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Tibetan Buddhism features a rich pantheon of deities. These figures represent various aspects of enlightenment. They also serve as guides on the path to spiritual awakening. This article explores some significant Deities in Tibetan Buddhism, including Tilopa, Citipati, Vajradhara, Naropa, and Hevajra.
Tilopa: The Transmitter of Mahamudra
Tilopa, also known as Telopa or Tilipa, held the original name Mingguang and the Dharma name Huixian. He was a crucial figure in transmitting the four great secrets of Indian Mahamudra teachings. Moreover, people revere him as the second patriarch of the Kagyu school. According to tradition, Tilopa received direct teachings from Vajradhara Sambhogakaya Buddha. Afterwards, he passed these teachings to Master Naropa. Later, Marpa, the founder of the Kagyu school, traveled to India. He studied with Tilopa, Naropa, and others. After his return to Tibet, he established the Kagyu school.
The Iconography of Tilopa
Typically, artists depict Tilopa seated on a cushion. He holds a golden fish in his left hand. Additionally, he holds a kapala bowl filled with nectar in his right. He wears a headdress decorated with human skulls. Light emanates from behind him, symbolizing his enlightened nature. Furthermore, he wears a bone rosary and a garland of red and blue flowers. Clad in a yogi's short pants, a cloth wraps around his body. A meditation belt encircles his shoulders and left leg. The artwork often includes mountains, rivers, white clouds, geese, and antelopes. All of these elements add to the symbolism.
Citipati: Protectors of the Dharma
Citipati, also called the Lord of the Cemetery, are unique protectors of Chakrasamvara and the Dakinis. Therefore, you will often see Chakrasamvara above the protector's Thangka. Likewise, you can find Citipati below Thangkas of Chakrasamvara or Dakini. The couple's appearance is both eerie and terrifying, consisting of two complete white skeletons without flesh. They share one face and two arms. The right hand holds a human skull club. The left hand holds a skull cup filled with fresh blood. They dance atop conch shells on a lotus sun and moon wheel cushion.
The Symbolic Meaning of Citipati
Citipati's skeletal form embodies emptiness. The skull club signifies the destruction of anger. Furthermore, the blood-filled skull cup represents the vanquishing of negative forces. The five skull ornaments atop their heads symbolize the attainment of all siddhis. Ultimately, Citipati protects the Dharma and its practitioners. They are ever-changing and, along with their entourage, safeguard all activities related to Dharma.
Vajradhara: The Source of Lineage
Vajradhara, meaning the Holder of the Vajra, represents the source of all Buddhist lineages. He embodies the essence of the Vajra. Artists depict Vajradhara with a white body, a color that symbolizes purity. His arms cross in front of his chest, embracing his consort, Vajravarahi. His hands form the Vajra Humkara Mudra. His left hand holds a Vajra bell. His right hand holds a Vajra scepter, representing the union of wisdom and compassion. Furthermore, Buddhas and Gurus often surround Vajradhara.
The Representation of Vajradhara
Vajradhara’s iconography emphasizes his role as the source of all teachings. The color white represents the pure essence of Vajra. The crossed arms and the embrace of his consort Vajravarahi highlights the union of wisdom and compassion. By combining the bell and the scepter, the unification of means and wisdom is established. This imagery helps practitioners connect to the lineage. It also serves as a reminder of the path to enlightenment. The fact that he is surrounded by Buddhas and Gurus reaffirms his position as the source of enlightenment and Dharma.
Naropa: The Victorious One
Naropa, known as the Victorious One, had many names throughout his life. His childhood name was Samantabhadra. His Dharma names included Akasagarbha, Buddhi, Dharmadhvaja, and Prajna Siddhi. After receiving the title of Pandit, he became known as Abhayakirti. He also held the Dharma name Sthavira Dharani. As a vessel, his name was Amala Tejas. After becoming a yogi, he changed his name to Naradatapa.
Naropa's Depiction in Art
In artwork, Naropa often appears in a secluded mountain setting. He is dressed as a yogi, sitting on an animal skin cushion. An intricately patterned meditation belt encircles him. He also holds a horn in both hands, raising it to his mouth to blow. This symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance. It can also represent Naropa's praise of his guru, Tilopa.
Hevajra: The Embodiment of Wisdom and Compassion
Hevajra, or the Joyful Vajra, is a major deity in Tibetan Buddhism. People often refer to him as Kye Dorje in Tibetan. He is one of the five main deities in the Unsurpassed Yoga Tantra. He embodies the enlightenment of compassion and wisdom. Wisdom enables one to see through the illusions of self. Compassion manifests through sharing this wisdom with others.
The Complex Iconography of Hevajra
Hevajra is often portrayed as a two-bodied deity. He stands on a lotus seat, with one leg bent. His right foot steps on two prostrate human figures, representing the taming of evil. He has five heads, five eyes, and sixteen arms. The skull crown on his head features Buddha heads, Vajras, or horse heads. His body is often dark or black, reflecting his wrathful nature. His most striking feature is his sixteen arms. Each holds a skull bowl filled with sacred objects.
Symbolism of Hevajra's Attributes
The objects within Hevajra's skull bowls hold significant meaning. The right-hand bowls contain a white elephant, blue deer, blue donkey, red bull, gray camel, red man, blue lion, and red cat. The left-hand bowls hold Yellow Earth, White Water God, Red Fire God, Blue Wind God, White Sun God, Blue Corpse Emperor, and Yellow Giver of Wealth. Each person and animal in these bowls has its own symbolic interpretation. Additionally, Hevajra's main arms embrace his consort, Nairatmya. She is in a kissing position. She holds a curved knife or skull drum. He also wears a necklace of skulls representing the 50 letters of Sanskrit.
This complex iconography serves to represent his mastery over all aspects of existence. Hevajra shows the integration of wisdom and compassion in the pursuit of enlightenment.
The various animals, figures and objects in his bowls represents various states of being that have been tamed. In addition, he demonstrates the potential to move beyond duality and realize the true nature of reality.
The kissing position between Hevajra and his consort, Nairatmya, highlights non-duality.
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