Vajrasattva – The Buddha of Purification
Vajrasattva (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Vajrasattva and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Vajrasattva (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Dorje Sempa (Tibetan)
The Buddha Vajrasattva first appeared in ancient India and his tantric practice centres primarily upon the purification of delusions and negative karma. Like many other Buddhas within Vajrayana Buddhism, Vajrasattva has a number of popular forms and is relied on as a meditational deity (‘yidam’ in Tibetan or ‘ishtadevata’ in Sanskrit).
The most common and popular form of Vajrasattva is known as ‘Solitary Universal Monarch’. Vajrasattva as a figure is mentioned in the Mahavairocana Tantra and the Vajrasekhara Sutra. However, the Vajrasattva Root Tantra is known as Dorje Gyan or ‘Vajra Ornament’. Vajrasattva is regarded as the inner form of Buddha Vajradhara, who is the tantric form of Buddha Shakyamuni, and represents all the Buddha Families. In another form, Vajrasattva appears embracing a consort. This form arises from the class of Anuttarayoga Tantra, specifically from the 25th chapter of the Abhidhanottara Tantra and is known as the practice of Heruka Vajrasattva. In the Nyingma order, Vajrasattva is an important meditational deity and the most famous lineage of Vajrasattva originates from the Mindroling Monastery Tradition, commonly known as the Min-ling Dor-sem.
Vajrasattva is a popular purification practice and thus heavily relied on by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, especially in relations to ngöndro or the preparatory practices to receiving advanced teachings on tantra. Each practice, for example Vajrasattva, requires practitioners to engage in a retreat of 100,000 repetitions. In this case, it is Vajrasattva’s mantra that is recited, complete with the necessary prayers, liturgies and offerings. Higher tantric practice requires a tremendous amount of merit in order to engage in it, because it is a fast-paced method towards enlightenment. Hence, the path is often fraught with obstacles due to our negative habituation and karma. Purification practices like Vajrasattva are essential in preparing the mind for practice so it has less obstacles.
In Buddhism, complete purification requires what is known as the Four Opponent Powers, which are (i) regret, (ii) refuge, (iii) remedy and (iv) the promise not to repeat the negative action again. Vajrasattva as a deity can be relied upon as a worthy object of refuge as he is fully enlightened being and his practice is remedial in purifying our negative karma. The practitioner begins the purification practice by developing deep regret for negative actions by having a sound understanding of karma and its effects. After realising the root cause of suffering lies in our actions, we make a heartfelt promise not to repeat the same negative actions. In adhering to the Four Opponent Powers, we purify karma right to the root and thereby remove all imprints and traces of our negative actions. When we have sufficiently purified our karma, we find that our minds are lighter, clearer and able to understand the teachings at a deeper level and we are also able to gain a lasting spiritual realisation of the teachings.
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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In Tibetan Buddhism the Vajrasattva practices are common to all of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. And are used both to purify obstacles to spiritual development, and negative karma. As such, Vajrasattva practice is an essential element of Tibetan Buddhist
practice. It is so important generally, and especially nowadays in the world, there are war, sicknesses , cancer and many other problems. To purify and do Vajrasattva practice is the ultimate answer, to stop the cause to be reborn in the lower realms and the immediate result is to have a higher rebirth, to make preparation for death and then to meet the Dharma. With the recitation and visualisation of the Vajrasattva mantra could help us to purify karma, bring peace, and cause enlightened activity.
Thank you Rinpoche for this great sharing of Vajrasattva – The Buddha of Purification .
Beautiful art of Vajrasattva and Dorje Shugden paints a thousand words. Vajrasattva practices are common to all of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and are used both to purify obscuration.
The Vajrasattva mantra is regarded as having the ability to purify karma, bring peace, and cause enlightened activity. It is considered the best purification practice.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.