Question asked by Zhengdao
Dear Rinpoche, is it normal for a practitioner to choose a meditation deity because they feel drawn to it? Or should they wait until they have a guru who can assign them a particular deity based on his knowledge of their spiritual needs? For example, you had visions of Vajrayogini as a child, but at what point did you realize that she would be your main practice (and not say, Yamantaka, or the other deities which you also made a connection to)? Did someone advise you to choose Vajrayogini, or was it your own decision? Thank you! _/|\_ (hands folded)
I will answer your questions below…please see:
*******************************************************************
Dear Rinpoche, is it normal for a practitioner to choose a meditation deity because they feel drawn to it?
Yes, of course you may choose a deity because you feel drawn to it. You might subconsciously know you need this particular manifestation for this life or an imprint of your practice from another time or connection from another life/lives. It is perfectly ok to choose your own deity. But stick with it and keep it secret. Be humble about it then attainments will come.
Or should they wait until they have a guru who can assign them a particular deity based on his knowledge of their spiritual needs?
If you wish a guru to assign, they you may practice any deity until a guru assigns or you can wait till a guru assigns. Again anyway is ok because all the deities are enlightened beings so there is no way you can go wrong.
For example, you had visions of Vajrayogini as a child, but at what point did you realize that she would be your main practice (and not say, Yamantaka, or the other deities which you also made a connection to)?
I didn’t have any visions of Vajra Yogini as a child unfortunately for me. The deities I practice was assigned to me by my root teacher without me asking. So I just followed up till now (thirty years already) what he assigned and have no doubts. Others may have visions and follow their visions..and that is ok. But we must make sure with a qualified guru our visions are genuine. But a long story short, for me, I practice what my teacher gave me and will continue doing so with no change until I die. I trust my teacher fully and commit fully.
Did someone advise you to choose Vajrayogini, or was it your own decision? Thank you! _/|\_ (hands folded)
I didn’t choose this or that, it was my teacher who so kindly in his great wisdom choose for me all my practices. I just prostrated, offered mandala, and promised I will follow. I will only follow the practices my teacher has given me. Mind you, I have to do over 100 different yidams a day to keep up the various initiations I have recieved so I can pass it to others. But I do not recommend that for you or anyone. I am not advanced, just keeping up my commitments.
I hope this helps you. I sincerely wish you to follow your practice all the way through thick and thin.
Most happy for you and your questions, Tsem Rinpoche