Material: One-Knotted Ganesha, Red Copper

Size: 12 cm

Description:

One of the three unique Dharma protectors of the Nyingma (Red Sect) school (along with Rahula and Vajrapani)

One-Knotted Ganesha (Tibetan name: Azhongma or Asongma, Sanskrit name: Ekajaṭī, meaning "one-knotted") holds a significant position in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the Nyingma school. As one of the principal Dharma protectors, she is highly revered for her powerful protective power and unique image. The following describes the origins of her influence and usage:

One-Knotted Ganesha's Influence in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Major Dharma Protector**:

She specifically supports practitioners in their worldly attainments, helps remove obstacles on the path, and preserves the purity of the tantric tradition. Her image symbolizes the unity of the dharmakaya, embodying the unity of ultimate wisdom and compassion.

2. **Association with Tara and Avalokitesvara**:

Ekagna is considered an incarnation of Avalokitesvara, Prajnaparamita, or Samantabhadra, and is associated with Black Tara (also known as "Mighty Tara"), one of the Twenty-Tara. She often appears in the Green Tara mandala as the liberator, symbolizing the power to remove fear, spread joy, and dispel obstacles to personal practice.

3. **Symbolism**:

Ekagna's unique imagery—one eye, one tooth, one nipple, and one knot—expresses the philosophy of "oneness of wholeness" and symbolizes the ultimate truth of the non-duality of the Dharmakaya. Her terrifying blue-black or maroon form, and her terrifying imagery of holding a human corpse and a demonic mind, embody the powerful power to subdue demonic obstacles, making her particularly well-suited to protecting tantric practitioners from external and internal interferences.

4. **A Core Role in the Nyingma Tradition**:

In the Nyingma tradition, Ekagna is considered a key protector of Guru Padmasambhava. Legend has it that her right eye was pierced by Guru Padmasambhava to enhance her ability to subdue demonic obstacles in Tibet. This legend reinforces her sacred status in Tibetan Buddhism.

Origin of the Uses of Ajatashatru

1. **Origin and Legend**:

The image and function of Ajatashatru originated from the ancient Indian Tantric tradition and were further developed with the development of Tibetan Buddhism. According to Nyingma tradition, she was born from the union of the minds of Mahadeva and the goddess Uma Deva, born from Uma's forehead, symbolizing the union of wisdom and compassion.

- Her image and rituals were first recorded in the Nyingma tantric texts, particularly the "Collection of Nyingma Tantric Stories," compiled and passed down by Living Buddha Tenzin Gyatso.

- Guru Padmasambhava incorporated Ajatashatru into the Tibetan Buddhist system of Dharma protectors, establishing her as an important deity for subduing demonic obstacles and protecting the tantric teachings.

2. **Methods of Offering and Practice**:

- **Ritual Practice**: The practice of Ajita Gandhara typically involves tantric rituals, including offerings, chanting, and visualization. Her unique mantra and rituals, transmitted by Nyingma masters, are used to purify practitioners' karmic obstacles, protect the practice environment, and enhance their concentration.

- **Worship Location**: Ajita Gandhara is often worshipped in Himalayan temples and homes, particularly in Nyingma monasteries. Her thangkas or statues are often found in Dharma Protector Halls, where they are worshipped alongside other Dharma Protectors.

- **Specific Benefits**: Practicing Ajita Gandhara's rituals is believed to dispel fear, subdue hostile forces, protect practitioners from demonic influences, and promote supramundane attainments, such as realizing emptiness or attaining liberation.

3. **Applications in Culture and Art**:

The image of Asuka is highly distinctive in Tibetan Buddhist art. She is often depicted with a dark blue or brownish-red body, a single eye, and a terrifying appearance. She wears a five-skull crown and a garment draped in human skin, symbolizing impermanence and the transcendence of the Dharmakaya. These artistic images are not only used for religious worship but also serve as objects of meditation for practitioners, helping them to deepen their understanding of non-self and ultimate wisdom.

Summary

Asuka is a prominent Dharma protector in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the Nyingma school. She symbolizes the unity of the Dharmakaya and supreme wisdom, and is dedicated to protecting practitioners and the transmission of tantric teachings. Her use originated in ancient Indian Tantric Buddhism. After being introduced to Tibet by Guru Padmasambhava, unique rituals and offerings developed, and she is widely used to remove obstacles, protect practice, and promote liberation. Her terrifying appearance and immense power make her an indispensable Dharma protector in Tibetan Buddhism.