Material: Red copper. Gilded face consecration. Sacred objects can be placed on the bottom/back of the statue.

Size: 30 cm (medium-sized statue)

Description:

Hamakara (Tibetan: བདེ་མཆོག་, Wylie: bde mchog, Sanskrit: Cakrasaṃvara) is a highly important deity (yidam) in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in Vajrayana. He is one of the main deities of the Anuttarayoga Tantra, alongside Yamantaka and Guhyasamaja, and is widely practiced in the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug. The following describes the influence, status, and origins of Heruka's usage:

1. The Influence and Status of Heruka in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Core Deity**: Heruka represents the Mother Tantra in the Anuttara Yoga Tantra, primarily symbolizing the process of transforming the three poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion into wisdom. His practice emphasizes transforming worldly desires and attachments into liberating wisdom, thus holding a central position in the practice of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.

2. **Symbolism**: Heruka is typically manifested in a wrathful form (Heruka), with a blue body and many faces and arms, symbolizing multifaceted wisdom and power. His union with his consort, Vajrayogini, represents the union of wisdom and compassion, embodying the unity of emptiness and bliss. This union is a core symbol of Tantric practice, intended to help practitioners transcend duality and realize ultimate reality.

3. **Sectarian Lineage**:

- **Sakya**: Heruka is one of the important deities of the Sakya school, particularly in the "Thirteen Golden Dharmas" (Tibetan: gser chos bcu gsum). The practice of Heruka was passed down by the first Sakya patriarch, Sa-chen Kunga Nyingpo.

- **Kagyu**: Within the Kagyu school, the practice of Heruka was introduced from India by the translator Marpa Lotsawa and passed down to the present day by Milarepa and others.

- **Nyingma**: The Nyingma school incorporates Heruka into its tantric practice, particularly in some supplementary practices of Dzogchen.

- **Gelug**: In the Gelug school, Heruka is listed as one of the three major deities, along with Yamantaka and Guhyasamaja. Tsongkhapa expounded on their practice in detail.

4. **Cultural Influence**: The image and practice of Heruka not only influenced Tibetan Buddhist practice but also profoundly influenced Tibetan art, thangka painting, sculpture, and monastery architecture. His mandala is widely used in tantric initiations and visualization practices, and is an integral part of Tibetan Buddhist ritual.

II. The Origin of the Use of Heruka

1. **Indian Origin**:

- The practice of Heruka originated in Indian Tantric Buddhism, developed between the 8th and 11th centuries AD. It is part of the Cakrasavara Tantra. This tantra, transmitted by great Indian masters such as Luyipa and Saraha, emphasizes Mahāsukha as the core of practice, achieving enlightenment through visualization, mantras, mantras, and rituals.

- Legend has it that the practice of Heruka was taught by the Buddha in his deity form, intended to help practitioners quickly transcend worldly attachments and attain Buddhahood.

2. **Introduction to Tibet**:

- The practice of Heruka was introduced to Tibet in the 11th century by the translator Marpa from the accomplished master Naropa of Nalanda Monastery in India. Marpa passed it on to Milarepa, who further developed it.

- Concurrently, Sachin Kunga Nyingpo, the founder of the Sakya school, received the Heruka transmission from Indian scholars such as Virupa and incorporated it into the Sakya tradition.

3. **Practice Methods**:

- **Visualization and Mandala**: Practitioners visualize the Heruka mandala to merge themselves with the deity's image, thereby purifying their body, speech, and mind. The mandala typically features Heruka, his consort Vajrayogini, and other attendant deities, symbolizing cosmic wholeness and harmony.

- **Initiation**: The practice of Heruka requires receiving an initiation from a guru. Through this initiation, one receives the deity's blessings and enters the secret stages of practice. Initiation typically involves visualization, mantra recitation, and rituals.

- **Mantra Recitation**: The main mantra of Heruka is "Oṃ Sarva Buddha Ḍākini Cakrasaṃvara Hūṃ," which is used to purify the mind and enhance wisdom.

- **Generation Stage and Completion Stage**: Heruka practice is divided into the generation stage (visualization of the deity image and mandala) and the completion stage (cultivation of the inner energy, channels, and chakras). The ultimate goal is to realize the emptiness of great bliss.

4. **Practical Application**:

- Heruka practice is used to remove inner obstacles, especially greed and attachment, by transforming these emotions into wisdom, helping practitioners achieve liberation.

- In actual practice, Heruka rituals are also used in rituals such as salvation, Homa (fire offering), and blessings, demonstrating its versatility in Tibetan Buddhism.

Summary

In Tibetan Buddhism, Heruka is the core deity of the Anuttara Yoga Tantra, symbolizing the unity of wisdom and compassion. After its practice was introduced from India to Tibet, it became a vital tradition across all major sects. Its significance is not only reflected in religious practice but has also influenced Tibetan culture and art. Its usage originated from the Indian Tantric text, the Heruka Tantra. Through initiations, visualizations, and mantra recitation, it helps practitioners transform worldly attachments and realize the ultimate state of emptiness and great bliss.