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Tibetan Buddhism is rich with diverse deities. These figures play significant roles in the spiritual practices. They represent different aspects of enlightenment. One of the most revered figures is Padmasambhava. He is a key founder of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Significance of Padmasambhava
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, holds immense importance. He was a great Mahasiddha in Indian Buddhist history. In the 8th century, King Trisong Detsen invited him to Tibet. There, he spread Buddhism effectively. He established Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. This monastery housed the three jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Furthermore, he taught Tibetan disciples scriptures. They translated them and also invited scholars like Vimalamitra. Thus, important Sutras and Tantras were translated. He set up monastic colleges and tantric centers. Additionally, he initiated both monastic and lay conduct. These actions laid the groundwork for Tibetan Buddhism. Therefore, his influence is foundational.
Tibetan Buddhists affectionately call him Guru Rinpoche. This means "Precious Guru". They also call him Orgyen Rinpoche, “Precious One from Oddiyana”. Furthermore, he is the founder of the Nyingma school. The Nyingma school is called “the Old School”. He is also known as Pema Jungne, or “Lotus Born.” According to Taranatha’s biography from 1610, Padmasambhava was born into Oddiyana’s royal family. This happened during King Indrabodhi’s reign in Magadha. His birth anniversary is celebrated on the tenth day of the sixth Tibetan month.
The Eight Manifestations of Deities in Tibetan Buddhism
Padmasambhava manifested in eight different forms. He did this to benefit all sentient beings. These are known as the Eight Manifestations of Padmasambhava. Each form symbolizes a different aspect of his enlightened nature. Let’s explore these in detail.
Guru Orgyen Dorje Chang: The Vajradhara of Oddiyana
Initially, the syllable "HRIH" came from Amitabha Buddha's heart. It projected onto a lotus in Oddiyana's Dhanakosha lake. From this lotus, an eight-year-old boy was born. King Indrabodhi, who had no children, was known for his generosity. He made offerings to the Three Jewels. As a result, his treasury was empty. Therefore, he went to the ocean to get treasures. On his return, Zinamitra, his minister, first saw Padmasambhava, followed by the king. The king, overcome with faith, invited him to the palace. He made him his crown prince. He named him Guru Orgyen Dorje Chang.
This manifestation is depicted in Sambhogakaya attire. He has a blue complexion. His right hand holds a vajra at his chest. His left hand holds a bell. He embraces his white consort. His legs are in vajra posture. The consort holds a skull cup filled with nectar. She has her legs wrapped around the father's legs.
Guru Pema Gyalpo: The Lotus King
The King and ministers of Sahor developed great faith in Padmasambhava. They asked him to be their royal preceptor for thirteen years. They offered him precious clothes, a lotus hat, and other gifts. Padmasambhava, wearing the lotus hat, is known as Pema Gyalpo. This name means “the Lotus King”. This manifestation highlights his royal and spiritual authority.
Guru Shakya Senge: The Lion of the Shakya Clan
At the Vajrasana in India, Padmasambhava showed various miraculous powers. He declared himself a self-born Buddha. Many did not believe him. Some even slandered him. To guide them, he took ordination under Prabhahasti. Then, he became known as Shakya Senge. This form represents his role as a teacher and guide. It also reflects his willingness to engage with those who doubt.
Guru Loden Chokse: The Wise Seeker of Knowledge
Padmasambhava received many teachings. These were primarily of the Great Perfection. He learned from masters such as Shri Simha and Garab Dorje. He mastered all the Sutras and Tantras he heard. He understood them without any problems. Therefore, he is called Loden Chokse. This translates to "Wise Seeker of Knowledge". He wears guru attire with mantras. His right hand holds a double-sided skull drum. His left hand holds a skull cup. He sits in a royal posture.
Guru Nyima Oser: Sunlight
In the Cool Grove charnel ground, Padmasambhava practiced asceticism. He taught Tantric doctrines to the Dakinis. He subdued spirits and gave profound teachings. He showed various miracles in the sunlight. Consequently, he was known as Guru Nyima Oser, or Sunlight. He wears yogic attire. He has a tiger skin skirt. He sits on an animal skin. His right hand holds a trident. His left hand makes a gesture holding sunlight. He sits in bodhisattva posture.
Guru Senge Dradog: The Lion's Roar
At the Vajrasana in India, Padmasambhava defeated five hundred heretics in debate. He subdued them using mantra power. Then, he brought them into the Buddhist fold. At this time, he became known as Guru Senge Dradog. This means “the Lion's Roar”. This manifestation symbolizes his powerful ability to defend the Dharma.
Guru Pema Sambhava: Lotus Born
In Sahor, Padmasambhava displayed several miracles. The King, not acknowledging his enlightenment, ordered him to be burned. The flames transformed into a lake. The wood became lotuses. Padmasambhava sat unharmed on a lotus. He was adorned with a garland of skulls. At this time, he was called Pema Thotreng Tsal. Thotreng Tsal signifies the power of the skull garland. It refers to Padmasambhava's adornment. This emphasizes his transformative power.
He is depicted in monastic robes. He wears a red pointed hat. He is clad in tantric garments. His right hand holds a skull cup filled with nectar. His left hand makes a gesture of bestowing blessings. He sits in half lotus posture. This form displays his peaceful aspect.
Guru Dorje Drolö: Vajra Wrath
Padmasambhava subdued the son of a treacherous minister. Then, the King exiled him to a charnel ground. There, he taught profound teachings to both beings and non-beings. He subdued those with negative views of the Dharma. He also subdued the uninitiated as the wrathful Vajra Drolö. This manifestation is a powerful, wrathful form of Padmasambhava.
He has one head, two arms, and three eyes. His body has a brown-red hue. He wears a brown silk robe with a dancing skirt. His right hand holds a vajra. His left hand holds a purba. He stands on a tigress. He has a lotus-rimmed demon seat. He dwells within a blaze of wisdom fire. This image embodies his ability to overcome obstacles.
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