The Powerful Red Kechari
Flying Vajrayogini (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Flying Vajrayogini, Cittipati and Dorje Shugden.
Deity: Vidyadhari Vajra Yogini (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Flying Vajra Yogini (English)
Vajra Yogini in mid-flight is known as Vidyadhari, which literally means ‘Knowledge Holder’. This name in the Nepali language is ‘Bidjeswori’. Hence, her main shrine in Nepal which is located by the banks of the Bisnumati River is also called Bidjeswori. There is also another very sacred shrine dedicated to her at the Mahaboudha Stupa in Patan, Nepal.
Because Vidyadhari Vajra Yogini appears to be flying with her legs pulled apart in mid-stride towards the sky, she is also known as Akash Vajra Yogini, literally ‘Sky-Going’ or ‘Flying Vajra Yogini’. This form of Vajra Yogini is known to be a variant of the vision beheld by the Mahasiddha Maitripa and is sometimes known in Tibetan as Maitri Kacho as well.
Her right arm is stretched behind her, holding a curved cemetery knife (drigug). She cradles a khatvanga staff in the crook of her left arm, resting it on her left shoulder while holding a skullcup with the same hand. In some depictions, her left leg is placed on her left arm as well.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajra Yogini is associated with the Chakrasamvara Tantra. She is the female counterpart of Heruka Chakrasamvara and is widely practised in many Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Her practice is said to confer very high attainments just by relying on her mantra combined with keeping pure samaya (spiritual bond) with the guru, performing ganachakra (tsog) offerings twice a month and reciting a short prayer to ascend to her Kechara Paradise daily. Vajra Yogini in any form is extremely efficacious during our degenerate age of Kaliyuga where the five signs are clear. The five signs being degeneration in (1) lifespan, (2) time, (3) sentient beings, (4) actions and views, and finally (5) afflictions.
Abode: Kechara Paradise
A pure land is emanated from the mind of a Buddha so that sincere practitioners can reincarnate there and continue their practice uninterruptedly. In this case, Kechara Paradise is emanated by Vajra Yogini to fulfil this purpose. It is said that a pure land has the special qualities of providing everything we need so there are no distractions that can derail us from our spiritual practice.
According to the Vajra Yogini Tantra, there are three ways to achieve Kechara Paradise. The first, for the highest practitioner who is diligent in their practice, is to ascend bodily to Kechara Paradise. The second, for the middling practitioner, is to ascend to Kechara Paradise after passing away. The third, for the lowest level practitioner, is to ascend to Kechara Paradise within 14 lifetimes. In any of the three cases, ascending to Kechara Paradise is guaranteed once you have received her initiation.
Deity: Cittipati (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Durdag Yab Yum (Tibetan)
The skeletal protector couple is known as the Lord and Lady of the Charnel Grounds. They are special emanations of Heruka Chakrasamvara and Vajra Yogini especially potent in protecting and creating conducive conditions for sincere practitioners of the Vajra Yogini Tantra.
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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