshrined in the cremation stupa. Many high lamas from monasteries performed the pujas before the stupa was lit. But I did not stay for the extraction of the holy relics. This video sort of ‘complete’ it. Thank you, Duldzin.
Thanks for sharing. Tsem Rinpoche
Thank you for sharing this. I have watched it and it is very interesting. Just like the video in this article: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/inspiration-worthy-words/amongst-white-clouds-amazing.html there are indeed many yogis still practicing the teachings with lineage intact. It is indeed good to watch such video!
Wow these are indeed very precious footage especially the funeral of H.E. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche whom I had the great fortune to have met when Rinpoche organised for a group of us visit Gaden Monastery in 2004/05.
This just goes to show and proves that there are attained enlightened beings and if we practice the Vajra Yogini tantras well, one would be able to gain these types of spiritual attainments – being able to have control of one’s rebirth is possible.
It is also a really eye opening to see the relics they discovered after the cremation. Thank you for sharing this video Duldzin.
Thank you for sharing Duldzin . Very interesting video.
Thank you Duldzin for sharing the videos. I’ve just watched the first video, and it was extremely interesting. First of all, that the tradition of yogis continues to exist is very inspirational in an age when such deep commitment to spiritual practice has become rare.
Compared to the conditions these yogis practise in, we are extremely fortunate to have such comfortable surroundings and yet, it is never good enough. When it’s a little bit too hot, we can’t focus or concentrate and fidget on our meditation cushions. When it’s a little too cold, we have to put on extra layers.
So even when we practise, our minds are centred on the physicalities of the body. However, instead of focusing on the discomforts and trying to counter them, the experience can be used as a meditation tool. We can use it to remind ourselves that the fact we are never comfortable for long is a reflection of the state of samsara – dissatisfaction and impermanence. What is comfortable does not remain comfortable so don’t cling on to it, try to maintain it and try to prolong it.
I have always thought that the Mahayana Buddhism practice in China is very different from Vajrayana Buddhism from Tibet.Obviously that is due to lack of research to realise that it is very similar although the names of deities may differ quite greatly.
As a student of Vajrayana Buddhism, I am happy to note that China a big newly influential world power also permits the Vajrayogini practice.
Thank you Pastor JJ.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you Pastor Jay Jae for sharing this amazing post.
Through this post i have learnt :
1. This is the proof of Vajrayana Buddhism long time ago.
2. Vajrayogini’s tantra will only increase in effectiveness in this degenerated age because it uses attachment for us to gain enlightenment.
3. Buddha can emanate in several different forms to connect with the local people of that certain time. ( eg. this form of Vajravarahi is wearing chinese-like clothes )
4. During the time in Tangut Empire, the Buddhist focused on Vinaya and very strict on monastic system. This made them suitable vessel to hold higher trainings, which leads to the emanation of Vajravarahi appearing.
5. Vinaya is undeniably one of the most important foundation in Buddhist teaching, we need to practise it earnestly for us to gain higher attainments.
I love this information and it is one of those rare connections of a Vajrayana/Tantric deity like Vajrayogini with China. I remember hearing of a cave in Wu Tai Shan area where it was narrow and likened to be the womb or secret organ of Vajrayogini. It was a place sanctified by many pilgrims and meditators who entered the cave to engage in Vajrayogini practice. It is indeed wonderful to heard about such power places. May I and all beings have to good fortune to come across Vajrayogini and be cared for by her always in all future lifetimes.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post, its beneficial and increase knowledge about Sacred Lady Buddha Vajra Yogini i
Through this post, I learned that,
1) Long History of Buddhism in China and Buddhism practiced during that time was predominantly Chinese Mahayana with focus on the Vinaya
2) The great power of Vajra yogini. As we get further away from the time of the Buddha, our desires increase. Thus, the effectiveness of the Heruka and Vajrayogini tantras also increase as they use our desire as a tool to bring us to Enlightenment.
3) The faith towards Three Jewels is very strong at that time in China, so many high Lamas and pilgrims visited these holy caves.
May many more people able to reduce sufferings through connect with sacred Vajra Yogini ,
Again, Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Jay Jae Chong for sharing this great post !
It’s interesting to know that there is Vajrayogini practice in China with such a long history. Buddha manifested at different time, different places at different environment and culture is to get closer to benefit human being at that particular area. At this era desire is one of the main poison that bring so much suffering to us. Thus this practice uses our desire as a tool to bring us to enlightement, what a great practice!
May more people have the great merit to practice this beneficial practice at this time.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Jay Jae for sharing such a great post.
Wow I never knew Vajra Yogini was practised in China let alone she manifested there! China really has a strong spiritual connection and heritage. It is wonderful to see this sacred cave is well preserved and an eye opener to see Vajra Yogini and her dakinis depicted here like Chinese princess/maidens. Goes to show that Buddhas are all compassionate and manifest in forms that will suit people’s mind so that they can bring the Dharma to them. Amazing… thank you Pastor JJ for this post!
It is interesting to read of another sacred place where Lady Vajrayogini was born and ascended Kechara Paradise. Also amazing to me is the fact that the great sage, Sakya Pandita visited with his younger sister and nephew. The strong link with Buddha Vajra Yogini carried forward to current times and may we all be blessed with her practises to overcome our strong delusions and samsaric attachments. Thank you for sharing this article.
This article provides interesting information on the type of Buddhism practised during the time of the Western Xia Empire in China. It was a mixture of Tibetan and Chinese Mahayana Buddhism. Influence from Chinese culture can be seen in the depiction of Vajravarahi in the form of a Chinese princess. In this form, the Chinese people can easily relate to Vajravarahi. In a way, by presenting her in Chinese clothes, they have made her their own. Thank you for this interesting post.
I enjoy these teaching so much
as I enjoy the teachings of jesus
of mohammed and of the hindu gurus
any way that is not important
whats important now is what you
are doing to save our future can you
#canyou
#slowtrack
This is a great sharing. Wish to visit this sacred place in near future. Thank you.
This is indeed a lovely, educational and inspiring post. Any information on Sacred Lady Buddha Vajra Yogini is so beneficial to read, hear and understand. I thank you for this. Tsem Rinpoche