Eight Manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava

In Tibetan Buddhism, Lotus-Born master Guru Rinpoche and his eight manifestations are important figures. He was also known as Padmasambhava. King Trisong Detsen (around 755–797) invited him to the snowy land of Tibet. He was summoned to tame the local spirits. These spirits were obstructing the construction of the Great Samya monastery. He has Eight Manifestations or emanations.

The native deities were also tamed by him and bound to the service of Buddhism. The great Samye monastery was also established by him. He taught performed miracles and countless supernatural actions. This is how he trained his many disciples. Buddhist teachings spread throughout Tibet through him and his inner circle. The base of Nyingma is the ancient order of Tibetan Buddhism. His yogic and metaphysical doctrines helped in its formation. He is called Guru Rinpoche by the Tibetans due to his significant role in establishing Buddhism in Tibet.

He is the "Precious Guru" who converted the entire country into a realm of Dharma.

Interpretation of the Eight Manifestations:

1. Shakya Senge, "Lion of the Shakya clan"

Ananda blessed him with the monastic ordination, upon which he mastered the fundamental body of Buddhist teachings. Shakya Senge wears monastic robes that reflect his perfection of monastic purity and discipline. His right hand exhibits the earth-touching gesture. It indicates victory over the forces of Mara. And his left holds a begging bowl.

2. Pema Gyalpo, "Lotus King"

He takes form in royal garb. His upraised right-hand holds a double-sided hand drum and the left holds a mirror. His role as the lotus-born youth is represented by this emanation. His rulership brought prosperity and well-being to the Uddiyana Kingdom.

3. Nyima Odzer, "Rays of the Sun"

He appears as an ascetic or yogic adept in this form. He is adorned with a skull crown and tiger-skin lower garment. His golden hue identifies him. Khatvanga in his uplifted right hand. And the sun rays emanate from his left hand. He earned this name after teaching the dakinis in the Charnel Ground of Radiant Beatitude in Kashmir, which went on for five years. He went to Akanishta Heaven. There, he received teachings directly from the Adi Buddha Samantabhadra.

4. Dorje Drolo, "Vajra Comforter of Beings"

He appears red and he rides a fierce tigress. He brandishes a vajra in his right hand and a ritual dagger (phurba) in his left. The maha guru took on this form when he taught the Dakinis in a charnel field in Khotan. Subduing demons and negative forces was where he specialized. He is regarded as the Precious Guru's manifestation of Vajrakila, the Deity Phurpa.

5. Senge Dradog, "Roaring Lion"

This name was given to him when he won a debate at Bodhgaya. He converted many to Buddhism. He appears dark blue. He has a wrathful visage and upward-streaming hair. He also wears a skull crown and tiger-skin loincloth. His upper body is draped with lion skin. He also holds a vajra in his right hand. He makes the threatening gesture (Tarjani mudra) with his left. This form helped to teach and subjugate Dakinis in Nepal for five years.

6. Lodan Chokse, "Guru Possessing Wisdom/Highest Aspirations"

He is also depicted in royal garb. He exhibits a Damaru in his right hand and a kapala in his left.

7. Pema Jungne,

He is dressed as a Nyingma monk. He wears the characteristic red hat and monastic robes. He holds a skull-cup in his right hand. And, he makes a teaching gesture with his left. This represents his initiation into the Mahayana teaching. This is the entering of the Bodhisattva path.

8. Urgyan Dorje Chang, "Vajra-Bearer from Urgyan"

He was given this name when Guru received the Mahayoga teachings from the Adi Buddhas in Akanishta Heaven. He can usually be seen in union with his consort Yeshe Tsogyal. They take the form of a Buddha couple. He is blue and holds a vajra in his right hand and a bell in his left. Yeshe Tsogyal is white and raises her skull bowl with a joyous flourish.

Padmasambhava takes on the aspect of Vajradhara. It indicates his initiation into the doctrine of Great Perfection.

The Eight Manifestations showcase Guru's ability to express his wisdom and compassion. He appears in various places and bodily forms. And he guides beings towards Enlightenment. He reaches out to them in any world or state of mind they might exist in. Such is the aspiration of a great master. He is motivated for the liberation of all sentient beings. His stages of progress and extensive Dharma accomplishments are represented by his different manifestations.

This offers a model of inspiration and paradigm for the followers of the Nyingma teachings and also, for all those who revere Guru.

I am Neelam Yonjan, a Tibetan Buddhism enthusiast and I write about the Tibetan symbols and motifs in Buddhism, as well as the thangka art and deities.