Deities in Tibetan Buddhism (2)

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Deities in Tibetan Buddhism: An Overview

Tibetan Buddhism encompasses a rich pantheon of deities. These powerful figures serve various roles in spiritual practice. They can represent different aspects of enlightenment. This article explores some key deities within this tradition. It aims to provide a better understanding of their symbolism and importance.

Simhanada Avalokiteśvara: The Lion's Roar

Simhanada Avalokiteśvara, or spyan-ras-gzigs-seng-ge-sgra in Tibetan, is a significant deity in Tibetan Buddhism. He is a manifestation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. This yidam, or tutelary deity, is recognized by his serene and compassionate appearance. He often wears a flower garland crown. Furthermore, you can find him adorned with precious jewels. His hair flows gently over his shoulders. He is usually depicted with a bare upper body, with a flowing garment. He sits in a relaxed posture atop a white lion. The lion's head is turned, roaring powerfully. He is shown with either two or six arms. He typically holds a trident with a snake or a lotus flower with a wisdom sword.

Kurukulla: The Goddess of Enchantment

Kurukulla, also known as Rigjyema, is another important deity in Tibetan Buddhism. She embodies power and enchantment within Buddhist tantra. This goddess is considered an emanation of the red form of Tārā. She is depicted with four arms and three eyes. Her complexion is red, and she has golden hair that stands upright. Her posture conveys a sense of fiery energy. She holds a lotus flower, hook, axe, and a bow with a drawn arrow. Kurukulla wears a tiger skin skirt and a necklace of severed heads. She also sports a crown of skulls, plus many jeweled ornaments. She stands on a demon, surrounded by flames. This represents her great authority and power.

Kurukulla embodies a beautiful sixteen-year-old maiden. Her red complexion symbolizes the subjugation of beings. Her fierce expression is the taming of demons. Her single face represents the singularity of Dharma. Moreover, her three eyes show understanding of the past, present and future. Her four arms signify the four attainments: pacifying, enriching, magnetizing, and subjugating. Alternatively, they stand for the immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Furthermore, the items she holds represent the ability to control everything. They also signify her power to subdue gods and humans. Indeed, Kurukulla’s merit extends to all realms, making her a potent figure.

Hayagrīva: The Wrathful Protector

Hayagrīva, meaning "horse neck" in Sanskrit, is yet another key deity in Tibetan Buddhism. He is a manifestation of Avalokiteśvara. He is a wrathful form of the deity. However, his wrath stems from compassion. It aims to assist practitioners in overcoming obstacles. Known as "Tamdrin" in Tibetan, he possesses a small horse head that neighs skyward. Some traditions place him as one of six forms of Avalokiteśvara. Others believe he is a wrathful emanation of Amitābha. He rules the animal realm. Furthermore, he symbolizes the ferocity of a wheel-turning king. Therefore, he tramples through samsara, defeating demons. Hayagrīva represents the consumption of ignorance.

Hayagrīva appears in single or dual forms. The dual form has three heads and six arms. The single form can have one face with two or four arms, or three faces with six arms. Some depictions include wings. He is adorned with a necklace of skulls and a tiger skin skirt. His eyes are wide open. Snakes coil around his body. He holds a skull bowl, lasso, snake, and staff. Also, he has one or three small green horse heads in his red mane. Sometimes, you can also find a small snake on his crown.

Damchen Garwa Nagpo: The Oath-Bound Protector

Damchen Garwa Nagpo, or "the Oath-Bound Vajra," is a deity in Tibetan Buddhism with a unique history. Originally a local Tibetan deity, Guru Rinpoche subdued him. He then became a protector of Buddhism. He is depicted riding a black goat or white lion. His body has a blackish-red color. He possesses one face with three eyes and bared teeth. His hair appears like flames, and he spews poisonous mist. He has two hands, one holding a nine-pronged vajra and the other holding a human heart. He wears a red silk robe and a hat. He also has a tiger skin quiver on his right and a leopard skin quiver on his left. He has a terrifying appearance.

His main form, “Garwa Napo,” has a blackish-blue body. He has one face and two hands. His right hand wields a flaming copper hammer. His left hand holds a black leather bellows. He wears a blackish-blue hat and a billowing black robe. He is a very distinct and important protector. Therefore, his image and symbolism are well-preserved within Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Yamāntaka: The Conqueror of Death

Yamāntaka, a crucial deity in Tibetan Buddhism, is among the four major tantric figures in Vajrayana practice. He’s called "Conqueror of Death" in Sanskrit and "Vajra Terrifier" in Tibetan. He is also known as Mahabhairava, meaning “Great Terrifier". This deity embodies the power to defeat demons and protect goodness. He is considered a wrathful manifestation of Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva. Yamāntaka appears in many forms. Commonly seen with two, four, eighteen, or thirty-four arms. The thirty-four-armed, dual-form is the most recognized representation. He has nine heads, two bull horns, and sixteen legs. He embraces his consort and stands on a lotus. He also steps on sixteen beings.

His thirty-four hands hold various objects. These include a bell, vajra, knife, sword, arrow, bow, vase, rope, hook, trident, and umbrella. Each object holds a significant meaning. Overall, they express his fierceness, strength, and immense power. His nine faces symbolize the nine categories of Buddha's teachings. His upward-pointing hair represents Buddhahood. His body represents the thirty-seven factors of enlightenment. These include the four foundations of mindfulness, the four right exertions, and other key factors.