The Goddess of Art: Saraswati
Four-Armed Saraswati (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Four-Armed Saraswati and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Saraswati (Sanskrit)
Alternative names: Yangchenma / Yangchen Drolma (Tibetan); Goddess Tara of Song and Music (English)
Saraswati is a well-known Indian goddess of music, wisdom and learning. She is widely regarded as both the emanation of Tara as well as the consort of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Saraswati is the enlightened embodiment and bestower of awakened eloquence and special insight into the Buddha’s teachings. Due to her wisdom-bestowing nature, Saraswati is deeply interconnected with Manjushri. She is considered by many great masters to be the goddess and patron of the arts, music, language, literature, poetry, philosophy, and for all those engaged in creative endeavours.
Furthermore, Saraswati was a yidam or personal meditational deity of the 14th Century Tibetan master Je Tsongkhapa who founded the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. He composed a beautiful devotional poem entitled Prayer to Saraswati, based on the pure visions that he had of her. Saraswati is believed to have frequently appeared to Je Tsongkhapa on his travels, offering counsel and inspiration throughout his years of study and contemplation.
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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