Lama Tsongkhapa Sitting on an Elephant
Lama Tsongkhapa (Five Visions – Sitting on an Elephant) (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Lama Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden
Lama: Lama Tsongkhapa (Tibetan)
Alternative names: Sumati Kirti (Sanskrit); Lobsang Drakpa (Tibetan)
It is said that after Lama Tsongkhapa entered clear light, Khedrub Je often made requests to him for guidance and inspiration. On five different occasions, Lama Tsongkhapa appeared directly to Khedrub Je – as a monk on a white elephant, as a vibrant lama on a throne supported by youthful gods and goddesses, as the Bodhisattva Manjushri on a snow lion, as a yogi on a tiger and as a monk sitting on a lotus. In these visions Lama Tsongkhapa answered all of Khedrub Je’s questions and give him strong encouragement to continue his work of spreading Kadam Dharma through his teachings. On each occasion, Khedrub Je was able to talk for a long time with Lama Tsongkhapa, who gave him many special instructions and empowerments before the vision finally dissipated. In this thangka, Lama Tsongkhapa appears sitting on an elephant. Together with Gyaltsab Je, Khedrub became Lama Tsongkhapa’s spiritual sons and eventually became his successor in upholding the legacy of his teachings and lineage.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Bhagawan 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.
Click here for more beautiful thangkas.
For more interesting information:
- The Dorje Shugden category on the blog
- Must Watch: Powerful Explanations on Dharma Protectors
- Black Tara – The Wrathful Protectress
- Mahasiddha Tilopa – the Chakrasamvara Master
- Guhya Manjushri – the Secret Form of Wisdom
- Five Extraordinary Visions of Lama Tsongkhapa
- The Mahasiddha Kukkuripa and His Dog
- Lords of Purification – 35 Confessional Buddhas
- Manjushri Nagarakshasa – The Naga Deity
- Janguli – The Goddess that Protects from Snakes
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