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In traditional Buddhist mythology Vajrapāṇi is described as a fiery but benevolent nature spirit (Sanskrit: yakṣa). Early Buddhist tradition generally speaks of Vajrapāṇi as a guardian spirit of the historical Buddha (i.e. Siddhārtha Gautama). The Tibetans, however, consider this deity to be an important worldly protector (Sanskrit: dharmapala) of the Buddhist teachings or Dharma. Either […]

In Tibetan esoteric Buddhism there are said to be eight ‘Wisdom Kings’ (Sanskrit: vidyādhara) that manifest themselves as wrathful deities in order to benefit sentient beings. The tantric teachings of Tibet also refer to these enlightened beings as ‘heruka’. In this context Heruka Hayagrīva is considered to be the embodiment of enlightened speech. Furthermore, Hayagīva […]