Lama Tsongkhapa Riding on a Snowlion
Lama Tsongkhapa (Five Visions – Riding a Snowlion) (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Lama Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden
Lama: Lama Tsongkhapa (Tibetan)
Alternative names: Sumati Kirti (Sanskrit); Lobsang Drakpa (Tibetan)
It is said that after Lama Tsongkhapa entered clear light, Khedrub Je often made requests to him for guidance and inspiration. On five different occasions, Lama Tsongkhapa appeared directly to Khedrub Je – as a monk on a white elephant, as a vibrant lama on a throne supported by youthful gods and goddesses, as the Bodhisattva Manjushri on a snowlion, as a yogi on a tiger and as a monk sitting on a lotus. In these visions, Lama Tsongkhapa answered all of Khedrub Je’s questions and give him strong encouragement to continue his work of spreading Kadam Dharma through his teachings. On each occasion, Khedrub Je was able to talk for a long time with Lama Tsongkhapa, who gave him many special instructions and empowerments before the vision finally dissipated. In this thangka, Lama Tsongkhapa appears riding on a snowlion, resembling the form of the Bodhisattva Manjushri. Together with Gyaltsab Je, Khedrub became Lama Tsongkhapa’s spiritual sons and eventually became his successor in upholding the legacy of his teachings and lineage.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Bhagawan 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. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources. He has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish.
Click here for more beautiful thangkas.
For more interesting information:
- The Dorje Shugden category on the blog
- Must Watch: Powerful Explanations on Dharma Protectors
- Black Tara – The Wrathful Protectress
- Mahasiddha Tilopa – the Chakrasamvara Master
- Guhya Manjushri – the Secret Form of Wisdom
- Five Extraordinary Visions of Lama Tsongkhapa
- The Mahasiddha Kukkuripa and His Dog
- Lords of Purification – 35 Confessional Buddhas
- Manjushri Nagarakshasa – The Naga Deity
- Janguli – The Goddess that Protects from Snakes
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According to the source given below, it mentioned that it was in this form that Lama Tsongkhapa advised Khedrup Je to spread the tantric teaching.
http://www.lama-tsongkhapa.com/origin2/
Beautiful thangka paints a thousand words. Lama Tsongkhapa riding on a Snowlion with Dorje Shugden, the emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri, and Khedrub Je. Looking at this thangka is auspicious way to create a connection to with a great master. It will be wonderful to have beautiful thangka in our home.
Thank you for this sharing with a short explanation.