Question asked by Sherab
I have found that in some sources, Mamaki Buddha is the element water and here, Lochana is water. Which one is correct? Also, what sect are the 5 Dhyani Buddhas and their consorts part of?
I read that taking many too many practices is bad. That makes me wonder if taking up Dorje Shugden, Guru Rinpoche, Saraswati, Lochana, and Chenrezig practices all at the same time are a bad idea.
I'm only asking because there aren't any gurus, lamas, nuns, or monks from where I live.
Dear Sherab,
Thank you for your questions. I’ve posted about the 5 Dhyani Buddhas, their consorts and associated elements as answers to questions that I believe you have seen. The reasons why there can be discrepancies is due to differences in practices. The 5 Dhyani buddhas as actually very important in Highest Yoga Tantra (HYT) systems, and as the way the teachings or path differs between the HYT systems, there are can also be slight differences in the deities and their associated elements. It depends on the system a person is referencing. In general, the list that I had provided is the standard.
The 5 Dhyani Buddhas are not associated with an individual sect, but all of them. They exist in all Tibetan Buddhist traditions, especially in the practice of tantra. As tantric practice is kept private, that might be a reason why you may not have come across them before, apart from Amitabha whose practice is well known.
In regards to concentrating on one particular practice, this is advisable. There is an old saying from Tibet, that Tibetans practice so many deities but do not achieve the realisations of any, whereas in ancient India, they concentrated on one deity practice and they achieved the realisations of all the deities. If we concentrate on one particular deity strongly, we create a very strong connection with them, that allows their enlightened energy to flow into our lives. There is nothing wrong with praying to all these Buddhas, but you should focus on one strongly. Similtaneously, you can engage in the practice of a Dharma protector, such as a Dorje Shugden. This is because a Dharma protector has the special benefit of ensuring you have the necessary material and spiritual resources to concentrate on you main practice, thereby increasing the enlightened energy and benefits in your life. I hope this helps. Please do ask more if you need clarification.
Thank you.