|
Padmasambhava has influenced countless beings through the
Vajrayana teachings and in particular through the activity of
the profound terma treasures. This great master was not an
ordinary person or just a noble being on one of the
Bodhisattva bhumis but an emanation of both Buddha Amitabha and
Shakyamuni who appeared in order to tame the human beings and
spirits difficult to convert.
Padmasambhava was born out of a lotus flower (Padma, lotus
born) in the lake Dhankasha in Udiayana, an ancient city in
India. He is typically depicted seated on a lotus pedestal
wearing royal robes, seated in a lotus asana with the
legs locked, the right hand holding the Vajra (Dorje) and the left lying
on his lap holding the skull cup (patra). He holds his special
symbol, a tantric staff (khatvanga) pressed against his breast with the
left arm.
Padmasambhava was
married to Princess Mandarova and to Yeshe Tshogyal who were
earlier in time the queens of King Trisong Detsen. He had
many disciples and wrote several religious narratives.
Padmasambhava is deified and greatly worshipped by Tibetans. |
