The Yogi of Yogis: Naropa
Naropa (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Vajra Yogini, Naropa and Dorje Shugden.
Deity: Mahasiddha Naropa (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Panchen Naropa (Tibetan)
The Mahasiddha Naropa was, in his time, one of the highest Buddhist scholars in the land of India and was made one of the Gatekeepers of Nalanda Monastery, a prestigious position granted only to those who mastered study of the scriptures and the art of debate. At the behest of a dakini appearing as an old lady, Naropa went in search of his teacher, the Mahasiddha Tilopa. The devotion Naropa had for his teacher is now legendary, especially the account of the 12 major and 12 minor trials and tribulations he underwent in order to liberate his mind. After these trials were over, his teacher initiated him into the practice of Vajravarahi and instructed him to enter meditative retreat on the deity. Within six months, Naropa is said to have gained a vision of Vajravarahi in the form of Vajra Yogini Naro Kechari who initiated him into her practice. He is therefore known as the progenitor of the Vajra Yogini practice in the Naro Kechari form.
Deity: Naro Kechari Vajra Yogini (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Dorje Neljorma (Tibetan)
This form of Vajra Yogini arose from a pure vision beheld by the Indian Mahasiddha Naropa, hence her name Naro Kechari (or Naropa’s Dakini). This form of Vajra Yogini and her practice has since become the main form transmitted due to the efficacy of her practice and blessings of her lineage. Her Tantra promises rebirth in her pure land known as Kechara Paradise, in order that practitioners can continue their spiritual journey without worldly distractions until they become a fully enlightened Buddha.
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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Beautiful art rime thangka painted patiently with matching colours. Naropa, Vajra Yogini, and Dorje Shugden forms a beautiful art piece. Naropa is one of the most prominent and authoritative Indian mahasiddhas and masters of mahahudra and tantra. Vajrayogini is a Tantric Buddhist female Buddha and a ḍakini while Dorje Shugden the Dharma Protector who is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. Together they depicted a beautiful and powerful amazing thangka.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.