Material: Cloth . Printing . Scroll . (Essentia Gyalma)

Size: Approx. 122 x 83 cm

Description:

Essentia Gyalma (Tibetan: Tshug-tor rNam-par rGyal-ma, Sanskrit: Uṣṇīṣavijayā) is an important deity in Tibetan Buddhism, mainly symbolizing longevity, wisdom, purification of karma and elimination of disasters. She plays an important role in the Tantric tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the longevity method (longevity initiation and practice). The following is a detailed description of the meaning and origin of Essentia Gyalma:

**The meaning of Essentia Gyalma**

1. **Longevity and health**: Essentia Gyalma is regarded as the deity who grants longevity and health. Her practice is believed to prolong the life of practitioners and help overcome diseases, disasters and obstacles in life.

2. **Purification of Karma**: The practice of Asukaji can purify negative karma, help practitioners eliminate past bad karma, and thus improve the results of spiritual practice.

3. **Wisdom and Enlightenment**: Her "single knot" symbolizes the top knot of the Buddha (Uṣṇīṣa), which represents supreme wisdom and enlightenment. The practice of Asukaji can inspire the inner wisdom of practitioners and help them to achieve liberation.

4. **Protection and Blessing**: Asukaji is believed to have a strong protective power, which can protect practitioners from external and internal dangers such as evil spirits, diseases or psychological disorders.

**Image of Asukaji**

Asukaji is usually depicted in white (symbolizing purity and cleanliness), with three faces (representing the past, present and future) and eight arms (symbolizing the ability to bless in many aspects). Her main face is kind, with an angry face on the left (indicating the subjugation of bad karma) and a peaceful face on the right (indicating compassion). She has a knot on her head (topknot), which symbolizes the Buddha's wisdom and divine features. Her eight arms hold various instruments, such as vajra, lotus, vase, etc., which symbolize different levels of blessings and abilities.

**Origin of Asuka-giri**

1. **Scriptural basis**:

- The practice of Asuka-giri comes from the Sanskrit: Uṣṇīṣavijayā Dhāraṇī Sūtra. This scripture records the story of the Buddha reciting the Asuka-giri Dharani to a dying being, helping him to prolong his life and purify his karma.

- According to the scriptures, a monk named "Guangjing" was about to fall into the evil path due to karma. Out of compassion, the Buddha taught Asuka-giri's Dharani, which enabled him to prolong his life and eventually attain liberation. This became the origin of the Asuka-giri practice method.

2. **Inheritance in Tibetan Buddhism**:

- One-Knotted Ganesha is a tantric deity in Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug schools. Her practice is usually combined with the three longevity deities (One-Knotted Ganesha, White Tara, and Amitayus) and used together in rituals related to longevity and health.

- In Tibetan Buddhist thangkas and sculpture art, One-Knotted Ganesha often appears in mandalas related to longevity, and together with other deities, she forms a complex practice system.

3. **Symbolism and mythological background**:

- The "one-knot" of One-Knotted Ganesha comes from the topknot of the Buddha, which is one of the thirty-two characteristics of the Buddha, symbolizing supreme wisdom and the perfection of Buddha nature. Her image combines compassion and wisdom, reflecting the reverence for female deities in Tantra.

- Her three-faced and eight-armed image reflects the multi-dimensional symbolism of Tantra, representing that she can cope with challenges at multiple levels at the same time and help practitioners achieve worldly and transcendental goals.

**Practice**

- **Dharani and Mantra**: The practice of Asuka usually includes chanting her Dharani (mantra), such as the Buddha Crown Vajra Dharani. This is believed to have a powerful blessing power, can purify karma and prolong life.

- **Initiation and Ritual**: The practice of Asuka requires relevant initiation, which is taught by a qualified master. The ritual includes visualizing the image of Asuka, chanting mantras, making offerings, etc.

- **Longevity Ceremony**: In Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, Asuka ceremonies are often held, especially when praying for health, longevity or to eliminate disasters for someone.

**Culture and Influence**

Asuka is not only revered in Tibetan Buddhism, but also has similar practice traditions in East Asian Buddhism (such as Chinese Buddhism and Japanese Shingon Buddhism), especially the methods related to the Buddha Crown Vajra Dharani Sutra. Her image and practice are widely spread in Tibetan monasteries, thangka art and daily practice of Buddhists, becoming an important symbol of longevity and purification.

In short, One-Knotted Buddha represents the embodiment of longevity, wisdom and compassion in Tibetan Buddhism. Her practice method is derived from the teachings of the Buddha, aiming to help practitioners overcome karma, prolong their life and ultimately achieve enlightenment. Her image and ritual fully embody the profound symbolism and practical spirit of Tantra.

One-Knotted Buddha (printed thangka in cloth frame)