Page 12 - Wrathful Images

Hevajra is a construct, a creation, a model used in meditation. It functions as a large mnemonic device
layered in overlapping meanings drawn from all levels of Buddhist morality teachings, dependent arising,
and the deepest philosophies on the subject of emptiness. The description of Hevajra originates with the
Sanskrit, the Shri Hevajra Tantra. A series of supplementary commentarial tantras are also included in
what is called the Cycle of Hevajra Tantras, included among those is the Vajra Panjara Tantra from where
Panjarnata Mahakala originates.

The lineages and traditions of Hevajra spread from India in the ninth and tenth centuries northward and
were practiced and promoted primarily by the Sakya and Kagyu traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. This
sculpture is remarkable for the beauty of the many faces, the detail of the ornaments and the very large
overall size (26 in., 66 cm. in height). Although popular with earlier traditions of Buddhism this sculpture
was possibly a gift from the Yongle Emperor (r.1403–1424) to the Tibetan Lama Shakya Yeshe (1354—1435)
of the Gelug Tradition and founder of the university style Sera Monastery. Shakya Yeshe was the main
Tibetan teacher of the Yongle Emperor until his death. Their relationship and gift exchange was the source
for the construction of Sera Monastery (founded in 1419, just north of Lhasa), which is one of the three most
important Gelugpa monasteries in the Tibetan capital.

喜金剛的傳承和法門從九、十世紀的印度向北傳播， 年在位）送給了色拉寺創始人，格魯派喇嘛釋迦也失
主要由藏傳佛教的薩迦派和噶舉派實修和推崇。 此 的禮物。 釋迦也失圓寂前受永樂帝敕封為國師，而
尊造像以其眾多華美的面容、精湛細緻的飾品和整 正是他們的往來與禮物交換促成了西藏三大格魯派
體巨大的尺寸而脫穎而出。 儘管喜金剛在早期佛教 寺院之一的色拉寺的建造（成立於1419年，位於拉
中更受歡迎，但此尊造像可能是永樂帝（1403-1424 薩北部）。

“Fearful am I to fear itself … Black am I and terrible …

But my inner nature is tranquil, and holding Nairatmya

in loving embrace, I am possessed of tranquil bliss”

– HEVAJRA TANTRA

「我乃黝黑猙獰可怖…但內在本質寧靜祥和，深情熱烈的
擁抱無我母，安住於平穩安靜的喜悅狀態」

-《喜金剛密續》

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