Gangchen
Tulku
Rinpoche,
painted as a Mahasiddha
The
word Mahasiddha comes from "maha" = great and "siddha" = magical perfection,
magical power. So a Mahasiddha is a master of great magical perfections,
a master of tantra. The Vajrayana Buddhism (=tantric or great vehicle)
speaks of a group of 84 famous mahasiddhas, highly developed Indian yogis
and yoginis of all social classes who lived between 400 AD to 1200 AD,
and who gave most major impulses for the various Tibetan traditions. There
are many crazy and eccentric stories about those famous 84. In general
any follower of the Vajrayana (Tantrayana) can become a mahasiddha. Some
in a more hidden and secret way, others in a more spectacular way.
In
the above painting Gangchen Tulku is shown in the form ofa Indian mahasiddha.
In his right hand he holds the damaru (scull drum), envoking the dakinis
(= enlightened and powerful female witches). In his left he holds the trishula
(trident), a male symbol of mastering illusions. He wears a tiger skin,
a chain of skulls around his neck and a scull, filled with blood in his
other hand. The open sitting posture symbolizes that he is willing to act,
using his perfections for the sake of all sentient beings. Below one can
see a wrathful vajra (= cepter) and several dakinis and goddesses. Above
him his guru HH Trijang Dorjechang as a Mahasiddha (Tilopa?). Every tiny
detail of those paintings have a very profound meaning, which could fill
a complete website :-) |
