Guhyasamaja – The King of Tantra
Guhyasamaja (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Six-Armed Mahakala, Guhyasamaja and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Guhyasamaja (Sanskrit)
Alternative names: Sangwa Dupa (Tibetan); Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra (Sanskrit)
Guhyasamaja is one of the three Kingly Tantras (Tibetan: sang de jig sum) of the Gelug order as proliferated by Lama Tsongkhapa. The other two tantras are Vajrabhairava (Yamantaka) and Heruka Chakrasamvara. ‘Guhyasamaja’ literally means ‘secret assembly’. This refers to the practice of the gathering and manipulation of the psychic winds in the body in order to accomplish the awakening of the mind. Guhyasamaja is called the King of Tantras as comprehension of this tantric system allows one to understand the inner workings of all other tantric systems. It is said that the survival of the tantras depends on the continued proliferation and practice of this tantric system.
The complete tantric text consists of 17 chapters, though a separate “explanatory tantra”, also known as the Guhyasamaja Uttaratantra, is sometimes considered to be the former’s 18th chapter. Many scholars believe that the original work consisted of the first 12 chapters, and Chapters 13 to 17 were later added as explanatory material. There are five principal lineages for this form of the meditational deity Akshobhyavajra Guhyasamaja. They are the Atisha, Marpa, Go Lotsawa, Khache and Chag traditions.
Deity: Six-Armed Mahakala (English)
Alternative names: Shadbhuja Mahakala (Sanskrit); Gonpo Chagdrugpa (Tibetan)
Six-Armed Mahakala is an emanation of Avalokiteshvara and propitiated as the protector of the highest scope of the Lamrim. He is propitiated in a manner similar to Kalarupa but mainly towards the study, contemplation and realisation of the highest scope of the teachings. He is also one of the three main protectors of the great Lama Tsongkhapa.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternate 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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The Guhyasamāja Tantra is one of the most important scriptures of Tantric Buddhism. Guhyasamaja is one of the three Kingly Tantras of the Gelug order as proliferated by Lama Tsongkhapa. Beautiful art paintings where we could print it on our altar.
Thank you Rinpoche for this beautiful art .