Vajrakilaya

Vajrakilaya, also known as Dorje Phurba, is a fierce and powerful deity in Tibetan Buddhism, specifically revered within the Nyingma tradition, among the oldest lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. He is the wrathful form of Vajrasattva, the Yidyam deity.

The name Vajrakilaya is derived from two Sanskrit words, Vajra and Kilaya. The meaning of Vajra is "thunderbolt," symbolizing indestructibility and irresistible force and Kilaya means "dagger" which refers to a ritual tool used to pin down and subdue negative forces.

Vajrakilaya embodies the enlightened characteristics of all Buddhas and is primarily known for removing obstacles for spiritual growth and dispelling negativity.

Vajrakilaya is also worshiped for his ability to help practitioners overcome inner and outer obstructions on the path to enlightenment.

Vajrakilaya Mantra

The Vajrakilaya mantra is a powerful tool for invoking the deity’s blessing and protection. The most common form of the mantra is:

“OM VAJRA KILI KILAYA SARVA BIGHANEN BAM HUM PHAT”

The meaning of Vajrakilaya mantra in English can be generally described as ”Suchness is the natural state of all phenomena. This is the great perfection free of duality. Such nature is acknowledged through individual awareness.”

The Vajrakilaya mantra is recited primarily to remove obstacles that hinder spiritual progress and is considered an essential tool for practitioners facing difficulties. It also provides powerful protection against negative influences and spiritual threats, acting as a shield that safeguards the practitioner.

Furthermore, it purifies the mind and body by cleansing them of karmic impurities and negative energies. Through chanting the mantra, practitioners connect with Vajrakilaya's formidable energy, gaining empowerment and embodying his qualities of strength, wisdom, and compassion. This practice helps transform negative emotions and obstacles into positive spiritual growth.

Iconography of Vajrakilaya

The iconography of Vajrakilaya symbolizes his fierce and transformative energy, portraying his ability to overcome obstacles and negative forces.

Vajrakilaya has three faces – one dark blue, one white, and one red. Each face has three eyes, representing the past, present, and future. He has six arms that hold weapons and symbolic objects, such as a ritual dagger, to overcome negative forces and challenges. His powerful stance, with two legs, symbolizes his ability to conquer ego and ignorance. Vajrakilaya's fierce expression and fiery hair signify his strength to eliminate ignorance and lead to enlightenment. His partner, Diptachakra, often appears alongside him, representing the joining of wisdom and compassion. Every aspect of Vajrakilaya's depiction in thangkas emphasizes his role in overcoming obstacles to spiritual freedom.

The imagery inspires spiritual growth, mental sharpness, and inner strength. It also emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and guidance from spiritual teachers for personal protection and development.

Lineage of Vajrakilaya

The Practice of Vajrakilaya

The Vajrakilaya practice in Tibetan Buddhism focuses on the powerful deity Vajrakilaya, who is known for removing obstacles and destroying negativity. This practice, which is rooted in ancient texts and particularly prominent in the Nyingma school, involves visualization, reciting mantras, and making ritual offerings. People who practice this often receive empowerment from qualified lamas and may participate in intensive retreats to deepen their practice.

Benefits of Vajrakilaya Practice

Vajrakilaya is highly significant in Tibetan Buddhism for several compelling reasons:

Elimination of Negativities

The primary goal of practicing Vajrakilaya is to cleanse negativities and remove obstacles. In the Vajrayana tradition, these obstacles are seen as barriers to attaining enlightenment, and Vajrakilaya, with its wrathful compassion, is considered an effective method for their elimination.

Transformation of Negative Energies

Vajrakilaya not only eliminates negativity but also transforms it into positive energy. This transformation represents a fundamental principle of Tantric Buddhism, where ordinary experiences and emotions serve as a path to awakening. 

Protective Deity

Vajrakilaya is often called upon as a protective deity, protecting against both external and internal threats. Its formidable appearance and powerful presence are believed to repel evil forces and negative influences.

Enlightenment with kindness

Vajrakilaya embodies the union of compassion and wisdom, demonstrating the inseparability of these qualities on the path to enlightenment. The deity's wrathful form serves as a powerful reminder to practitioners of the necessity to dispel ignorance and suffering while nurturing compassion and wisdom.

Significance of Vajrakilaya Thangka

In Buddhism, particularly in the Vajrayana tradition, Vajrakilaya thangkas hold profound significance. Vajrakilaya, a wrathful manifestation of Vajrasattva, is revered for his power to remove obstacles and negative energies that hinder spiritual progress. The thangka serves as a visual aid for practitioners, aiding in meditation and visualization practices essential for tantric rituals.

Additionally, the thangka is revered as a sacred object filled with spiritual energy. It is used in rituals to invoke Vajrakilaya’s blessings for protection, purification, and removing obstacles on the path to enlightenment. Thus, a Vajrakilaya thangka is both a powerful spiritual tool and a piece of sacred art, central to the devotional and meditative practices of Vajrayana Buddhism.