Material: Cloth. Printing. Scroll. (Heruka)

Size: Approximately 122 x 83 cm

Description:

Heruka (Tibetan: བདེ་མཆོག།, Sanskrit: Cakrasaṃvara) is one of the important deities in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, especially in the Anuttarayoga Tantra. He is a symbol of wisdom and compassion, representing the transcendence of secular duality through Tantric practice and the attainment of enlightenment. The following will briefly describe the meaning, image characteristics and mythological origin of Heruka.

1. The meaning of Heruka

Heruka (Cakrasaṃvara, meaning "perfect joy" or "chakra perfection") symbolizes the fundamental truth of the universe and inner awakening. His practice aims to help practitioners purify their afflictions, transcend attachment, achieve purity of body, speech and mind, and then realize the unity of emptiness and bliss. His teachings emphasize the transformation of worldly desires into wisdom leading to liberation through tantric rituals, visualization and meditation.

- **The union of wisdom and compassion**: Heruka often appears with his consort Vajrayoginī in the form of a double body (Yab-Yum), symbolizing the inseparability of wisdom (consort) and compassion (deity). This double body image embodies the core concept of "the union of convenience and wisdom" in Tibetan Buddhism.

- **Chakras and energy**: Heruka's name "Cakrasaṃvara" is related to the chakras (energy centers) of the human body. His practice involves taming the inner qi, channels and drops, guiding practitioners to experience the state of bliss and emptiness.

- **Overcoming ignorance**: The myths and images of Heruka are often related to subduing demons and transcending ignorance, representing the ability of practitioners to overcome inner greed, hatred and delusion.

### 2. Characteristics of Heruka

The image of Heruka is very distinctive in Tibetan Buddhist thangkas and statues, and is full of symbolic meanings:

- **Multiple arms and multiple heads**: He usually has four heads (representing the four immeasurable minds or four wisdoms), twelve arms (symbolizing the severance of the twelve links of dependent origination), and each arm holds a different instrument, such as a vajra, a bell, a knife, a drum, etc., symbolizing various aspects of power and wisdom.

- **Blue body**: Blue represents the unchanging nature of the Dharmakaya, and also symbolizes the mighty power of the wrathful deity, which is used to subdue demons.

- **Double body**: He embraces Vajrayogini and tramples on demons, symbolizing victory over worldly greed and ignorance.

- **Headwear and decoration**: He wears a skull crown and human bone ornaments, which symbolize impermanence and transcendence of worldly attachments.

3. Origin of mythological stories

The legend of Heruka is closely related to the origin of Tantra and the Tantric tradition of Indian Buddhism. His mythology is mainly derived from the Cakrasaṃvara Tantra. The following is an overview of its core story:

1. **Subjugation of the Demon King**:

According to legend, the appearance of Heruka is related to the subjugation of Maheśvara (Shiva in Hinduism). In the myth, Maheśvara tried to rule the universe, bringing chaos and ignorance. The Buddha manifested as Heruka, and together with his consort Vajrayogini, demonstrated supreme wisdom and power, subdued Maheśvara and his followers, and transformed them into Dharma protectors or incorporated them into the teachings of Buddhism. This story symbolizes the ability of Buddhism to defeat externalists and purify worldly attachments.

2. **The inheritance of holy places**:

The practice of Heruka is closely related to the 24 holy places in India (or "Vedas"), which are believed to be places where energy converges and correspond to the chakras of the human body. According to legend, the teachings of Heruka were passed down from the Buddha to Vajrapāṇi, and then passed down to Tibet by great Indian masters (such as Nagarjuna and Tilopa), becoming one of the core secret teachings of various Tibetan Buddhist sects (such as Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug).

3. **The symbolic origin of Tantra**:

The teachings of Heruka are said to have originated from the Anuttara Yoga Tantra taught by the Buddha in the form of Tantra before his death. His practice emphasizes guiding practitioners into the realm of great bliss and emptiness through visualization, mantras, mantras (such as "Om Sava Vajra Sattva Hum") and rituals. This teaching gradually developed in the late period of Indian Buddhism and was introduced to Tibet by Guru Padmasambhava and others in the 8th century.

IV. Cultural and practice influences

In Tibetan Buddhism, Heruka is not only the main deity, but also an important protector of practitioners. His practice is widely spread in the Sakya, Kagyu and Gelug schools. Especially in the Sakya school, Heruka, Hevajra and Guhyasamaja are known as the three great red deities. His mandala and rituals are extremely complex and usually require empowerment before practice.

In Tibetan temples and thangka art, the image of Heruka often appears, reminding practitioners to transform worldly desires into wisdom leading to enlightenment through tantric practice. His teachings also emphasize the concept of "becoming a Buddha in this life", believing that through correct practice, sentient beings can achieve liberation in the present moment.

V. Summary

Heruka is a powerful and profound deity in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, symbolizing the harmony of wisdom, compassion and great bliss. His mythological story reflects the Buddhist ideal of overcoming ignorance and purifying the secular world, and his practice provides practitioners with a practical path to enlightenment. By visualizing Heruka and his mandala, practitioners can deeply explore the inner chakras and energy and achieve transformation and liberation of body and mind.

Heruka (printed thangka with cloth frame)