Manjushri Nagarakshasa – The Naga Deity
Manjushri Nagarakshasa (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Buddha Akshobhya, Manjushri, Manjushri Nagarakshasa and Dorje Shugden.
Deity: Buddha Akshobhya (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Mitrugpa (Tibetan)
Buddha Akshobhya is one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas and represents the consciousness aspect of the five aggregates purified and in its enlightened form. The other four purified forms of the aggregates are represented by the other four of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. In the scriptures, he is known as the Lord of the Eastern Pure Land Abhirati, also known as ‘The Joyous’. His name literally means ‘immovable’ and his practice pacifies anger. Pujas and rituals to Akshobhya are performed to purify the heavy negative karma of taking rebirth in the hell realms. Manjushri Nagarakshasa belongs to Akshobhya’s family meaning that his practice also pacifies anger and the negative karma associated with actions performed out of anger. Akshobhya is depicted with one face, two arms and is blue in colour.
Deity: Manjushri (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Jampel Yang (Tibetan)
Manjushri, or Jampal Yang in Tibetan, literally means “Gentle-voiced” and he has the appearance of a youthful 16-year-old prince. He is one of the most popular Bodhisattvas in the Buddhist pantheon and his earthly abode is in Wutai Shan (Five-Peak Mountains) of China. He is widely known to be the patron Bodhisattva of Wisdom.
Deity: Manjushri Nagarakshasa (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Jampel Nagarakshasa (Tibetan)
The ferocious Manjushri Nagarakshasa or Jampel Nagarakshasa is one of the most fearsome looking Buddhas within the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon. As his name implies, he is a wrathful emanation of Manjushri but appears with the lower half of a naga. This practice first appeared in Tibet during the time of Guru Rinpoche. At that time, King Trisong Detsen discovered that nagas in disguise were attending Guru Rinpoche’s teachings. In dealing with the nagas, the king inadvertently offended them and was stricken with a terrible disease caused by the nagas. Guru Rinpoche eventually came to find out what had transpired and gave the practice of Manjushri Nagarakshasa to the king to alleviate the disease. Hence, the lineage of this practice descended from Guru Rinpoche with the purpose of appeasing the nagas and alleviating naga-related diseases. Signs that we receive when nagas are offended include dreams of snakes attacking us, accidents, skin diseases, kidney problems, disharmony within our lives, and in extreme cases can lead to possession. As powerful beings that can control the weather, they can also cause severe drought, or floods if they are displeased.
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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Beautiful thangka of Buddha Akshobhya, Manjushri, Manjushri Nagarakshasa and Dorje Shugden. Buddha Akshobhya is one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas, who represents consciousness. The ferocious Manjushri Nagarakshasa is one of the most fearsome looking Buddhas within the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon. Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. Together as depicted in this beautiful thangka tells us thousand words……is indeed powerful and beautiful to have in our house.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this thangka with explanations.
Wow ….another beautiful Rime thangka of Manjushri Nagarakshasa ,Buddha Akshobhya, and Dorje Shugden. Buddha Akshobhya is one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas who will transform any anger and clean stiff feelings, while Manjushri is one of the famous Bodhisattva who has been respected greatly by many . Depicted with the ferocious Manjushri Nagarakshasa and Dorje Shugden . Beautiful thangka paints a thousands words.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing. May the painters continue with his good works to produce more for us to see and receive the blessings.