The Goddess of Enlightenment: Cittamani Tara
Cittamani Tara (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Cittamani Tara and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Cittamani Tara (Sanskrit)
The Cittamani Tara practice was taught by Tara herself to Takpu Gargyi Chokyi Wangchuk, who was famed for having pure visions of Tara and regularly communicating with her. While the practice of most forms of Tara belong to the Lower Tantra classifications, Cittamani Tara’s practice belongs to the Highest Yoga Tantra classification. As such, the teachings consist of the generation and completion stages together with the accompanying empowerments. In simple terms, Cittamani Tara’s practice is able to bring a practitioner directly to enlightenment within this very lifetime if engaged in sincerely. Cittamani Tara is depicted here in the form she takes during the generation stage of her practice, with small and different coloured Taras sitting at her various energy chakra points. Her practice moves the winds within our psychic channels, which can lead us to higher states of consciousness if meditated upon correctly.
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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This is amazing art thangka of the Goddess of Enlightenment: Cittamani Tara and Dorje Shugden. Cittamani Tara, the highest yoga tantra manifestation of the deity Tara, who can lead us to liberation and enlightenment within a single lifetime. Depicted with Dorje Shugden who is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri form a powerful pair.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.