The Fierce One: Yamantaka
Yamantaka (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Yamantaka, Kalarupa and Dorje Shugden.
Deity: Yamantaka (Sanskrit)
Alternative names: Vajrabhairava (Sanskrit); Shinje She (Tibetan); Dorje Jigje (Tibetan)
Yamantaka or Vajrabhairava is the manifestation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Stainless Wisdom. From amongst the many lineages of practices to enter Tibet, two translators Ra Lotsawa and Mal Lotsawa were known to have disseminated the main transmissions of Yamantaka. This tantra utilises anger as a means to purify all delusions and it is the only tantra that has the potential to purify extreme negative karma associated with the most heinous crimes.
It was the Indian master Lalitavajra who was the first to reveal the Yamantaka Tantra. Lalitavajra was a 10th Century scholar-master from Nalanda Monastery in Bihar, India. His main yidam (meditational deity) was Manjushri. One day, he had a pure vision of Manjushri exhorting him to travel to the land of Oddiyana in order to retrieve the Yamantaka Tantra. This master made the long journey there and encountered a special dakini, Vajra Vetali, who is better known as Yamantaka’s consort along with other dakinis who eventually revealed the entire Yamantaka Tantra to him. Unfortunately, they refused to allow him to take the texts with him. He was only allowed to memorise as much of the texts as he could in the short time he was in their presence. Upon their departure, this master quickly put down in words whatever he had memorised and the practice lineage descended down in this manner.
Deity: Kalarupa (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Damchen Chogyal (Tibetan)
The Dharma Protector Kalarupa is a manifestation of Manjushri. One of the main protectors of the Gelug order, Kalarupa is the principal protector of the Vajrabhairava Tantras and was one of the main protectors of Lama Tsongkhapa himself. Kalarupa is also propitiated as a Lamrim protector of the Lower Scope, meaning he is relied upon during the study and contemplation of the lowest scope of the Lamrim in order to clear inner obstacles and gain insight into the Lamrim teachings.
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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One can trust these beautiful images posted in Rinpoche’s blog as Rinpoche has firmly stressed that all these images of Buddhas and deities must be iconographically correct as it carries the lineage and blessings of the Buddhas. I have downloaded a few of these images for prayers purposes and make a strong imprint with Buddhas. Thank you Rinpoche.
Wow…. Another beautiful rime thangka of Yamantaka, Kalarupa and Dorje Shugden. It explains all and merely looking at it is a blessing. In Vajrayana Buddhism, Yamantaka is also known as Vajrabhairava, which comes in a wrathful protector , buffalo-headed meditational deity. Interesting story. As depicted with Kalarupa who is a manifestation of Manjushri and Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom form a beautiful thangka.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.