The Mythical Paradise Shambhala
Portrait of Shambhala (Abode)
(Top to bottom): Shambhala (abode) and Dorje Shugden
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.
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Beautiful Rime thangka of Shambhala and Dorje Shugden. In Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Shambhala is a mythical kingdom. This kingdom is said to be laid out in the same form as an eight-petalled lotus blossom surrounded by a chain of snow mountains. It is is mentioned in various ancient texts and in whatever its historical basis, it is Shambhala gradually came to be seen as a Buddhist pure land. As it is legendary kingdom famous for being an enlightened beings . Shambhala is depicted together with Dorje Shugden forms a beautiful thangka for everyone.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing.