Mahasiddha Tilopa – the Chakrasamvara Master
Mahasiddha Tilopa (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Mahasiddha Tilopa and Dorje Shugden
Figure: Mahasiddha Tilopa (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Drubchen Tilopa (Tibetan)
The Mahasiddha Tilopa was one of the earlier lineage masters of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. He was Indian and was ordained as a monk at the temple of Somapuri in Bengal. It is said that one day a dakini (female wisdom being) appeared to him in a vision and Tilopa requested teachings from her. He received the initiation into the Chakrasamvara Tantra from her and henceforth, he practised Chakrasamvara at his monastery. When he did his practice, women were seen entering his quarters and thus, he was expelled from the community for breaking monastic rules.
Tilopa ended up wandering throughout India, seeking out many teachers and acquiring many teachings. He earned his living during this period by grinding sesame seeds (‘til’ in Sanskrit) for oil, which gave rise to his name Tilopa. It is said that he had a vision of the Buddha Vajradhara who gave him teachings on Mahamudra and who became his main teacher. He ended up in remote and inhospitable places but his fame as a great meditational master brought him equally great disciples. None is more famous than his main disciple, the indomitable Mahasiddha Naropa.
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. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources.
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Interesting read of the legend of Tilopa’s life. The Indian master Tilopa was one of a key figure for the Karma Kagyu lineage. As that Tilopa is often depicted at the top of the traditional thangks paintings . Tilopa after having received the transmission, from many great Mahasiddhas , Tilopa travels extensively on a wandering existence and started to teach. Here he is depicted with Dorje Shugden the Powerful Protector in this beautiful thangka.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.