The Divine Skeleton Couple: Cittipati
Cittipati (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Cittipati and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Cittipati (Sanskrit)
Alternative names: Durdak Yabyum (Tibetan); Shri Shmashana Adhipati (Sanskrit)
According to scriptural sources, Cittipati is also known as Shri Shmashana Adhipati, which literally means “Lord and Lady of the Charnel Ground”. The practice of Cittipati arises from the Secret Essence Wheel Tantra. This tantra is closely associated with the Chakrasamvara Tantra, the scriptural source of the Vajra Yogini practice. Cittipati is regarded as the emanation of Heruka and Vajra Yogini. They are, therefore, in essence, enlightened wisdom protectors.
The Secret Essence Wheel Tantra contains various instructions and descriptions of this protector deity. From the description in the text, Cittipati is primarily propitiated as a wealth practice along with added emphasis on protection from thieves. They also serve as the special protector for the Vajra Yogini Naro Kechari practice. Therefore, Cittipati is widely practised amongst the practitioners of Vajra Yogini in order to remove the heavy obstacles that obstruct meditations that bestow swift attainments.
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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A fantastic painting of Cittipati and Dorje Shugden. Citipati is a protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism of India. A rare pair of Citipati, as depicted together with the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden .
Thank you Rinpoche for the explanation of this fantastic thangka.