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Shakyamuni Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One

Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha, also known as Gautama Buddha, was a spiritual teacher who lived in ancient India and founded Buddhism. He was born in the Shakya tribe in present-day Nepal in the sixth century BCE, and since then, millions of people all around the world have been inspired by his teachings. Siddhartha Gautama, according to Buddhist legend, was protected from the harsh realities of life, but after leaving the confines of his palace, he saw the sorrows of old age, illness, and death. 

He was inspired by this encounter to give up his luxurious lifestyle and search for the meaning of life. At the age of 35, after years of diligent spiritual work and meditation, he attained enlightenment. He rose to fame as the Buddha and spent the remainder of his days lecturing to people about his discoveries.

Early Life and the Four Sights

Shakyamuni Buddha was born into a wealthy family in Nepal and lived a sheltered life within the palace walls. At the age of 29, he left the palace grounds and was confronted with the “Four Sights” that changed his life forever. These sightings had a profound effect on Siddhartha, leading him to question the nature of human existence and the purpose of life. He realised that life was marked by suffering, illness, and death, and that these experiences were shared by all humans, regardless of wealth or status. These realisations set Siddhartha on a path of spiritual seeking, seeking to understand the nature of suffering and the path to liberation.

Teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings revolve around the idea that all human beings suffer and seek happiness, but our attachments and cravings lead us into a cycle of suffering. The Noble Eightfold Way, which consists of eight practices that lead to the cessation of desire and the achievement of enlightenment, is what the Buddha taught to break this cycle. Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Attention are some examples of these practices. 

The Buddha also placed a strong emphasis on the cultivation of mindfulness, which promotes greater self-awareness as well as inner calm and clarity. The Buddha also stressed the value of showing kindness and compassion to all beings, including ourselves. These teachings continue to inspire and direct individuals seeking spiritual development and transformation. They have had a great influence on millions of people all over the world.

The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path

The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path are at the core of the Buddha’s teachings. These are the Four Noble Truths:

Dukkha: The truth of suffering – all beings experience suffering, pain, and unsatisfactoriness in life.

Samudaya: The truth of the cause of suffering – craving and attachment to impermanent things cause suffering.

Nirodha: The truth about the end of suffering is that desire and attachment may be destroyed in order to end suffering.

Magga: The Noble Eightfold Path is the route to enlightenment and the truth of the path to the end of suffering.

The Noble Eightfold Path consists of eight interrelated practices that lead to the cessation of suffering. These are:

Right View: Seeing reality for what it is and recognizing its nature.

Right Intention: Having good intents and motives that are in accordance with the road to freedom

Right Speech:  Communicating in a sincere, considerate, and effective manner.

Right Action: Taking the right course of action is acting in a way that is both useful to oneself and others.

Right Livelihood: Earning a life without harming other people

Right Effort: Making an effort to cultivate good attributes and give up bad ones.

Right Mindfulness: Being mindful in the right way is being conscious of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present.

Right Concentration: Developing deep concentration and focus through meditation.

Mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha

The mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha is “Om Muni Muni Maha muniye Swaha” and is considered one of the most powerful mantras in Buddhism. 

The word “Om” is a sacred sound in Hinduism and Buddhism, while “Muni” means “sage” or “wise one,” and “Maha Muniye” means “great sage.” “Swaha” is an expression of dedication or surrender. 

Reciting the mantra is said to bring about spiritual transformation and increase wisdom and compassion. It is believed to have a purifying effect on negative karma and can help overcome obstacles on the path towards enlightenment. Some Buddhists also believe that reciting the mantra can bring protection and blessings from the Buddha. Overall, the mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha is a powerful tool for cultivating inner peace, wisdom, and spiritual growth.

Legacy and Impact of Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha left behind a large and enduring legacy, and his teachings have had a significant influence on millions of people all across history. He is regarded as one of the greatest spiritual teachers in history, and many different schools of Buddhism have their roots in his teachings.

The world has been profoundly impacted by the Buddha’s teachings, which have influenced social justice movements, literature, art, and philosophy. Several people have been motivated to work toward personal development and spiritual awakening by his teachings on compassion, nonviolence, and the value of leading a mindful life.

Buddhism has spread across the globe, with millions of followers and practitioners in Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. The teachings of the Buddha have also had a significant impact on various fields of study, including psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science. Furthermore, the Buddha’s legacy is not limited to his teachings alone. His life story has inspired countless works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and literature, and his image can be found in many temples and homes across the world.
The legacy of Shakyamuni Buddha is proof of the potency of spiritual awakening and the transforming effects it may have on people and society at large. Millions of people are still inspired by and guided by his teachings as they travel the road to freedom and enlightenment.

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Maitreya Buddha: The Future Buddha

Maitreiya Buddha - Handmade Tnangka Painting from

Maitreya Buddha is a future Buddha who is expected to come to earth from Tushita Heaven. He is supposed to be passing the life of a Bodhisattva in the Tushita Heaven preparatory to his descent to earth in human form. It is said that he will come to earth 400 years after the disappearance of Gautam Buddha for the deliverance of all sentient beings. He is the only Bodhisattva who is worshipped both by the Hinayanists and the Mahayanists.

Maitreya may be represented as a standing figure adorned with rich ornaments and holding in his right hand the stalk of a lotus. Maitreya may also be represented seated as a Buddha, with legs either interlocked or dangling down. His color is yellow and his images sometimes bear figures of Dhyani Buddhas.

The Prophecy of Maitreya

A significant part of the Buddhist tradition is the Maitreya prophesy, which foretells the coming of a new Buddha who would spread the Dharma across the globe. The prophesy states that Maitreya is in the Tushita Heaven and is patiently awaiting his time to leave there and become a Buddha. He is seen as a bodhisattva who has achieved enlightenment but has chosen to put off becoming a fully realized Buddha in order to assist others. As a bodhisattva, Maitreya has vowed to fulfill his commitment to turn into a Buddha and aid in the enlightenment of all sentient beings.

According to the scriptures, Maitreya will be born into a wealthy family in the future but would later give up his material belongings and live as a traveling monk. He would ultimately become a Buddha and spread the Dharma throughout the globe, bringing about a new period of enlightenment and spiritual awakening. For Buddhists all around the globe, the prediction of Maitreya’s advent serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement, serving as a reminder that the Buddha’s teachings are eternal and applicable to all cultures and that there is always the possibility of spiritual rebirth and development. For Buddhists everywhere, his coming is a sign of hope and regeneration.

Teachings of Maitreya

The teachings of Maitreya Buddha are a fundamental part of Buddhist tradition and are anticipated to be extremely important in establishing a new period of enlightenment and spiritual awakening. He is regarded as a master of the bodhisattva path, which is the route to Buddhahood that is characterized by compassion and selflessness. His teachings stress the significance of showing compassion and respect for all sentient creatures, understanding the interconnection of all things, and working to end suffering in the world. His teachings are meant to encourage individuals to lead moral lives and to develop bodhisattva traits like kindness, patience, and knowledge. 

The teachings of Maitreya Buddha are regarded as a continuation of those of the Buddha and are in line with the fundamental ideas of Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. His teachings emphasize the development of loving-kindness, compassion, and knowledge, all of which are necessary characteristics on the road to enlightenment. His teachings are anticipated to have a significant influence on society, encouraging individuals to conduct more kind and moral lives and ushering in a new period of spiritual rebirth and change.

Mantra of Maitreya

There are a number of mantras connected to Maitreya Buddha, each with a distinct meaning and goal. These are two popular mantras:

Om Maitri Maitri Mahamaitri Shodasi Svaaha: The key virtues highlighted by Maitreya are loving-kindness and compassion, which are developed through the repetition of this mantra. It can be recited while seeing Maitreya and visualizing him spreading love and compassion.

Om Maitreya Namo Buddhaya: This mantra is the salutation and adoration given to Maitreya Buddha in order to show respect and devotion. It can be recited to entice Maitreya’s presence and blessings during meditation or prayer.

It’s vital to remember that the intention and attention of the person repeating a mantra can have a role in how powerful the sound is. The formation of loving-kindness, compassion, and reverence for Maitreya Buddha can be a great practice for spiritual growth and transformation, whether or not mantras are said.

The Significance of Maitreya

Because of the prophecy of his advent, which promises a new period of spiritual rebirth and development, Maitreya Buddha is a significant figure in the Buddhist tradition. He is regarded as the ideal of a bodhisattva, embodying compassion and selflessness. His teachings stress the significance of treating all sentient beings with kindness and respect, and his personal example encourages Buddhists to develop the bodhisattva virtues.

The value of wisdom, compassion, and virtuous conduct is emphasized in Maitreya’s teachings, which are consistent with the fundamental ideas of Buddhism. The Buddha’s message is global and everlasting, and his teachings serve as a continuation of those of the historical Buddha. The future Buddha, known as Maitreya, is believed to come to Earth to teach the Dharma and usher in a new period of enlightenment and spiritual awakening.

In Buddhist nations, where he is frequently portrayed in sculpture and art, Maitreya Buddha has tremendous cultural significance. His likeness represents the Buddha’s teachings and acts as a prompt to practice virtue, compassion, and knowledge. His teachings carry on the Buddha’s message by highlighting the value of compassion, wisdom, and moral behavior.

Maitreya Buddha, who represents the bodhisattva ideal of compassion and benevolence and predicts a new period of spiritual rebirth and development, is an important figure in the Buddhist tradition. The teachings of Maitreya highlight the value of developing knowledge, living virtuously, and treating all sentient beings with love and respect. His coming as the future Buddha is viewed as a sign of inspiration and hope for Buddhists all across the world, proving the teachings of the Buddha to be eternal and global. In Buddhist nations, Maitreya is revered as a cultural icon who serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings and the value of virtue, compassion, and knowledge.

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Amitabha Buddha | Amitayus

The great savior Buddha is known as Amitabha (Sanskrit: “Infinite Light”), also known as Amitayus (“Infinite Life”), Japanese Amida, and Chinese Emituo Fo in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in the so-called Pure Land sects. According to the Sukhavati-vyuha-sutras, which serve as the foundational texts for the Pure Land sects, a monk by the name of Dharmakara took several vows, the 18th of which stated that upon his attaining Buddhahood, all who had faith in him and invoked his name would be reborn in his paradise and would live there in bliss until they attained enlightenment. Dharmakara ruled as the Buddha Amitabha in the Western Paradise, also known as Sukhavati, the Pure Land, after fulfilling his vows.

In 650 CE, Amitabha’s devotion emerged in China. From there, it went to Japan, where it resulted in the establishment of the Pure Land school and the Real Pure Land school, both of which still have significant followings today. The late Heian era raig paintings of Japan depict Amitabha’s Pure Land and Amitabha descending to welcome the recently deceased in a beautiful way (897–1185).

In Tibet and Nepal, Amitabha is revered as one of the five “self-born” buddhas (dhyani-buddhas) who have existed eternally. Amitabha was never as well-known as a savior figure there as he was in East Asia. In accordance with this theory, he appeared as both the bodhisattva (“buddha-to-be”) Avalokiteshvara and the historical Buddha Gotama. His color is red, his posture is one of meditation (dhyana-mudra), his symbol is a begging bowl, his mount is a peacock, his consort is Pandara, his family is Raga, his element is water, his sacred sound is “ba” or “ah,” his skandha (element of existence) is taste, his sense organ is the tongue, and his place in the body is the mouth.

Amitabha is referred to as Amitayus, or “Infinite Life,” since he bestows a long life. While the two names are frequently used interchangeably in China and Japan, the two forms are never confused in Tibet, where Amitayus is revered in a specific rite in order to live a long life. He is shown holding the ambrosia vase from which the jewels of eternal life spill while sporting ornaments, a crown, and other accessories.

Amitabha Buddha, also known as Amitayus or Amituofo, is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. He is considered one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, along with Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amoghasiddhi, and Vairochana. Amitabha is revered as the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life. He is believed to have created the Pure Land, a realm of perfect bliss and enlightenment, where beings can be reborn through the power of his grace and merit. This
Pure Land is known as Sukhavati or Dewachen.

The Pure Land tradition of Buddhism is particularly popular in China, Japan, and Korea, where it is known as Jodo, Jodo Shinshu, and Cheontae, respectively. Followers of the Pure Land tradition believe that by chanting Amitabha’s name, they can generate the necessary merit to be reborn in his Pure Land and attain enlightenment.

The name Amitabha means “Infinite Light,” and his image is often depicted with a halo of radiant light surrounding his head. He is also commonly depicted holding a vase, representing the nectar of immortality, and a lotus flower, symbolizing the purity of the Buddha’s teachings. Amitabha’s importance in Mahayana Buddhism is reflected in the fact that he is the focus of numerous sutras and texts, including the Amitabha Sutra and the Infinite Life Sutra. These texts describe the Pure Land in detail, including its geography, inhabitants, and the benefits of being reborn there.

In addition to his role as the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life, Amitabha is also regarded as a bodhisattva, a being who has chosen to postpone their own enlightenment in order to help others attain liberation from suffering. As such, he is often depicted surrounded by other bodhisattvas, including Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, and Mahasthamaprapta, the bodhisattva of wisdom.

Overall, Amitabha Buddha is an important figure in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in the Pure Land tradition. His teachings and his Pure Land offer a path to liberation and enlightenment for those who seek it.

References

  • https://www.britannica.com/topic/Avalokiteshvara
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Zambala | Dzambala | Kuber | Namtse | God of Fortune, Wealth & Prosperity

Zambala

Dzambhala, Dzambala, Zambala, or Jambala are all aliases for the God of Fortune and Wealth, Jambhala. He is, in fact, a Jewel family member. He is the emblem of good fortune and achievement. The Zambala is the Money Guardian. Kubera, a Hindu divinity, has been compared to him. He’s also thought to be the avatar of Avalokitesvara or Chenrezig, the Compassion Bodhisattva. Each of the five riches Jambhalas has its own ceremony and song for conquering poverty and ensuring financial stability.

Jambhala or Kuber or Namtse is a Bodhisattva who bestows worldly and spiritual wealth, as well as a variety of other benefits, the most important of which is economic stability. Because there are so many hostile and undesirable emotions or supernatural forces in this universe that can harm humanity and other sentient things, Dzambhala must assume a new rageful and powerful form in order to protect humanity from such destructive spirits and horrific crimes.

Dzambhala aids us through removing or removing all catastrophes and hurdles, as well as boosting all good fortune and contentment. It implies that possessing a zambala artwork in one’s home will bring the owner money and prosperity. He has sought Buddha and attained a state of mind nearest to nirvana as a supernatural being, a king of the North. Zambala now serves as a divine defender and protector of all sentient things, working from a place of immense love and generosity.

Etymology

Dzam means “assembly” or “deity.” “Gold or wealth,” Bhah suggests. “To honor” is the sense of the word “la.” Dzambhala means “precious golden deity who gathers or distributes spirituality or Dharma with material stability or accomplishment to our circumstances.”

The Five Jambhalas

The five Jambhalas are embodiments of Buddhas’ and Bodhisattvas’ kindness for sentient creatures, leading them on the spiritual journey.

Green Jambhala

Green Jambhala is by far the most prominent of the five Jambhalas, and portrays Buddha Amoghasiddhi, whom was pictured standing on a corpse with a mongoose in his left hand and a Kapala in his right. For most depictions, he is shown with his consort and a jewel-producing mongoose in his left hand. The body of the Green Jambhala is a bluish green tint. With Dakini in front of him, he lays in the vajra position. His right leg is crimped, and his right foot is above a snail and lotus blossom. His left clutching a mongoose named Nehulay, which spew out jewels from its mouth, whereas his right hand possesses Norbu. In her palm, the Dakini holds a lotus blossom. Green Jambala is also a form of Buddha Akshobhya, who is blue in color.

Across from Buddha Sakyamuni, Green Dzambhala pledged to protect anyone that recited his mantra or named him. When facing hardships, it is best to earnestly say the mantra in one’s heart.

Mantra of Green Jambhala

Om Karma Jambhala Ah Svaha

White Jambhala

The benevolent incarnation of the Bodhisattva Chenrezig is White Jambhala (or Dzambhala Gapee in Tibetan) (Guan Yin). He has the power to combat poverty and illness, to purify non-virtuous karma and karmic impediments, to avoid misfortune and illness, and to evolve bodhicitta mind. According to Tibetan mythology, a respected high lama named Atisha was wandering alone when he came upon a man who was famished and near death. He chopped flesh from his own body and offered it to the starving man after looking about and failing to find nourishment for the old man. The man, on the other hand, refused to consume his meat. Lama Atisha sat next to him, depressed and unsure how else to help the guy on the verge of death.

Mantra of White Jambhala

Om Padma Krodha Arya Jambhala Hridaya Hum Phat

Yellow Zambala

The Yellow Jambhala is considered the most popular and powerful of the Wealth Gods. He is the emanation of Buddha Ratnasambhava. He can remove poverty within the six realms, increasing virtues, life span and wisdom.

He is also said to be an emanation of Vaisravana, one of the “Four Great World-protecting Heavenly Kings”. He is the guardian of light in Buddhism, a great charitable deity who grants fortune and protection. Lord Vaisravana lives in the northern region under the Four Heavens, at the northern crystal palace on the fourth level of Mount Sumeru. His servants are either yaksas or bhaisajya-yaksas. According to the commentary on Lotus Sutra, this heavenly king is extremely knowledgeable as his perpetual protection of the Buddhas has enabled him to receive many teachings.

Mantra of Yellow Zambala

Om Jambhala Jalendraye Svaha

Red Jambhala

Red Jambhala is depicted practising together with his consort, the heavenly mother of wealth that is in charge of wealth in the human realm. In ancient times, this deity was practiced mainly by kings and royalty. His practice is most suitable to people in high power, or to pray for high power, for it can attract people, wealth and fame. One will enjoy wealth in abundance and shall be well respected and supported by people. There is also the Red Jambhala magnetizing method that can bless the practitioner with marital bliss and a harmonious family. Red Jambala is the manifestation of Vajrasattva. He has two faces and four arms and holds a treasury mongoose in his left hand. Tibetan name for him is Dzambhala Mapo if one chants his mantra sincerely, one will be protected by him and also gain wealth and one can lead a very good life and become popular. Red Ganpati also worshiped as Red Jambala.

Mantra of Red Jambhala

Om Jambhala Jalendraye Dhanam Medehi Hrih Dakini Jambhala Sambhara Svaha

Black Jambhala

The Black Jambhala is known as the Hindu God of Wealth, Kubera. Originated in ancient India, he manifested from the waters of the river and gave the transmission of generating wealth to a king whose kingdom was undergoing extreme financial difficulties during that time. He also benefits the poor and those in solitary retreat that have a virtuous mind. He is the manifestation of Amoghasiddhi Buddha by the request of Buddha Shakyamuni to turn the Wheel of Dharma to benefit sentient beings who are suffering from poverty. He will enable all endeavors to be perfectly accomplished and purify all bad luck and obstacles, prevent theft, bad debts and loss of wealth. Jambhala has a black colored body. He is depicted in a standing position over a human body, symbolizes to subdue human’s ego and eliminate human’s greed. His right hand is holding a Gem Pot and his left hand is holding an animal named Nehulay (mongoose) that spews jewels from out of its mouth. Black Jambhala also wears a snake necklace on his body. Black Kubera is also called as the chief of the five great Jambalas as he is said to have given people wealth and happiness. He is also known as one of the Hindu gods of wealth, Kubera.

Those who chant his mantra will get wealth and also if one has any kind wishes, he will also fulfill it and bring happiness. Black Jambala has two mantras. Black Jambala usually standing upon a corpse and holding Mongoose in his left hand and Kapala is in the right hand.

Mantra of Black Jambhala

Om Jambhala Jalendraye Bashu Dharini Svaha

The Practice

The basis of five Jambhalas practices is Bodhicitta. Practitioners should generate the altruistic intention of compassion (Bodhicitta), and practice generosity. The practice can remove poverty within the six realms and increase one’s merits, wisdom and lifespan. All their material and spiritual needs will be met. The puja of five Jambhalas summons immense positive wealth energies upon the participants. The Buddhists believe that wealth results from one’s past actions, but this puja itself also plays a significant role in changing the course of one’s financial situation.

Spritzing sculptures with water

The legend said that while Gautama Buddha was teaching the Maha Prajna – Paramita Sutra, the jealous Devadatta threw rocks at the Buddha. But instead, the rocks hit White and Yellow Jambhalas on their heads and hit Black Jambhala on the stomach. Buddha then came over to Jambhala and blessed him; from his hand came a white, nectar-like substance of wisdom and compassion and love, and touched Jambhala’s head. Jambhala felt very blissful, happy, calm, and cleaned his impurities and obstructions, and his wounds. Jambhala immediately bowed down to Buddha and thanked him.

Sakyamuni Buddha said to him, “As I have healed you and I poured this holy nectar onto you, in the future any one of my students or student’s students who invokes your power and pours water onto your head – bestow on them wealth, give them the two types of wealth, material wealth and spiritual wealth, more importantly spiritual wealth.” After that, Jambhala folded his hands and said, “I will do as you have said and I promise that I will do that.” That story has become the basis for the practitioners of Jambhala Puja to spritz water over their statues or to place their statues under the falling water of six-step waterfalls

  1. THE YELLOW ZAMBALA THANGKA
  2. Jambhala
God of Wealth Mantra
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Vajra Yogini | Vajravarahi | Buddhism | The Powerful Divine Red Lady

Bajrayogini |Vajrayogin| |Handmade Thangka on cotton canvas

Vajra yogini is defined as Vajravarahi, the women manifestation of the cognitive function ultimately rises to spiritual enlightenment in Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism). Vajrayana emphasizes experience before speculation, although it does so in a novel way, employing words from scholarly philosophical Buddhism. Such technique entails using pictures from one’s everyday life to develop a better understanding of man’s existence, that is both deed (upaya) and awareness (prajna), which together strengthens each other.

Vajra yogini is frequently described in a frightening shape, grasping a skull as well as a sword in her hands, her right leg extended outside, and her left leg bend the knees in archetypal representations. She is encircled on all sides by crematoriums, suggesting that the ordinary world has expired in comparison to the rich world of inner consciousness and its undistorted perception of reality. Although she can be visualized alone, she is usually shown in partnership (yab-yum) with Heruka, who is recognized as Hevajra when he is joined with Vajra yogini. As a result, he is incredibly popular in Tibet, particularly among the Bka’-brgyud-pa (a significant Buddhist sect), for whom he is the patron deity.

Vajravairocani (She Who Reveals), a yellow-colored symbolic representation of the all-illuminating sun, or Vajravarnani (She Who Colours), a green-colored manifestation of the broadest range of interpretation and the fact that man’s view is “colored,” may involve Vajra yogini as an affirmation of the multiplicity of psychic phenomena. Vajra yogini is often addressed to as Vajradakini in her primary form (She who roams over the Void). Vajra yogini is not the major deity of a tantra despite her centrality in Vajrayana Buddhism (literary work). Her various forms are described in four sadhanas (visualization procedures).

Vajra yogini is a Vajrayana Buddhist mindfulness deity and a Dakini. She is believed as a female Buddha. In Sanskrit, Vajra yogini signifies “diamond female yogi.” Her approach involves strategies for preventing ordinary mortality, transitional realms, and reincarnation (by transforming them into spiritual roads) and transforming all mundane daily events into spirituality journeys. Vajra yogini, commonly known as Vajravarahi, is a prominent Tantric female deity who can be found in all Tibetan Buddhist lineages. She wears a single boar’s face, two or more boar’s faces, two or more hands, and red, yellow, or black legs, standing in a dance position, or both legs downwards.

Vajravarahi Vajra yogini is accompanied by 24 Dakin’s, Sahaja Chakrasamvara to the left, and two monastic figures to the right. Vajravarahi, along with Vajra yogini and the Fierce Black One, have all been variations of Vajravarahi. Vajravarahi Vajra yogini one of the most prominent and unique patron deity rituals originating from the Chakrasamvara cycle of tantras from the Anuttarayoga Tantra’s enlightenment class. All the Sarma Schools, including such Sakya, Kagyu, and others, practice these different forms.

Vajra Yogini Mantra:

The Vajra yogini Mantra is Om Vajra Yo Gi Ni Hum Phat Sva Ha.

VAJRAYOGINI MANTRA | वज्रयोगिनी मन्त्र

Tibetan Name:

The Tibetan name for Vajravarahi, Vajra yogini is Dor je phag mo, dor je nal jor ma

Passion to Compassion Metamorphosis

Vajra yogini is a prominent female tantric dakini who epitomizes the feminine enlightenment power of hollowness. Her bare body is a vivid scarlet, signifying the ability to transform desire, sensual, and egoistical desire into boundless empathy for all sentient creatures. She is Chakrasamvara’s opposing half, portrayed here by the khatvanga pole resting on her left shoulder. Vajra yogini reveals that they are eternally united but never separated within that way.

She feeds from the kapala, a half-skull filled of blood, that she carries in her left hand. She encroaches Kalarati (the red figure) and Bhairava with her feet (the blue figure). They symbolize the clinging, anger, and ignorance illusions that Vajra yogini’s wisdom has shattered. Vajrayogini extends her gaze to the Holy Dakini Land to symbolize because she has the power to lead sincere practitioners directly to this celestial region free of suffering.

History and Genealogy

Between the eleventh and twelfth centuries, Nepal evolved Vajrayogini (Vajra yogini). It emerged from the Cakrasavara Tantra, wherein the Vajrayogini appeared as his yab-yum companion, to be a distinct Anuttarayoga Tantra discipline. Vajrayogini is member of the Anuttarayoga Tantras’ Mother Tantra class, which further encompasses tantras much like Cakrasavara and Hevajra Tantras. The two stages of Vajrayogini technique (formation stage and consummation stage), as per Vajrayana, have been originally imparted by Vajradhara. He emerged in the avatar of Heruka to elucidate Chakrasavara’s Root Tantra, it was in this tantra that he explained Vajrayogini technique. This initial revelation can be traced all the way back to the different branches of Vajrayogini instructions. The Narokhachö tradition, which was transferred from Vajrayogini to Naropa; the Maitrikhacho lineage, which has been transmitted from Vajrayogini to Maitripa; and the Indrakhachö lineage, which has been transmitted from Vajrayogini to Indrabodhi, are the three most often practiced.

Enactment

In Vajrayana Buddhism, Vajrayogini is a meditating divinity or the yab-yum partner of a mindfulness god. She manifests in a mala that the devotee glimpse in compliance with sadhana defining the tantra’s practice. There seem to be numerous compilations of Vajrayogini sadhanas, which includes solely Vajrayogini sadhanas and comprises forty-six compositions by various authors.

Vajrayogini is the yidam that a meditator identifies practicing the Six Yoga’s of Nropa, and she is a substantial deity for tantric emergence, especially for new commences, as Vajrayogin’s profession is shown to be well-suited to those with powerful desirous adhesion, as well as those living in the current “perverted age.” Chakrasavara (Tib. Khorlo Demchog), her consort as Vajravrh, is often depicted symbolically as a khavga on her left shoulder. She is also the consort of Jinasagara (Tib. Gyalwa Gyatso), the crimson Avalokitevara, in this form (Tib. Chenrezig). Vajrayogini occurs in Tibetan Buddhism’s Kagyu school’s versions of Guru yoga. In one popular approach, the learner demonstrates oneself as Vajrayogini while worshipping their guru in the avatar of Milarepa. The intention of visualizing Vajrayogini is to accomplish generation stage tantra realizations, in which the practitioner depicts themselves as their yidam or meditational deity, and their circumstances as the Deity’s mala (A string of beads or knots). The intention of the generation stage is to eliminate ordinary perceptions and ordinary ideas, which are shown to be barriers to nirvana in Vajrayana Buddhism.

  1. Vajrayogini
  2. Vajrayogini
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Aarya Tara | Vasya Tara | Boddhisattva

Green Tara

Tara is an analogue of bodhisattva (“Buddha-to-be”) widely renowned in Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, and other Buddhist regions. Her Tibetan name is “Sgrol- ma” meaning “she who saves” with many avatars. Tara is a completely enlightened Buddha who made a vow in the distant past that after reaching complete enlightenment she would always appear in female form for the benefit of all beings. By iconographic category and hierarchy Tara is a meditational deity (ishtadevata, yidam) and her appearance is that of a peaceful deity, a Devi or “bodhisattva appearance.” – Vajrayana Buddhism.

Tara was born from a tear of solicitude of Avalokiteshvara. It is said that when Avalokiteshavara wept his tear while looking upon the planet filled with suffering beings, tear fell to the bottom and formed a lake. Out of its waters rise a lotus, which, on opening, revealed the goddess, Tara. She is a compassionate deity who helps human being in a state of enlightenment where everyone wants to reach.

There is a story concerning the traditional Bodhisattva Tara. A decade ago, Tara was a young princess names Yeshe Dawa, which suggests ‘Wise Moon’. Buddha at that point was named Tonyo Drupa. From him Yeshe Dawa received special instructions concerning bodhicitta (Today it can only be harvested in Kavre, Nepal) and shortly achieved some great results. Seeing her remarkable achievements, a fellow monk suggested that she should now pray to be reborn as a male to progress further within the practice. “However, it’s true that there have been very few who crave to work for the wellbeing of sentiment in a female form. It is believed that after this Yeshe Dawa moved to the state of meditation and stayed in that position for ten million years. Buddha Tonyo Drupa envisioned, in future she will palpable the supreme enlightenment as the Goddess Tara in contrasting world.

One of the opposite stories regarding Tara is, in Tibet she is believed to be incarnate in every pious woman, and therefore the two wives—a Chinese princess and a Nepali princess—of the first Buddhist king of Tibet, Srong-brtsan-sgam-po, were identified with the two major avatar of Tara.

The White-Tara (Sanskrit: Sitatara; Tibetan: Sgrol-dkar) was incarnated as the Chinese princess. She symbolizes purity and is usually represented standing at the right hand of her consort, Avalokiteshvara, or seated with legs crossed, holding a full-blown lotus. She is usually shown with a third eye. Tara is additionally sometimes shown with eyes on the soles of her feet and the palms of her hands (then she is called “Tara of the Seven Eyes,” a form of the goddess popular in Mongolia).

The Green Tara (Sanskrit: Shyamatara; Tibetan: Sgrol-ljang) was believed to be incarnated as the Nepali princess. She is considered by some to be the original Tara and is the female consort of Amoghasiddhi, one of the “self-born” buddhas. She is generally shown seated on a lotus throne with right leg hanging down, wearing the ornaments of a bodhisattva and holding the closed blue lotus (utpala). Green Tara, commonly recognized as Arya Tara or Vasya Tara, has been the most renowned of the Taras.

Though Tara has multiple origin stories and myths, she is the goddess of universal compassion, representing virtuous and enlightened actions. She brings longevity protects earthly travel, guards her followers on their spiritual journey to enlightenment.

Mantra- Om Tare Tuttare Ture Savha.

Tara as a manifestation of enlightened qualities

A second way Tara can be understood is as a manifestation or embodiment of enlightened qualities. A Buddha’s mind is beyond our limited perceptual or conceptual abilities. All those who are awakened practiced for eons to purify their minds and enhance their capabilities to benefit us. But they need a way to communicate with us to lead us on the path out of suffering to full awakening. Since we are embodied beings who relate to color, shape, and other objects of the senses, the compassionate Buddhas appear in various forms to communicate with us. Tara, like all other meditational deities, is one of those forms.

Each deity is a manifestation of the same enlightened qualities -love, compassion, joy, equanimity, generosity, ethical discipline, patience, enthusiasm, concentration, wisdom, and so forth—although each manifestation may emphasize a particular quality. For example, Tara symbolizes awakened activity, while Avalokiteshvara embodies compassion. Among the diverse forms of Tara, Green Tara, who will be described below, eliminates obstacles, and brings success. White Tara counteracts illness and bestows long life. Among the 21 Taras and the 108 Taras, each has her own specialty, symbolized by her color, implements, and physical posture.

In another way of speaking, Tara is an emanation of bliss and emptiness. Within the sphere of emptiness—the absence of inherent existence—the blissful wisdom realizing emptiness appears in the form of Tara. By appearing in this physical form of Tara, the minds of bliss and emptiness of all the Buddhas inspire us to cultivate constructive attitudes and actions. By understanding the symbolic meaning of Tara’s physical characteristics, we gain confidence in and are moved to follow the path she teaches, generating her qualities within ourselves.

Her female form draws us into spiritual life. My teacher, Lama Thubten Yeshe, who practiced Tara meditation daily, often referred to her as “Mummy Tara.” Just as most of us worldly beings feel affinity for our mothers and rely on their constant, compassionate help, we are naturally attracted to Tara. We can relax in her presence and look at ourselves honestly, knowing that Tara will not judge, reject, or abandon us due to our shortcomings. Like any mother, she sees her child’s potential—in this case, our spiritual potential or Buddha nature—and wants to nurture it. We feel that we can easily entrust ourselves to the path she teaches. In this way her female form functions to increase our confidence in the Three Jewels and to feel supported in our practice.

Her female form represents wisdom, the essential element needed to remove the ignorance which misconstrues reality and is the root of all our suffering. Women tend to have quick, intuitive, and comprehensive understanding. Tara represents this quality and consequently can help us to develop such wisdom. Thus, she is called “the mother of all the Buddhas,” for the wisdom realizing reality that she embodies gives birth to full awakening, the state of freedom from narrow, dualistic discriminations and its attendant, self-centeredness.

Green Tara’s color symbolizes activity and success. Although she possesses the same qualities as all other manifestations of the omniscient ones, she specifically embodies the enlightening influence by which the Buddhas act to benefit and guide us. Also, she represents the purified aspect of the element of air, which activates growth in the world. Just as the air element generates the growth of green plants, which consequently brings the uplifted spirit of springtime after the dreariness of winter, Tara’s enlightening influence makes our good qualities bloom and leads us to the freshness of liberation after the oppression of cyclic existence. Lush green plants that grow easily are a farmer’s delight. Similarly, her green color represents success—in worldly affairs as well as in spiritual development—giving us a sense of delight, hope, and optimism. Aspirations made in the presence of Green Tara may easily grow into results, and requests made to her may be actualized quickly. One reason for this is that by visualizing and praying to Tara, we are energized to create causes for happiness and to eliminate interferences in our Dharma practice.

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Tara in Bodhisattva

Tara in Bodhisattva

Across both Buddhism and Hinduism, Tara is a feminine deity who epitomizes compassion and offers liberation from the sufferings of reincarnation and mortality. She is often invoked for security, wisdom, and escape from difficult situations and therefore is considered to have been created out the of tenderness for the struggling world. Tara is regarded as the female embodiment of avalokitesvara who himself is understood as the embodiment of compassion & compassionate wisdom.

She is the second of ten Mahavidyas, or incarnations of the great Mother Goddess Mahadevi, in Hinduism (also known as Adi Parashakti as well as other names). The goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati constitute the Adi Parashakti trinity, and the Mahavidyas are more specialized incarnations of these three. As Hinduism is henotheistic, she is an ishta-devi, one’s absolute favorite deity (the male version is an ishta-deva) (a belief in a single deity with many manifestations). Tara is a manifestation of Parvati as a devoted mother caring for and protecting her children and is thought to be the mother of Sakyamuni Buddha (l. c. 563 – c. 483 BCE) who is understood in Hinduism as an avatar of the god Vishnu. Her major cult center is Tarapith in West Bengal.

Tara is a Buddhist savior deity who liberates souls from suffering. In Buddhist Practice, she is renowned as a bodhisattva (“spirit of enlightenment”), and in Esoteric Buddhism, particularly Vajrayana Buddhism, she is recognized as a buddha and the mother of lord buddha (also known as Tibetan Buddhism). According to one legend, she emerged from the tear of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, who grieved as he contemplated the suffering world. She is therefore associated especially with compassion, but she can take on a range of shapes to advise and protect her devotees, along with a vengeful deity imitating Kali, the Hinduism deity of death and integration.

The earliest fully attested documented evidence of Tara’s devotion derives from the 5th century CE, but the goddess has long been acknowledged, since she is mentioned in the Rig Veda (c. 1500-1100 BCE) and then was well throughout the Vedic Period (c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE). She is also connected to the deity Prajnaparamita, who appears in the Buddhist compilation Completion of Wisdom, which has been written around c. 50 BCE and c. 600 CE. Tara is considered as a central piece of light that can traverse by.  She is however documented in the 8th century CE Tibetan Book of the Dead, the Bardo Thodol.

Her title means “savories” in Sanskrit, but it can also be interpreted as “star,” and she is invoked for guidance in life in general, as well as by those that are wandering and having difficulty finding their way. Tara, like a star, is thought to provide a single point of light which can be used to navigate. She is connected to divine feminine figures in Buddhist schools from all around the world, and yet she is probably best renowned in the West as Guanyin, the Chinese deity of compassion. She still is venerated in both Hinduism and Buddhism today, and she is among the most successful and influential goddesses in Esoteric Buddhist schools.

Historical Development

It is unclear when the veneration of Tara began, but she is associated with the Shakti sect of Hinduism which worships the feminine divine principle of the Mahadevi as the source of all creation rather than the male principle of Brahman. Shakti does not deny the male principle, recognizing the importance of both male and female, but elevates the Mahadevi to the most prominent position. It is likely this sect was established by the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 7000 – c. 600 BCE) and influenced the development of the popular sects of Vaishnavism (centered on the god Vishnu) and Shaivism (emphasizing Shiva). All three recognize the importance of balance between male and female energies as well as the elevating effect of personal devotion to the deity of one’s choice.

As noted, textual evidence for Tara comes first from the Rig Veda and physical evidence of her worship from her temple at Tara pith, established in c. 1225 BCE. The site of Tara pith was formerly (and part of it still is) a charnel ground where corpses were left to decompose (or were cremated) as part of mortuary rituals. These grounds were frequented by religious ascetics known as siddhas as well as those who were considered even more spiritually advanced known as mahasiddhas (“great” or “perfected” siddhas) who claimed to be able to commune with the eternal spirits and powers of the place as well as the souls of the dead.

Tara pith (as the name makes clear) is a pith (plural, pitha, “abode” or “seat”) of Tara, a place where her power and presence are most accessible. As she is associated with death and symbols of mortality such as skulls in some of her forms, she may have been developed by mahasiddhas sometime before 1225 BCE as their ishta devi, probably as part of the Shakti sect. Whatever part purely religious considerations played in this, their devotion to Tara would have self-identified the group, differentiating it from others in the Shakti sect, and helping to develop a specific form of worship of the goddess.

Tara in Hinduism

There are several origin tales for Tara in Hinduism but one of the best-known concerns the goddess Sati, consort of Shiva. Sati’s father, Daksha, insulted Shiva by not inviting him to participate in a sacred fire ritual. Sati felt personally responsible for this slight and, unable to live with the shame of her father’s actions, threw herself into the fire during the ritual. Shiva went mad with grief and, to help him, Vishnu gathered up the parts of Sati’s body and scattered them across India. Wherever a part fell, it bloomed into a manifestation of another goddess, and so Sati continued to live through them. Each of these sites was then recognized as a pith – the home or “seat” of a particular goddess.

One of Sati’s eyeballs is said to have fallen at Tarapith, making that her seat, and the temple was later raised in her honor. The site was obviously associated with Tara before the construction of the temple and especially its charnel grounds where the siddhas and mahasiddhas would engage in their rituals. Scholars Robert E. Buswell, Jr. and Donald S. Lopez, Jr. comment.

[Pitha] appear commonly in scenes from the lives of the mahasiddhas. Many of the sites can be linked to geographical locations on the Indian subcontinent, although some remain unidentified, and the location of others shifts according to different traditions. They are considered, however, to form a network, both in the external world and inside the body of the tantric practitioner. In both their external and internal forms, the pitha are presumed to form a mandala.

The mandala (Sanskrit for “circle”) is a geometric shape expressing spiritual meaning and interpreted by those who view it as a kind of map of their inward journey. It can also be understood as a representation of Divine Order, which is how it would be understood regarding the pitha. Hinduism is known to adherents as Sanatan Dharma (“Eternal Order”), and the universe is understood to operate according to the rules of that order created and maintained by Brahman. When Vishnu scattered the parts of Sati’s body, therefore, Divine Order directed where they would land for its own purposes; these purposes were later understood as the creation of a mandala to aid human beings in their spiritual work.

The pitha became pilgrimage sites and Tarapith one among many. Tarapith honors Tara in her form as compassionate mother while also recognizing her fierce protective nature. Accordingly, blood sacrifices were made (and still are in the present) to the cult statue of the goddess inside the temple. Participation in the rituals at Tarapith are believed to be restorative, curing illnesses (both physical and psychological) and even bringing the newly dead back to life.

Tara in Buddhism

Tara pith is a Hindu temple and, specifically, of the Shakti sect, but it is honored by Buddhists who recognize Tara as not only the mother of Sakyamuni Buddha but of all buddhas before and after him. She is said to have been born of the compassion of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (also known as a buddha) when he wept over the suffering world. Avalokitesvara is an important figure in both Hinduism and Buddhism and, in the latter, is associated with the sacred number 108 as he is said to have 108 avatars which appear to people in their various forms to help them most effectively.

In Tibetan Buddhism, he is known as Chenrezig who, upon looking down upon the world from the summit of a mountain, saw how people endlessly suffered through ignorance, which trapped them in their own fears and bound them to the cycle of rebirth and death (samsara) on which they would suffer eternally unless awakened. His tears formed a pool at his feet which expanded into a lake, and, at its center, a lotus appeared and then opened, revealing Tara in her complete form and power. She is therefore regarded as the female embodiment of Avalokitesvara/ Chenrezig who himself is understood as the embodiment of compassion and compassionate wisdom.

Modern-day scholars continue to debate whether Tara emerged first in Hinduism or Buddhism which may seem a senseless argument since it is clear, historically, that Hindu texts and the temple honoring her predate the establishment of Buddhism. Buddhists, however, claim an eternal spiritual history for their belief system comparable to that claimed by Hinduism, and according to this understanding, Avalokitesvara, and therefore Tara, predate institutionalized Hinduism. In this Buddhist cosmography, there are many different world systems operating in different spheres of time simultaneously, and in one of these, according to another origin tale, Tara was born.

Moon of Primordial Awareness”), daughter of a king, who lives in the realm of Multicolored Light and makes sacrifices for centuries in her pursuit of wisdom until she is taken on as a student by The Drum-Sound Buddha, the Buddha of that world, who instructs her in the path of enlightenment. Having attained a high degree of spiritual insight, she takes the vow of the bodhisattva and is blessed by the Buddha. The monks rejoice at her accomplishment and tell her she should now pray to be reborn as a male so she can advance further in her next life.

She then vows to always be incarnated as a female for as long as she continues in the realm of samsara because there were many men who served as role models of the enlightened path but, owing to human ignorance and male arrogance, few women. She continued to advance in spiritual wisdom, power, and compassion, meditating continuously, and by so doing she freed infinite numbers of souls from the suffering of rebirth and death, finally becoming the goddess Tara, the savioress, always ready to respond to the cries of those who call upon her.

Tara as Symbol of Transformation

She is believed to quickly respond to adherents who recite her mantra, “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha” (pronounced Ohm Tahray Too-Tahray Turay So-ha), which cannot be literally translated but essentially praises the goddess for her role as savior and asks for her speedy assistance. The mantra is often chanted or sung to musical accompaniment and repeated during private meditation or public worship. The mantra is thought to not only bring Tara into the physical and spiritual presence of the one reciting it but also encourage growth and change.

Tara herself can manifest in 21 forms and so embodies the value of transformation. Aside from her mantra, adherents also recite the prayer known as Praises to the Twenty-One Taras which, names each of her forms, what that form protects against, asks for her help, and praises her for salvation from rebirth and death.

Green Tara

Green Tara: “Tara Who Protects from the Eight Fears” (lions, elephants, fire, snakes, thieves, water, imprisonment, demons), representing protection from misfortune generally. Green Tara is the most often depicted and best-known image of the goddess.

Mantra of Green Tara

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA


White Tara

White Tara: She is not always depicted as white but recognized by eyes on the palms of her hands, soles of her feet, and a third eye on her forehead symbolizing her attentiveness. The White Tara embodies compassion and is invoked for healing (physical, spiritual, and psychological) and the hope of longevity, for good fortune in any enterprise, protection, and spiritual progress.

Mantra of White Tara

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA

TUTT Means to be liberated of SAMSARA. TARE illustrates that Mother Tara relieves living beings from samsara, or actual sorrow. TUTTARE empowers you from unwanted anxieties. TURE, the third word, enables you from sickness.

Red Tara

Red Tara (Kurkula): She depicted with eight arms, each hand holding a different object associated with warning against and protection from danger. She is associated with the attraction of positive energies, spiritual focus, and psychological/spiritual victory. She is often invoked by those trying to break bad habits.

Mantra of Red Tara

OM TARE TAM SOHA (It is for love and attraction.)

Yellow Tara

Yellow Tara (Golden Tara): She depicted with eight arms, hands holding jewels or a single hand holding a jewel believed to grant wishes. She symbolizes prosperity, physical comfort, and wealth and is always either a shade of yellow or gold. She is invoked for financial gain but also for the granting of wishes having to do with the welfare of one’s family, friends, and oneself.

It contributes in the manifestation and fulfillment of one’s goals. You are urging (kuru) Tara to boost (pushtam) your life energies (ayur) and merit (punye), your contributions to imparting positive energy to creatures all throughout the planet, near and far, when you chant the Golden Tara mantra. Recitations of mantras do not have to be limited to formal practice. Use them throughout the day to help you calm down and concentrate on whatever activity you’re working on

Mantra of Yellow Tara

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SARVA AYUR PUNYE PUSHTAM KURU SOHA

PHOTO OF YELLOW TARA FROM : https://traditionalartofnepal.com/shop/masterpieces/gold-tara-thangka-painting/

Black Tara

Black Tara: She is associated with personal spiritual power, she is depicted with an open mouth and wrathful expression as though yelling, seated on a sun disc sometimes alive with flames, holding a black urn containing the essential forces necessary to overcome negative energies and destructive forces, whether internal or external. She is invoked to clear obstacles one has created or those placed in one’s path by others or circumstance.

All of her forms are transformative in nature and, as noted, encourage transformation in adherents. Tara continues in this role after one’s death as she serves as a protector and a guide in the afterlife. In the work known as Bardo Thodol (“Liberation Through Hearing in the Intermediate State”), better known as The Tibetan Book of the Dead, Tara is invoked for protection and called on in the concluding Prayer for Guidance. In the prayer, she is invoked in her various forms and colors to assist the soul in finding peace.

Whatever her color or form, she is always shown as a young, slim, healthy woman ready to spring into action on behalf of her devotees. Tara’s ability to address the needs and concerns of virtually every aspect of a believer’s life makes her among the most popular, if not the most popular, goddess in the Buddhist pantheon in the present day, just as she has been regarded in the past.

Her appeal to women who know they are equally as capable of spiritual enlightenment as men adds to her popularity. Theravada Buddhism and some other schools of Buddhist thought hold that to reach the highest spiritual plane and be free of rebirth as well as death, one must be incarnated as a male, but Tara shows clearly in her story of enlightenment in the realm of multi – colored light that “male” and “female” are illusory distinctions clung to by superficial minds unable to recognize the true nature of reality.

  1. World History Encyclopedia – Tara
  2. Tara (Buddhism) – Wikipedia
  3. Tara | Description & Facts | Britannica

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Compassionate Bodhisattva Chenrezig (Chengrechi)

Chenrezig is the most venerated of all Bodhisattvas, emulating the Buddhas’ kindness. He is the one who glances with an unflinching eye. In times of adversity and challenge. He hears to the pleas of all sentient beings. He is considered as Avalokitesvara. He pledges never to rest until he has succeeded in the liberation of all sentient creatures from samsara, but despite his best efforts, his mission is enormous. To successfully achieve out to those in need, his arms are fractured into numerous pieces to reach out to so many cries of anguish. He saw visions of eleven heads and a thousand arms fanned out about him at times. He is associated with the six-syllable mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, which, when chanted aloud or silently, evokes his loving power and assistance.

Chenrezig is deemed Tibet’s patron, and the Dali Lama, the living Buddha, is an incarnation of him. We get such a taste of our connection with Chenrezig whenever we are compassionate or sense the love of another aimed at us, whether human or animal. In Buddhism, the term “bodhisattva” has two basic meanings. It literally means “enlightenment (‘bodhi’) being (‘sattva’)” in Sanskrit. One of them, according to Theravada and some Mahayanists, is that of a person who is dedicated to becoming a Buddha. The opposite view, espoused by some Mahayanists, is that of a Buddha who decides not to become enlightened to help others.

Chenrezig is not just a Buddhist god, but also a Mongolian divinity. OM MANI PADME HUM is recited by everyone in every nook and corner of the world by young and old. Chenrezig’s holy action is want everyone to have the ability to discuss OM MANI PADME HUM, which helps you generate compassion for others. Chenrezig will assist you if you chant OM MANI PADME HUM. It is straightforward to purify negative karma and acquire realizations when you pray to Chenrezig. This is in addition to the temporary rewards associated with this life’s work. There is no question that you can be guided by Chenrezig whenever we have issues or anxieties, without needing to put in a lot of endeavor in reflection and meditation. And at death time, you will easily be born in the Chenrezig pure land, Potala, or in the Amitabha pure land, Dewa Chen (Skt: Sukhavati). Any heavy negative karma you have collected can be purified by reciting OM MANI PADME HUM and by doing nyung nä practice.

Chenrezig’s Gesture and Posture:

Chenrezig aids creatures through the four immeasurable vehicles. The inner arms’ palms are united at the heart, and they clasp a sky-blue, wish-fulfilling diamond. This represents that Chenrezig’s thinking is never distinct from the all-pervasive primeval wisdom, no matter how he manifests to benefit beings.

Chenrezig is clutching crystalline pearls in his outer right hand and moving them around like a mala when chanting mantras. This reflects the fact that Chenrezig nourishes all beings at all periods. Chenrezig is constantly helping sentient beings and moving the wheel of enlightenment action, just like the steady movement of counting beads.

Chenrezig clutches a lotus flower in his outer left hand. This is Chenrezig manifesting in whatever forms are appropriate to assist sentient individuals in accordance with their mental faculties, circumstances, and propensities. Chenrezig could emerge in any of the realms, especially death and the hungry ghost realms. Chenrezig, as he appears, is free of any of the worldly fingerprints of the various realms of life, rather like a lotus flower growing in a marsh appears to be free of the mud stain. Chenrezig’s left hand, which is clutching the flower, represents this sterility.

All the image’s many elements have meaningful connections to Chenrezig’s amazing traits, and by concentrating on these details as we visualize the image in meditation, we can gradually awaken our own awareness of those same qualities in ourselves.

Mantra of Chenrezig

Chenrezig’s mantra has many syllables. Chengriz’s mantra is Om Mani Padme Hum, which is a Buddhist mantra.

Meaning of Om Mani Padme Hum

Om: Om  is the first and is made up of three letters. A, U, and M are the letters of the alphabet. These represent the practitioner’s impure body, speech, and mind, as well as the Buddha’s pure exalted body, speech, and mind.

Mani: Mani, which signifies jewel, represents the method’s elements of selfless intent to become enlightened, compassion, and love. The altruistic mind of enlightenment can eradicate the poverty, or problems, of cyclic existence and lonely calm, just as a jewel can remove poverty. Similarly, the selfless goal to become enlightened meets the wishes of sentient beings, just as a jewel fulfills the wishes of sentient beings.

Padme: The two syllables padme, which signifies lotus, represent wisdom. As only a lotus sprouts from mud but is unblemished by mud’s flaws, wisdom can place you in a state of non-contradiction, whereas there would be a contradiction if you didn’t have wisdom. There is wisdom that acknowledges impermanence, wisdom that recognizes that people aren’t self-sufficient or substantially existent, wisdom that recognizes the emptiness of duality, that is, the distinction of entity between subject and object, and wisdom that recognizes the emptiness of inherent existence. Though there are many distinct kinds of wisdom, the most important of them all is wisdom that recognizes emptiness.

Hum: Purity requires an indivisible oneness of method and wisdom, which would be symbolized by the final syllable hum, which implies indivisibility. This indivisibility of method and wisdom, according to the sutra system, refers to wisdom affected by technique and method affected by wisdom. It alludes with one consciousness in which the whole form of both wisdom and method coexists as one undifferentiable entity inside the mantra or tantric vehicle. The hum is the root syllable of Akshobhya, the immovable, the unfluctuating, something which can be disturbed by anything, in terms of the five Conqueror Buddhas’ seed syllables.

Every bodhisattva’s philosophy is centered on universal love and compassion, but nothing is ever this more clear than in Chenrezig. Throughout many aspects, he is the archetypal embodiment of compassion, and that is a prerequisite for enlightenment. He emerges as a specific entity or, more frequently, as an archetypal bodhisattva who is the ultimate expression of every Buddha’s love throughout mahayana Buddhism.

Chenrezig’s tale as a unique soul:

The biography of Chenrezig as both a distinct being is also the story of compassion as it evolves in the imagination, whether it has been based on fact or fictitious legend. Compassion originates from a genuine desire for understanding and a perception of life’s meaning that emphasizes others. As the limitless vastness of the work unfolds and the inherent nature of samsara becomes apparent, the initially heroic approach to assisting others mellows and expands. One also observes ignorance’s diabolical brilliance in eluding the truth and thwarting attempts to destroy it. This requires you to learn how to tackle it from diverse angles at the same time.

After a lengthy spiritual battle, one felt obligated to confront the problem’s real origin and accept and understand it rather than attacking it. To use it, one must learn to harness both the masculine and feminine aspects of mind’s innate loving compassion, as well as be both dynamic and sensitive in one’s interactions with mind’s various expressions. The traditional tale reflects all these steps:

A million young men pledged to become Buddhas countless ages ago, each offering a different resolution. One resolved to become Gautama Buddha in a time much further in the future, which has now come to be known as our era. Another, Chenrezig resolved to await until all the others had achieved enlightenment before becoming enlightened himself, vowing to assist them all and to be the servant of any being seeking enlightenment anywhere in the universe. He would both instruct them and ask the Buddhas questions on their behalf, as people sometimes struggle to formulate their open part.

He undertook many voyages into the many domains of existence of all beings, from the greatest realms of the gods to the most wretched hells, feeling tremendous sympathy for all beings. The more he glimpsed of the chaos and suffering that dominated the world, the more he wants to assist. May I assist all beings, he prayed to the Buddhas. May my body be smashed into a thousand pieces if I ever tire of this wonderful work. Going to follow that, he went to the darkest hell (avici hell) and liberated as many beings as were ready to listen to his teachings. He gradually advanced through the worlds until he reached the deva realms. While he looked around the cosmos, he saw that although he had liberated thousands of individuals.

His commitment wavered because of this, as he flew into a thousand pieces like the kernels of a pomegranate. He pleaded out to all the Buddhas, who, like snowflakes, came to his assistance and recovered his illness via their benevolent influence. Afterwards when, he had a thousand arms and nine heads, to which Amitabha Buddha added a particular head and his superior wisdom’s endorsement. Then Bodhisattva Vajrayana added a wrathful head, representing all of the Buddhas’ special abilities. Chenrezig is sometimes depicted with a thousand arms and eleven heads over this.

Chenrezig – Tibet’s guiding light:

It would not be common for one buddha, or a bodhisattva, to be raised to the center of a teachings, as Buddha Amitabha is in the Japanese Pure Land school’s teachings. But the fact that a whole nation, with the greatest diversity of Buddhism on the planet, believes Chenrezig itself to be the guide and protector is a real testament to him.

Tibetans believe that the early rulers who brought Buddhism to Tibet have been derived from Chenrezig and Manjushree. Ever since, several of the greatest reincarnate lamas have indeed been regarded their emanations, such as the seventeen generations of Karmapas and, more recently, the fourteen Dalai Lamas. Even notably, practically every Buddhist in Tibet recited Chenrezig’s mantra om mani padme hung daily, to the extent whereby Tibetan children learn the mani mantra before learning to say mama or papa, as per a traditional proverb

The cosmic bodhisattva Chenrezig:

Mahayana Buddhism does have a multitude of techniques for converting toxic energy into positive energy. Compassion is at the foundation of every one of them. Chenrezig the bodhisattva is a symbol for all these expressions of compassion in action. As per the Debate on Chenrezig’s Revelation: Were one thing and one thing alone to represent every enlightened quality, as though it were in the palm of one’s hand, what would it be? Great compassion.

Compassion’s light beams in a sensible and timely way. It sheds light on issues relevant to a specific discipline. It illustrates how well the family member may bring peace, understanding, and harmony into the home. It offers the solitary meditator how to connect to the complexities of his or her own brain in a loving yet rigorous manner. It demonstrates how to govern and how to cope with suffering to the ruler and the affected. Some compassion tactics are merely cosmetic and restorative. Others are profound and revolutionary. Chenrezig is renowned for using the strength of sound as a gateway to liberation and is one of the deeper techniques.

Chenrezig has one, three, five, seven, nine, eleven, and so on up to 84,000 faces and two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, and so on up to 84,000 arms mostly in tantras. Gentle, kind, and merciful are some of his forms. Its intention is to assist wretched ghosts and spirits even while eliminating some of the participants’ bad karma, which was produced by greed and avarice. The red kneeling form of Chenrezig, known as ‘He who shakes the very foundations of existence,’ is even more wrathful than this. Everyone else has compassion’s vengeful expression.

The most prevalent version, with one face and four arms, is indeed the solitary tantric technique that involves no risk and might even be performed by anyone. In general, mahayana Buddhists believe Chenrezig’s grace is so powerful that only one sincere recitation of his mantra or one open-hearted look into his gentle expression is enough to plant the seed of future illumination in the mind.

“Whenever we see something which could be done to bring benefit to others, no matter how small, we should do it.”  – Chamgon Khentin Tai Situ Rinpoche

  1. Bodhisattva Chenrezig Thangka Painting
Chengrechi (Chenrezig) Thangka in plain ground
Chengrechi (Chenrezig) followed by plural deities

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Singing Bowl (Healing Therapy)

Mantra Carved Singing Bowl

Many diverse societies have used sound healing techniques throughout history. Himalayan singing bowls are becoming increasingly popular in sound therapy these days. The bowls are comprised primarily of seven to twelve metallic elements, referred to as “bell metal.” They may also hold silver, gold, mercury, tin, lead, copper, and iron, depending on the type.

RELAXATION AND RESONANCE IN SOUND HEALING

Each bowl has a slightly distinct acoustic tone and frequency than all the others. And it can fluctuate from high to low if we strike the bowl in different areas. Therapists employ a variety of strategies to generate reverberation, relying on the surrounding airwaves to transport the sound.

When we seem unable to concentrate on words and meaning, harmonic tones can soothe and relax us. We often hear that sound and touch are the last senses to fail, so we can utilize sound therapy to generate serenity and ease even if we do not really think a person is aware.

PERCEPTION IN SOUND HEALING

Scientists studying phyco-acoustics (the study of sound perception in the brain) examined at how distinct brain waves operate at various frequencies. They believe that the sound can assist retune internal frequencies that have been disrupted. Sound waves interact with interior elements in the physical body, according to therapists, and may help to alleviate physical, mental, and emotional imbalances.

HISTORY OF THE SINGING BOWL

Long before the emergence of modern industrialization, the history of singing bowls began in a time and culture with little written records. Over 5,000 years ago, the first metal bowls were most likely composed of pure copper. Brass, which is a mix of copper and other metals, is a later technology that dates back thousands of years. According to legend, 2,000-year-old brass bowls were discovered in Tibet at the turn of the century.

While there is some myth around the creators of singing bowls, knowledge of a singing bowl’s origin usually dies with the first or second owner. Bowl casting was essentially a cottage business, with the craftsman performing rudimentary smelting and precise craftsmanship in his or her own house. Generations of skills were passed down until the 21st century, when the ancient chains were broken.

People utilized singing bowls as cooking pots, drinking water pots, and for a variety of other household tasks in the past, and they also used singing bowls for healing purposes when they were sick. They used to retain water in singing bowls overnight and drink it the next morning, and they utilized a variety of healing equipment such as Bajra (a pointed dart-like device), drums, and other instruments (a healing instrument used by witch doctors and it is still in practice in Nepal) Because of its healing properties, the use of singing bowls is gradually growing. The universal sound ॐ, as well as the sound created by singing bowls, is ॐ. Singing Bowls, Himalayan Bowls, Om Bowls, and Tibetan Bowls are becoming increasingly prominent in the field of healing and harmonizing energies around the world. Singing bowls may generate ear-pleasing sounds and have long been utilized by monks and lamas as aids for meditation and healing, and they are now generally accepted.

THE HISTORY OF TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS

Common singing bowls, which have been prized possessions for a myriad of purposes, were most likely the work of artisans on a regular basis. Singing bowls of extremely high quality were occasionally constructed to order. An extremely capable artisan may be presented with very unique materials for some of the most distinctive bowls. Many Tibetan singing bowls, as well as a diversity of many other manufactured objects, were made in Nepal over the last century. Specific sound properties were the most likely created with sound healing in mind.

Some singing bowls, including those with lingams, were clearly designed for ceremonial use. They may have inscriptions indicating that they were given as gifts to monasteries. Some singing bowls have extraordinary melodic capabilities, leading one to imagine they were tuned for a specific resonance. Many premium grades singing bowls were created with sound in mind, as evidenced by the fact that functioning brass bowls may be made using less expensive metals. However, the true history of the bowls and the makers’ intentions have been lost to time.

The Tibetans owned the gold, while the Nepalis owned the expertise. Many Tibetan singing bowls and other ritual objects were created in Nepal and then sent over the Himalayas, typically using Tibetan materials. Whether huge quantities of singing bowls were ever manufactured in Tibetan monasteries is a point of contention. We know that this location has had metallurgy of the type utilized in the bowls for thousands of years. The immense pressure that formed the Himalayas also resulted in the formation of unusual metal alloys near the surface. In this section of the world, ancient copper and antique brass artifacts are widespread.

SINGING BOWLS

Tibetan Singing Bowls utilizes friction and vibration to generate the sound we hear and create, which changes depending on the quality of the bowls and the situations and setting in which they are used. The singing bowl and the manner it produces sound has recently sparked the interest of scientists and musicians alike. The science of singing bowl sounds is simple and can best be comparable to playing wine glasses filled with water. The science behind the power to heal of singing bowls, on either hand, is rather well or proven.

FUNCTION OF SINGING BOWLS

A singing bowl is performed by striking it or rubbing the rim with a mallet. The first step in making sound with a singing bowl is to strike it with a mallet. Reverberations are generated by the friction created by rubbing or striking a singing bowl, according to Science Made Simple UK. When we hold the singing bowl, these oscillations produce the sound we hear and feel. The friction keeps the sound going as you continue to rub the bowl’s rim. This is referred to as resonance. The sound you hear after the musician had stopped contacting the singing bowl and the mallet is called resonance.

To make matters much more challenging, the sound produced by singing bowls and mallets might differ. A bronze alloy of copper, tin, zinc, iron, silver, gold, or nickel is often used to manufacture typical singing bowls. The material that used make the singing bowl, and the mallet, can alter the sound. The sound from crystal bowls differs from that of bronze alloy bowls. Numerous sounds will be produced with wooden and cushioned mallets. The singing bowl’s size, shape, and weight can all influence the tones it produces.

EFFECTIVENESS OF SINGING BOWL THERAPY

Sound and vibration healing is one of the oldest therapies that is gaining popularity in current human culture. The cell is the most basic component of the human body, and it is through cells that the body’s communication processes take place. As we all know, the human body is 70% water, and when singing bowls were placed in the body and played, the sound and vibrations from the bowls go throughout the body through the cells, calming the entire body. Numerous cells receive soothing massage because of this process, and we feel calm.

WATER WITH SINGING BOWLS

Singing bowls filled with water are the subject of many investigations exposing its inner workings. Observing how water is stimulated when playing a singing bowl has been the subject of numerous research. Two studies, “The Dynamics of Tibetan Singing Bowls” by Octávio Inácio et al. and “Tibetan Singing Bowls” by Denis Terwage and John Bush, have investigated this. Slow motion video and sound recording were used to show these groups singing bowls filled with water being played. Jason Palmer wrote a BBC piece that explained their findings.

The rim of the singing bowl begins to change shape as it is played, switching back and forth between slightly oval shapes. The bowl’s energy is transferred to the water. The charged water creates waves, which cause droplets to bounce and skip across the surface. Faraday waves are indeed the name for this occurrence. This study of the singing bowl’s Faraday waves can be used to processes like as fuel injection, which has far-reaching ramifications beyond acoustic music, sound meditation, and healing.

The singing bowl’s frequency varies when water is added. Water lowers the frequency and generates a deeper, longer-lasting resonance. Water-filled singing bowls can be used to create additional tones for meditation or sound therapy, but they can also be utilized as part of a fun science experiment. Scientific studies and physics are used to explain how singing bowls work. The impacts of singing bowls on our bodies and well-being, on the other hand, are less well-founded scientifically, but they should be examined anyway.

SINGING BOWL & HUMAN CHAKRA

Chakra, which meaning wheel in Sanskrit, is also known as the human energy field. Chakras are energy wheels that spin in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Along the spine and in the head, there are seven primary energy centers.

ChakraDescriptionChakra
Root Chakra (Muladhara)The first chakra and the foundation of the entire chakra system is the root chakra (Muladhara). Color: red, location: base of spine Effects on the Adrenal Glands, Kidneys, and Liver The energy flow in the chakra system is generated by the spinal column.Root Chakra
Sacral chakra (Svadhisthana)  This chakra is linked to creativity, interpersonal connections, energy, and sexuality. Health Sexual organs are located here. Orange is the primary color. Effects on the Reproductive SystemSacral chakra (Svadhisthana)
Plexus Solar (Manipura)  This chakra is related to negative emotions, personal power, and the need to live. Location: Naval Color: Yellow Healing benefits for the stomach, nervous system, and liver.Plexus Solar (Manipura)
Chakra of the Heart (Anahata)  The heart chakra is tied to the chakra (Love & Kindness) Location: Heart Color: Green Healing on the heart and blood circulation.    Chakra of the Heart (Anahata)
The throat chakra (Vishuddha)It is linked to communication, honesty, and creativity. Location: Throat Color: Blue Healing effect on Throat, thyroid, gums, mouth, and lungsThe throat chakra (Vishuddha)
Chakra of the Third Eye (Ajna)  Wisdom and vision are related with this chakra. The area around the forehead is where you’ll find it. Healing effects on the lower brain, eye, ears, nose, and pituitary gland Color: Dark Indigo BlueChakra of the Third Eye (Ajna)
Chakra of the Crown (Sahasrara)  The universe, imagination, consciousness, and divine wisdom are all related with this chakra. Healing effects on the head, top of head Color: Violet Effects on the higher brain, eye, and pineal glandChakra of the Crown (Sahasrara)

 

Full moon singing bowls stand out among the different types of singing bowls. Every month’s full moon is dedicated to their creation. This is done to trap the moon’s energy in the bowl and make it more spiritually powerful. The relaxing and stress-relieving sounds are excellent. Different alloys are used to create the full moon singing bowls. These help to activate the full moon’s beneficial energy while also relaxing you. They are produced by hand on the full moon of each month, hence the name. Singing bowls are mostly utilized for stress alleviation and relaxation through meditation.

These are some of the oldest stress-relieving techniques still in use today. So, what precisely are these bowls for? A singing bowl can be used in two ways. You can either play the singing bowl yourself or simply listen to the amazing sound it produces. This allows you to concentrate on the one thing you’re doing right now: bowling. Another option is to have someone else play the bowl, preferably someone who has done it before. You can appreciate the sound and use it in your life for whichever reason you like. Simply listening to the bowl’s sound relaxes your mind and aids in the improvement of personal health and chakra healing.

They’re utilized for a variety of purposes. Stress reduction, meditation, and a variety of other mental health treatments are available. They’re also known as therapy sound bowls because of its therapeutic noises, and they’re popular among medical practitioners. Full moon singing bowls can be used for a variety of purposes, including: Music: At the end of the day, the singing bowl is a musical instrument, even if it is used as a relaxation or healing treatment. We all know that music can heal and comfort us. The singing bowl, like any other musical instrument, produces a harmonizing sound that soothes and relaxes you at the same time.

 Meditation: The low-frequency sounds emitted by this full moon singing bowl are excellent for soothing your mind. They are very beneficial for meditation. Meditation can be done in a variety of ways, and many people do it in different ways. Some people try it with complete silence, while others hum a specific sound at a specific frequency to calm their minds. In the same way, singing bowls work. The bowl’s sound is soothing, allowing you to concentrate on only one thing: the sound.

Healing the Chakras: The singing bowl is regarded by some as a means of chakra healing. Chakra refers to unique points or spiritual power centers in the human body. The low-frequency vibrations of full moon singing bowls resonate with the low-frequency vibrations and act as an aid in healing these chakras in the body.

References

  1. How Singing Bowls Work: The Science of Singing Bowls
  2. Singing Bowl History
  3. Human chakras and singing Bowls
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Buddha Life

The Life of Buddha thangka paintings portray the most significant occurrences in Siddhartha’s life, identified as the “Twelve Great Deeds of the Buddha’s Life.” These works of art aren’t only depictions of the historical Buddha’s most important events; they’re also a visible representation of various conceptual components of Buddhism, especially the path to spiritual enlightenment. The Thangka Paintings of the Life of Buddha are more than just depictions of the major events in the historical Siddhartha’s journey to spiritual enlightenment. This article delves into the twelve significant events of Siddhartha Gautama’s life, which are split into three main phases:

  • His ascension to earth, his birth, and therefore his early years as a prince.
  • His recognition of human misery and his search for a way to alleviate it.
  • The fulfillment of his search and his vow to spend the remainder of his life teaching others how to attain enlightenment for themselves.

The Buddha’s pledge to come to Earth

The universe and all aspects of existence, according to Buddhist cosmogony, are divided into six realms, as portrayed in another important thangka painting, the Wheel of Life. Prior to his birth as Shakyamuni, the Buddha was a bodhisattva in the Tushita heaven, the home of the satisfied gods. Buddha decides to manifest himself in this reality as a prime example of bodhisattva, inspired by compassion against the human realm, with the purpose of teaching the Dharma and saving manking from spiritual sorrow and suffering. The Buddha, accompanied by other divinities, makes his pledge while holding a golden bowl (in some cases a lotus flower) as a symbol of his intention’s purity. The Buddha, accompanied by other divinities, makes his pledge while holding a golden bowl (in some cases a lotus flower) as a symbol of his intention’s purity. As a result, Buddha, seeing the suffering of sentient beings, resolved to descend to the earth and spread the Dharma, in accordance with his bodhisattva status.

Focus part of Buddha Life Thangka

Mayadevi’s Dream & Birth of Buddha

The princess Maya Devi, who dreams a white elephant, represents Buddha’s ascension into our realm. Maya Devi had a dream that she was being transported to a lake in the Himalaya by four devas (spirits), according to tradition. There, she was attacked by a white elephant, who used his tusks to rip the right side of her stomach apart. Finally, the elephant vanished, and the queen awoke, knowing she had received a crucial message, as the elephant is a Nepalese symbol of greatness. The elephant is also a symbol of power and intellect, and his hue is linked to the gray clouds that carry the rain that nourishes the soil. So, in this analogy, the white elephant. After ten months of pregnancy Maya Devi went to her father’s kingdom and deliver the baby with the assistance of her mother. However, on the way to her childhood home, she decides to stop in a beautiful garden in Lumbini and take a rest underneath a blossoming Sala tree.

According to legend, Buddha was born from her mother’s right side while she stood holding a tree branch. Maya Devi’s unusual stance had an impact on feminine iconography throughout Asia. Traditional dance choreographers have adopted the sinuous motion, which has inspired multiple generations of artists. The event is also depicted with the Hindu gods Indra and Brahma present at the time of birth. Buddha was able to walk almost immediately. In fact, he made seven steps forward, each one accompanied by the appearance of a lotus flower on the ground. Siddhartha Gautama was his name. Siddhartha signifies “the One who achieves his purpose” in Sanskrit. Maya Devi, the princess, died seven days later.

Maya Devi dreaming of elephant and birth of Buddha

Buddha’s infancy and early years in the world

Little is known about prince Siddhartha’s early years. Siddhartha lived a luxurious and secluded existence since his father had been warned that the kid would abandon his palace and royal destiny to pursue a spiritual path. He had the best education possible and mastered all the lessons he was taught. In his younger years, he excelled in sports, particularly horseback riding and archery. He had a reputation for being both physically and sexually beautiful. Prince Siddhartha became a true man of the world when he reached adulthood and accepted royal duties, with a retinue of several queens and attendant ladies. We’ll look at the event that inspired Siddhartha to begin his ascetic life and his search for a solution to human.

Prince Siddhartha in Palace

The Four Confront

Buddha’s father tried to protect his son from the harsh realities of life after being warned by court astrologers that he might give it all up and adopt the road of meditation. This situation persisted until Siddhartha decided to depart the palace with a chariot driven by one of his slaves. The prince encounters an old guy, a sick man, and a dead man on his voyage, causing immense mental turmoil. He also encounters an ascetic monk, and after questioning him, Gautama chooses to adopt his example, believing that this will help him to calm down. Siddhartha departs the palace, having made his decision, to continue his search for the Life’s truth, sorrow, and genuine happiness.

Siddhartha encounters various human beings

Siddhartha departs from the palace and begins his austere journey

Gautama allegedly left his father’s magnificent mansion in the middle of the night, leaving behind his sleeping wife and son, according to mythology. Siddhartha cut his long and magnificent hair the first thing he did after leaving his home. In the thangka artwork, this story is depicted as a symbol of Buddha’s unwavering commitment. The little prince, dressed as a beggar, walks from place to place with his begging bowl. Siddhartha meets various masters during this time and learns how to meditate. Despite everything he had learned, he realized that he was still vulnerable to old age, sickness, and death, and that his search was not yet complete.

Siddhartha leaves his luxurious life

The six years of austerity

Buddha came to a nice hermitage by a gorgeous stream in his journey for enlightenment, where he joined five mendicants who practiced a discipline based on extreme fasting. According to folklore, he ate a single grain of rice for the first two years, drank a single drop of water for the next two, and took nothing at all for the final two years. He did these exercises for six years, getting so slender that he could practically feel his spine when he touched his stomach. The thangka depicts Buddha meditating in the lotus position under a tree, his body gravely afflicted by the experience. Gautama did not obtain insight or the answer despite his enormous anguish and suffering. He intends to return to begging for food in order to strengthen his body.

Meditation in search of enlightenment and interacting with human beings

Endeavor for enlightenment

Gautama traveled to Gaya in search of a good location to sit and meditate. He sat on the east side of a banyan tree. There, he met Sujata, a native girl who offered him a bowl of rice. It was the first food he’d consumed in years, and it quickly brought his body back to life. Sujata was delighted and thrilled when the holy man accepted her meal, so she started dancing joyfully and reappeared with further offerings in the company of her servant, as depicted in the artwork. Gautama, abandoning himself to meditation, pledged that he would not leave that position until he had achieved full enlightenment.

All veils of conflicting sentiments and stiff concepts vanished now of full realization, and Buddha experienced the all-encompassing here and now. All distinctions in time and place vanished. Past, present, and future, both close and far, merged into a luminous state of intuitive happiness. He morphed into eternal, all-pervading consciousness. He knew and was everything through every cell in his body. He attained the title of Buddha, the Awakened One. Buddha walked across northern India after attaining enlightenment. For forty-five years, he never stopped teaching. From rulers to courtesans, he drew people from all castes and professions. He responded to their questions by pointing to the goal. Buddha encouraged his learners to think his teachings and confirm them via personal experience throughout his life. Buddhism is still known for its non-dogmatic approach.

Illustration of Buddha life in thangka painting


Illustration of Buddha life in thangka painting


Illustration of Buddha life in thangka painting

The historical Buddha Shakyamuni is always present in all Buddha Life thangkas. In a scene from the legend of Mara’s attack, he is seen holding a beggar’s bowl in his left hand and calling the ground as a witness with his right hand.

A Buddha Life thangka’s features might change, and distinct scenes may not always be found in the same location. However, the underlying pattern remains consistent. Buddhism was founded by the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. All authentic Buddhist teachings in the world today are based on his life story and teachings. We discover how and what we as Buddhist aspirants should practice, nurture, and strive for in our own spiritual journey via the deeds of his great life. His story is taught in every Buddhist institution on the planet. The Buddha’s life story is depicted here in a pictorial format. Viewing above images will leave deep impressions in your mind, allowing you to develop the same traits of compassion and wisdom that the Buddha demonstrated and taught during his lifetime, and eventually Buddhahood. May these heavenly images benefit you.

Videos on Buddha Life – Life of Buddha

References

  1. Buddha life thangka paintings
  2. Life of Buddha Thangka
  3. Life of Buddha

Thangka collections for purchase