The Mahasiddha Kukkuripa and His Dog
Mahasiddha Kukkuripa (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Vajra Yogini, Kukkuripa and Dorje Shugden.
Deity: Naro Kechari Vajra Yogini (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Dorje Neljorma (Tibetan)
This form of Vajra Yogini arose from a pure vision beheld by the Indian Mahasiddha Naropa, hence her name Naro Kechari (or Naropa’s Dakini). This form of Vajra Yogini and her practice has since become the main form of Vajra Yogini transmitted due to the efficacy of her practice and blessings of her lineage. Her Tantra promises rebirth in her pure land known as Kechara Paradise, in order that practitioners can continue their spiritual journey without worldly distractions until they become a fully enlightened Buddha.
Figure: Kukkuripa (Sankrit)
The Mahasiddha Kukkuripa was one of the famous 84 Mahasiddhas who lived in ancient India. While wandering about, he came across a starving dog. Upon seeing the dog, great compassion arose in him and so he fed the dog and took care of her. The two became inseparable and soon, they moved into a cave so Kukkuripa could engage in his sadhanas in solitude. When he went out to beg for food, the dog would remain and guard the cave. After 12 years had passed, Kukkuripa gained a certain level of attainments due to his diligent practice. It was said that the gods of the Thirty-Three Sensual Heavens noticed Kukkuripa’s accomplishments, so they extended an invitation for him to visit them at their celestial abode. He accepted and was able to travel there and was greeted by the gods and a grand feast was thrown in his honour.
However, he found that he could not enjoy the rich offerings as with every bite he took, he thought of his loyal dog, left behind and all alone in the cave. He wanted to leave but every time, the gods would persuade him to remain. Eventually, he decided to look down from the heavens and he saw that his dog had become thin, sad, and very hungry. He could not bear the sight and decided that he should return to the cave at once. Upon his return, he was reunited with his dog and upon scratching her, she instantly vanished. The dog reappeared as a dakini and she told him that she was pleased and that he had learnt that there are greater things than desire and temptation. She granted him special instructions and with those instructions, he gained higher realisation. He soon returned to Kapilavastu, where he lived a long life benefiting others.
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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Mahasiddha Kukkuripa’s love for his dog is reminiscent of our Guru, Tsem Rinpoche’s love for his Mumu. Nothing could stop Kukkuripa from returning to his dog, not even the pleasures and the delightful feasts that the gods of the Thirty-three sensual heavens had laid out for him. Rinpoche returned from the United States and didn’t stay on longer because he was concerned about Mumu whom he loved as dearly. Kukkuripa took such loving care of his dog as did Rinpoche for Mumu all the way to his death and beyond.There is a memorial to Mumu to remind us of Mumu – and Rinpoche’s love for him – next to the Vajrayogini Stupa in Kechara Forest Retreat.
This love of two great holy beings for their beloved pets, treating them like dearly beloved close family members, is born of great borderless compassion. It is a fine example to inspire us to love without condition and expectation another being – a helpless one who probably, under normal circumstances, cannot repay and return that love. Although the story of Kukkuripa turned out differently , much to his surprise and against his expectations -he had all along been caring for a saintly dakini! He was rewarded accordingly. The dakini granted him special instructions and with those instructions, he gained higher realisations.
However, as with Rinpoche, so it was with Kukkuripa, he spent the rest of his life benefiting others.
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing of this lovely thangka and Mahasiddha Kukkuripa’s story.
Renowned as Guru Kukkuripa, the Dog Lover, living a long life of selfless service. Kukkuripa practiced Buddhist tantra in an attempt to solve the problems of life, where he adopted the lifestyle of an ascetic yogin. Wandering from village to village, eating little from what was given to him in his begging bowl. Filled with compassion, he care for a staving dog till attainments due to his diligent practice. Interesting story behind it , how the dog reappeared as a dakini . Depicted with Naro Kechari Vajra Yogini and Dorje Shugden in this beautiful and powerful thangka.
Thank you for this sharing.