The God of Who Preserves: Vishnu
Vishnu (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Brahma, Vishnu, Lakshmi and Dorje Shugden.
Deity: Vishnu (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Khyabjuk (Tibetan)
Vishnu is part of a Hindu trinity known as the ‘Trimurti’, together with Brahma and Shiva. They are said to govern the universal processes of Creation, Maintenance and Destruction respectively. Vishnu is known as the Preserver who maintains elemental order within existence. At times, when this balance is disturbed, usually through the machinations of malevolent beings, he takes on various incarnations known as ‘avatars’ to subdue these beings and restore peace. The most famous of Vishnu’s incarnations include the God Ram and the God Krishna, who taught the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most sacred scriptures for Hindus today. Here he is depicted laying on the coils of the Naga King Shesha, said to be one of the primordial beings from the beginning of creation. He is depicted together with his consort, the Goddess Lakshmi who bestows wealth and prosperity.
Deity: Brahma (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Tsangpa (Tibetan)
Brahma is known as the God of Creation, who manifested on a lotus from Vishnu’s navel. While both Vishnu and Shiva are capable of being destructive, Brahma is considered to be the essence of creativity, language and the arts. After Buddha Shakyamuni gained enlightenment under the bodhi tree, recognising the world needed the teachings to enlightenment, Brahma appeared to Buddha Shakyamuni and requested him to teach, presenting him with a thousand-spoked golden wheel as an offering.
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 rime thangka of Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi and Dorje Shugden. The Hindu god Vishnu appears in many different incarnations when he descends to Earth. Vishnu is the preserver god, which means he protects the universe from being destroyed. While Brahma is said to be the creator of the whole universe. Together with Dorje Shugden ,forms a beautiful thangka.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.