King Gesar of Ling
King Gesar of Ling (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Buddha Shakyamuni, Machen Pomra, King Gesar, Dorje Shugden and Tsangpa Karpo.
Deity: King Gesar of Ling (English)
King Gesar is both a historical figure and a folk hero from Eastern Tibet and his story is immortalised in Tibetan literature. Records indicate that he lived around the 12th Century period. Since then, much of Gesar’s life has lived on in epic tales dramatised in plays, songs and literary verses. Much of the literature is incredibly long and complex, perhaps some of the longest poem in the world. Despite the popularity of these literary works, little depictions of Gesar can be found. The only artwork mainly arose around the 19th to 20th Century period.
Though considered by many to be a historical figure, some consider him to be a Chinese war god or even just a literary figure. Some even claim that he is a terton, a great treasure revealer, blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. However, many high lamas actually consider him to be an emanation of Guru Padmasambhava himself, in the aspect of a Dralha, a warrior-like deity. The lineage of propitiating Gesar of Ling arose from the writings of the 2nd Karmapa Karma Pakshi (1204-1283).
Deity: Buddha Shakyamuni (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Sangye Shakya Tupa (Tibetan)
The historic Buddha Shakyamuni was the first to turn the Wheel of Dharma during our current aeon. We are fortunate because the Buddha taught the paths of both sutra and tantra. Using tantric teachings, we are able to accomplish enlightenment within a single lifetime, rather than the three countless aeons required to achieve enlightenment using sutric teachings.
Deity: Machen Pomra (Tibetan)
Machen Pomra is a regional deity of the Golok area of Eastern Tibet. This protector is said to reside on the mountain range of Amne Machen, literally ‘Grandfather Pomra’. Therefore, he is considered unenlightened and not widely worshipped except in his region.
Deity: Tsangpa Karpo (Tibetan)
Tsangpa Karpo which literally means ‘White Brahma’ reflects what some consider to be the Tibetan version of the Hindu god. The four-faced iconography that is familiar to the average Indian is rare while this warrior-like representation is more common.
According to traditional accounts, the practice surfaced after the arrival of the Indian master Dipamkara Srijnana Atisha. In addition to that, Tsangpa Karpo is also considered to be the peaceful emanation of Setrap Chen, and is also the special protector of the Panchen Lama line of incarnations. Tsangpa Karpo is known to speak through the Gadong oracle and this oracle is one of the official state oracles of Tibet. This means that the Tibetan government regularly consult Tsangpa Karpo regarding state matters, as long as there is an oracle of this deity.
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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What is the name of King Cesar’s famous aunt in the epic of King Gesar?