The Rare Two-Armed Heruka
Two-Armed Heruka (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Two-Armed Heruka and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Heruka Chakrasamvara (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: He Ru Ka Pa Chig (Tibetan)
Heruka is the principal deity of the Chakrasamvara Tantras. He is a meditational Buddha of the Highest Yoga Tantra classification, which means that his practice has the potential to bring us directly towards enlightenment within one lifetime. Heruka’s practice uniquely utilises desire as a means towards achieving liberation from samsara or suffering. Heruka is also one of the main Tantras that most of the 84 Mahasiddhas of ancient India relied upon in order to gain their great attainments. This particular form is a rare lineage of Heruka with his hands in the blazing mudra of invoking the wisdom beings.
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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It’s indeed special. First time seeing Heruka depicted in this form. Thank you Rinpoche.
Wow …….very rare to see this Two-Armed Heruka. As depicted together with Dorje Shugden in this beautiful thangka tells all. Heruka is a principal highest Yoga Tantra deity who is the embodiment of indivisible bliss and emptiness. There are many different forms appearing with different number of faces, hands, and number of surrounding retinues. This particular form is a rare lineage of Heruka. We are fortunate to see it.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.