The Mystical Shambhala
Portrait of Shambhala (Abode)
(Top to bottom): Dorje Shugden, Shambhala (abode) and emanation of King Raudra Chakrin.
Abode: Shambhala
Shambhala is a physical place associated with the Kalachakra Tantra. One can enter the kingdom with one’s physical body but it exists on a slightly different plane. Spiritually-attained beings are able to visit Shambhala using their astral bodies. His Holiness the Panchen Lama and his line of incarnations are masters of the Kalachakra Tantra and are said to have travelled to this realm. The 6th Panchen Lama Lobsang Palden Yeshe recorded the way to get to Shambhala as well as what exists there in detail in his text known as Shambhala Lam Yig or “The Way to Shambhala”. The kingdom, which takes the shape of an eight-petal lotus, is ruled by great rulers who are emanations of various enlightened beings. They preserve the Kalachakra Tantra and proliferate its practice.
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.
Dorje Shugden, in his previous lifetimes as great translators and lineage-holders, was responsible for the dissemination and preservation of the Kalachakra Tantra in Tibet. One of the places Dorje Shugden abides is Shambhala. According to the long Fulfilment Puja (kangsol) text, Dorje Shugden at the beginning of the puja is called forth from this mystical land, the last great stronghold of the Kalachakra lineage on earth.
Deity: King Raudra Chakrin (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Rigden Dragpo (Tibetan)
Raudra Chakrin’s name literally means ‘Forceful Wheel Holder’. The final king prophesied in the Kalachakra Tantra, Raudra Chakrin is foretold to reign over the kingdom of Shambala in the year 2424 CE and will emerge from his hidden kingdom to establish a planet-wide Golden Age following his defeat of degenerate world rulers who will try to invade his paradise-like kingdom. At that time, the world will be devoid of true Dharma and signs of spiritual degeneration will be very strong. The depiction of the king here is his wrathful emanation, which he will employ to battle the armies of the degenerate world rulers.
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Fabulous art piece thangka of Shambhala (abode) , Dorje Shugden, and emanation of King Raudra Chakrin. Many highly attained Lamas are able to visit Shambhala using their astral bodies.Depicted together with the Powerful Dharma Protector and King Raudra Chakrin in his wrathful emanation formed a powerful and beautiful thangka for us to have it at home.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing.