Material: Bronze. Cast. Gilded face. Base can hold sacred objects.

Size: 12 cm

Description:

Khachog (Tibetan: མཁའ་འགྲོ་མ།, Willy transliteration: mkha' 'gro ma, Tibetan pinyin: Khadroma), known as the "Dakini" in Tibetan Buddhism, is a crucial divine female figure in Tantric practice. She represents the power of wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment, and is often regarded as a protector, guide, or source of inspiration for practitioners. The following will detail the influence and status of Kachog in Tibetan Buddhism, her usage, and its origins.

1. The Influence and Status of Kachog in Tibetan Buddhism

Khachog holds a significant position in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the Tantric (Vajrayana) tradition. They are transcendental female deities or divine beings, symbolizing enlightened wisdom and emptiness. Together with male deities (such as Buddhas or Bodhisattvas), they form the union of wisdom and compassion in tantric practice. The following is her influence and status in Tibetan Buddhism:

1. **Spiritual Symbol and Guide**:

- Kachog Buddha is considered a "Dakini" (Tibetan: mkha' 'gro, meaning "sky walker"), symbolizing the ability to move freely between emptiness and phenomena. They are the embodiment of wisdom, helping practitioners transcend worldly attachments and realize their true nature.

- In Tibetan Buddhist teachings, Dakinis often appear in various forms, such as Vajrayogini, Tara, or Sengdongma. These forms hold important positions in various traditions, including the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelugpa schools. - They are not only deities (objects of deification and visualization), but are also often viewed as spiritual guides for practitioners, appearing in dreams, meditation, or rituals to guide them toward enlightenment.

2. **A Central Role in Tantric Practice**:

- Tibetan Tantric Buddhism emphasizes the integration of exoteric and esoteric practices, and Kachog plays a key role in the Tantric practices of guru yoga and deity yoga. By visualizing Kachog, practitioners connect with her wisdom and energy to accelerate their enlightenment.

- Kachog's image is often associated with the practice of Yab-Yum (male-female union), symbolizing the harmonious unity of wisdom (female) and compassion (male). For example, Vajrayogini often appears with male deities such as Heruka, embodying Tantric philosophy of non-dualism. - In the Nyingma school's Dzogchen and other tantric practices, Khachodatta is considered the guardian of "terma" (hidden teachings), helping to uncover secret teachings left by great masters such as Guru Padmasambhava.

3. **Cultural and Social Influence**:

- The image of Khachodatta is not limited to religious practice; it is also deeply embedded in Tibetan culture and art. Her image appears in thangkas, sculptures, and temple murals, becoming an integral part of Tibetan Buddhist visual culture.

- In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of female practice, Khachodatta is seen as a role model for female practitioners, inspiring them in their pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. For example, historically renowned female practitioners such as Machig Labdron (founder of the practice of offering one's body), are often viewed as incarnations of dakinis.

- Khachodatta's veneration has also influenced the traditional integration of religion and politics within Tibetan Buddhism. For example, historically, high-ranking monks such as the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama have often used dakinis as protectors, seeking their blessings to protect the Dharma and the nation.

4. **Status within the Sects**:

- In the Nyingma school, Khachog is closely associated with Guru Padmasambhava and is often considered his principal retinue or companion (e.g., Yeshe Tsogyal). They play a significant role in the Nyingma terma tradition.

- In the Kagyu and Sakya schools, Vajrayogini is widely practiced and considered a yidam that leads to rapid enlightenment.

- In the Gelug school, Khachog's practice, while relatively low-key, still appears in tantric rituals, particularly in practices involving guardian deities such as Mahakala.

II. The Use of Khachog

The use of Khachog in Tibetan Buddhism is primarily reflected in tantric rituals, visualizations, offerings, and cultural practices. The following are specific methods:

1. **Tantric Visualization and Practice**:

- **Yidin Yoga**: Practitioners visualize the image of Kachho Gyalma (such as Vajrayogini's red form, holding a knife and a skull bowl) to merge themselves with the deity's wisdom. This visualization includes chanting a mantra (such as "Om Mani Padme Hum" or a specific mantra), holding a mudra, and meditating.

- **Empowerment**: Practicing Kachho Gyalma requires receiving empowerment from a guru to receive the transmission and blessings of the practice. The empowerment ceremony typically includes making offerings, chanting mantras, and visualizing Kachho Gyalma's mandala.

- **Mandala Offering**: Kachho Gyalma practices often involve the use of a mandala offering. Practitioners use the mandala, which symbolizes the universe, to offer to the dakinis, requesting blessings and wisdom. The use of mandala plates originated in Indian Tantric Buddhism and was later incorporated into Tibetan Buddhism, becoming a standard ritual for offering to the deity.

2. **Rituals and Dharma Ceremony**:

- In Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, Khachok is often incorporated into large rituals (such as the "Dharma Dance" (Chham in Tibetan). Dancers wear masks symbolizing the dakini and demonstrate their teachings and power through dance.

- Khachok is offered during certain festivals and ceremonies (such as Losar and the Tibetan New Year) for protection, particularly in exorcism and purification rituals.

3. **Dharma Protector and Blessing**:

- Khachok is often viewed as a Dharma protector, particularly in spiritual practice against internal (greed, hatred, and delusion) and external (obstacles and demons). For example, the lion-faced dakini, with her ferocious form, is specifically used to subdue evil spirits and obstacles.

- Practitioners may wear or offer thangkas, images, or amulets of Khachok to receive her blessings and protect their body, mind, and practice.

4. **Treasures and Teaching Transmission**:

- In the Nyingma school, Khachok is considered the guardian of terma. Termas are teachings hidden by great masters such as Guru Padmasambhava, later discovered by tertons under the guidance of dakinis. Practitioners seek a spiritual connection with these termas through the practice of Khachog.

- For example, Yeshe Tsogyal is considered Guru Padmasambhava's dakini companion, assisting in recording and disseminating terma teachings.

5. **Daily Applications**:

- In Tibetan culture, Khachog's mantras and images are integrated into daily life, such as by displaying small Buddha statues at home, hanging thangkas, and carrying amulets on travel for peace and safety.

- Khachog's practices are also used for healing, purification, and blessings. For example, some rituals involve blessing water or medicine with dakini mantras to cure illness or ward off evil spirits.

III. The Origin of Khachog

The origins of Khachog can be traced back to the fusion of Indian Tantric Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism, combining the female deity traditions of Indian Tantric Buddhism with indigenous Tibetan religious culture. The following is a detailed explanation of its origins:

1. **Roots of Indian Tantric Buddhism**:

- The concept of Kachho Buddha Goddess originates from Indian Tantric Buddhism (roughly 6th-12th centuries), particularly with the development of Vajrayana. In India, female deities such as Vajrayogini and Tara are viewed as embodiments of wisdom, and together with male deities, they embody the Tantric philosophy of union.

- The imagery of these female deities was influenced by Hindu Tantra and indigenous goddess worship, such as Kali and Durga. Tibetan Buddhism absorbed these elements and transformed them into the unique image of Kachho Buddha Goddess.

2. **The Formation of Tibetan Buddhism**:

- The specific imagery and practice of Kachho Buddha Goddess began to take shape during the "Pre-Propagation Period" of Tibetan Buddhism (7th-9th centuries). According to Tibetan Buddhist texts, Buddhism was introduced to Tibet during the reign of Songtsen Gampo (7th century) through Princess Bhrikuti (Bhrikuti) of Nepal and Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty, laying the foundation for the introduction of Kachho Buddha Goddess.

- In the 8th century, Padmasambhava introduced Indian Tantric Buddhism to Tibet, founding the Nyingma school. Together with his dakini consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, he propagated tantric teachings and systematized the practice of Khachog. Padmasambhava is believed to have hidden many of his teachings in termas, entrusted to the dakini for protection and later discovered by tertons.

- For example, the practice of Vajrayogini is said to have been introduced to Tibet by Padmasambhava, becoming one of the core deities of both the Nyingma and Kagyu schools.

3. **Indigenization and Integration with Bon**:

- Khachog's imagery was integrated with the indigenous Bon tradition of Tibet. Female Bon deities (such as mountain and lake deities) were incorporated into Khachog's symbolism, giving it a more local character.

- For example, the fierce image of the Lion-faced Dakini may have been influenced by fierce Bon deities, used to subdue evil spirits and protect the teachings.

4. **Developments during the Later Spreading Period**:

- After Langdarma's suppression of Buddhism in the 9th century, Tibetan Buddhism entered the "Later Spreading Period" (starting in the 10th century). Indian tantric scholars such as Marpa introduced more tantric teachings to Tibet, further enriching the practice and image of Khachog. Marpa received the Vajrayogini transmission from the Indian scholar Naropa and passed it on to his disciple Milarepa, which became a key practice of the Kagyu school.

- The Sakya and Gelug schools also developed their own Khachog practices during the Later Spreading Period, particularly in rituals related to Dharma protectors.

5. **Relationship between Living Buddhas and Dakinis**:

- In the Tibetan Buddhist system of reincarnation succession (Tulku), Khachog is often viewed as the spiritual guide of the reincarnated Living Buddha. For example, during the recognition process of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, revelations from the Dakinis (such as dreams or oracles) are often used to confirm the reincarnation.

The role of dakinis also extends to the practice of living Buddhas. Many eminent monks are believed to receive teachings or blessings from dakinis during meditation.

IV. Summary

In Tibetan Buddhism, Kachho is a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment, and her influence permeates religion, art, and culture. In Tantric practice, she serves as a deity, protector, and spiritual guide, helping practitioners transcend worldly obstacles and realize emptiness and compassion. Her uses include visualization, empowerment, offerings, and rituals, and are widely used in Tantric practice and daily life. Kachho's origins blend the tradition of female deities in Indian Tantric Buddhism with elements of the indigenous Tibetan Bon religion. Transmitted by masters such as Guru Padmasambhava and Marpa, she became a core component of Tibetan Buddhism. Her imagery and practices have distinct characteristics across the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug traditions, reflecting the diversity and depth of Tibetan Buddhism.

Vajrayogini (Bronze, Gilded Face) The base can hold sacred objects.