Tibetan Buddhism features a rich pantheon of deities. These figures play various roles in spiritual practice. They represent different aspects of enlightenment. Some deities are protectors, while others embody wisdom or compassion. Let’s delve into some significant figures. This exploration will give insights into the complex world of deities in Tibetan Buddhism.
The Five Long-Life Goddesses: Protectors of Life and Fortune
The Five Long-Life Goddesses are also known as the Five Sisters of Longevity. They are also called the Five Immortal Women of Longevity. These goddesses include Tseringma, Miyo Lozangma, Chopen Drinzangma, Ting gyi Shal Zangma, and Tekar Drozangma. Notably, they are considered wisdom dakinis of Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava. Moreover, they are the secret dakinis of Milarepa. Tibetan folklore states that these five goddesses oversee different aspects of life. These aspects include fortune, prophecy, clothing, wealth, and livestock. They also function as protector dakinis within the tantric tradition. These five goddesses are important deities in Tibetan Buddhism
Tashi Tseringma, the Goddess of Long Life, is white in color. She has one face and two arms. In her right hand, she holds a vajra, which symbolizes power. Her left hand holds a long-life vase, representing longevity. She is beautiful and adorned with jewels. These include necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. She rides a white lion, which has a green mane. In the Kagyu Refuge Tree, she is on the right side, second from the right in the protector section. Her presence symbolizes long life among the deities in Tibetan Buddhism.
Miyo Lozangma, the Goddess of Wisdom and Truth, is yellow. She has one face and two arms. Her right hand is in the gesture of offering jewels. Her left hand holds a plate filled with grains. She is beautiful and wears many jewels. Furthermore, she rides a tiger.
Chopen Drinzangma, the Goddess of Glorious Sound, is red. She has one face and two arms. Her right hand holds a treasure box, which signifies wealth. Her left hand holds a jewel, representing spiritual value. She is beautiful and adorned with jewelry. Moreover, she rides a deer.
Ting gyi Shal Zangma, the Goddess of Beautiful Countenance, is blue. She has one face and two arms. Her right hand holds a mirror, symbolizing clarity. Her left hand holds a long staff with a banner. She is beautiful and wears jewelry. She rides a wild donkey.
Tekar Drozangma, the Goddess of Giving and Kindness, is green. She has one face and two arms. Her right hand holds a bundle of grass, representing nourishment. Her left hand holds a coiled snake, a symbol of transformation. She is beautiful, wears jewels, and rides a turquoise-colored dragon. These goddesses play important roles as protectors. They also embody important concepts in Tibetan Buddhist beliefs.
Guhyasamaja Tantra: The Assembly of Secrets
Guhyasamaja, also known as the Secret Assembly, is a significant yidam. A yidam is a meditational deity. The Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism considers this deity to be one of its five main deities. The Sanskrit name “Guhyasamaja” means “Assembly of Secrets.” In Tibetan, its name is “Sangdu Dorje.” This tantra is an important part of deities in Tibetan Buddhism.
This deity is depicted with his consort. The main deity is blue, symbolizing the highest Buddhist principles. Guhyasamaja has three heads. The central face is blue. The right is white. The left is red. These colors represent compassion and the powers of pacification and subduing. He sits in the vajra posture on a lotus throne. Guhyasamāja is shown with three faces and six arms. The central and left faces have wrathful expressions. However, the right face is serene. These three faces represent the body, speech, and mind of all Buddhas.
Guhyasamaja’s six arms hold various symbolic items. The main arms embrace his consort and hold a vajra. The remaining four arms hold a dharma wheel, a flame, a lotus, and a sword. Each head has three eyes. The top of his head has a double vajra. His crown has five petals. These petals symbolize the five Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. The various items he holds each have symbolic meanings. His top right hand holds a dharma wheel, signifying the turning of Dharma. His top left hand holds a jewel, symbolizing the accomplishment of aspirations. The middle right hand holds a vajra. The middle left hand holds a bell. These represent the union of wisdom and skillful means. The bottom left hand holds a dagger, cutting ignorance. The bottom right hand holds a lotus, representing pure wisdom. Among the five main Vajrayana deities, he is quite distinctive and easy to identify.
His consort, named Vajramata, also has three heads and six arms. She has the same adornments and attributes. Her top two arms wrap around his neck, while other four hands hold a lotus, a sword, a bow, and an arrow. Her legs are around his waist. Both wear crowns, earrings, and armlets. In murals and Thangkas, they are surrounded by a blue aura and a red-orange background. The Guhyasamāja Tantra is a very important scripture. It is a foundational text for certain practices of deities in Tibetan Buddhism.
Nagarjuna: The Second Buddha
Nagarjuna, also called Long Meng or Long Sheng, was a very important figure in Indian Buddhist history. He is often called the “Second Buddha” because of his influence. He lived from about 150 to 250 CE. Nagarjuna founded the Madhyamaka school of emptiness. He is the first great philosopher of Mahayana Buddhism. He is considered an ancestor by both Han Chinese and Tibetan Buddhists. His teachings profoundly impact the understanding of deities in Tibetan Buddhism
Nagarjuna’s image is unique. He has a protuberance on his head, which symbolizes wisdom. The top of his head is surrounded by dragon heads, usually seven or nine. He wears a monk’s robe. His hands are in the teaching mudra, a gesture of teaching. He is sitting in a relaxed posture. A water filter is near him, sometimes with scriptures. In Tibetan monasteries, Nagarjuna is enshrined with Aryadeva, Asanga, Vasubandhu, Dignaga, Dharmakirti, Gunaprabha, and Shakya Prabha. This group is known as the “Six Ornaments and Two Supreme Ones.” Nagarjuna’s teachings are essential to the understanding of emptiness and the interconnectedness of all phenomena. They are important in understanding deities in Tibetan Buddhism.
Nagarjuna’s concept of emptiness (sunyata) is central to his philosophy. It does not mean non-existence. Instead, it refers to the lack of inherent existence. He argued that all things are interdependent and constantly changing. His ideas have profoundly shaped Buddhist thought. Many consider his philosophical depth to be unmatched, making him a significant figure in the history of philosophy. He is highly revered by many schools of Buddhism.
Nagarjuna’s teachings serve as a foundation for understanding the nature of reality. They emphasize the interconnectedness of all phenomena. He encourages practitioners to see beyond the illusion of separate, independent selves. Therefore, his work continues to be studied and revered by scholars and practitioners across various Buddhist traditions. This influence makes him an important figure when discussing deities in Tibetan Buddhism.
His impact is seen throughout Mahayana Buddhism. His emphasis on emptiness and the Middle Way have influenced the practices of meditation and the understanding of reality in different schools of Buddhism, including Tibetan Buddhism. He stands as a guiding light for those seeking deeper insights into the nature of the world and the self.
Conclusion
The deities in Tibetan Buddhism are rich and varied. They serve multiple roles in practice and devotion. The Five Long-Life Goddesses protect and bestow blessings. Guhyasamaja embodies the union of wisdom and method. Nagarjuna offers profound insights into emptiness. Together, these figures create a complex and meaningful system of beliefs. The deities enrich the spiritual landscape of Tibetan Buddhism, guiding practitioners toward enlightenment.
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