Heruka Vajrasattva – Deity of Purification
Heruka Vajrasattva (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Heruka Vajrasattva and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Heruka Vajrasattva (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Dorje Sempa Yab Yum (Tibetan)
Vajrasattva, depicted in sacred union with his consort, is a Tantric meditational deity. His practice, particularly utilised in Anuttarayoga Tantric cycles such as Guhyasamaja, Hevajra and Chakrasamvara, is used specifically for the purification of negative karma and defilements. As such, his practice is also classified as an Anuttarayoga Tantra. His practice is specifically mentioned and taught within the 25th chapter of the Abhidhanottara Tantra and he is referred to as Heruka Vajrasattva.
Heruka Vajrasattva is described as embracing his consort with his two hands across his consort’s back. His appearance defers slightly in the Nyingma tradition in which he is depicted holding the vajra at the upper back of the consort and the bell at her lower left. They are uniquely adorned with both jewelled and bone ornaments. Within the Sakya liturgy, Heruka Vajrasattva is described to be white in colour, with one face, two hands holding a vajra and bell and embracing the mother. He is adorned with six bone ornaments and seated with his legs in vajra posture. He is in sacred union with Mother Vajragarvi on his lap, whose body is white in colour, holding a curved knife and skullcup, and adorned with five bone ornaments.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way View. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources. He has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish.
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Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this beautiful thangka of Heruka Vajrasattva who is the Deity of Purification and the powerful Dharma protector Dirje Shugden. A clear explanation too for us to know of this Deity of Purification. Have not heard of this deity till I came across this post.