Buddhist Protector: Shmashana Adhipati Religious Context

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Shri Shmashana Adhipati Main Page

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Videos:
- Dancing Skeletons
- Skeleton Deities: Part 2

Shri Shmashana Adhipati (Chitipati) arises from the Secret Essence Wheel Tantra (dpal dur khro bdag po'i sgrub skor, Sa chen, [W2DB4567], dpal dur khrod kyi bdag po'i rgyud gsang ba snying gi 'khor, vol.14 [W23681]) and is associated with the collection/cycle of Chakrasamvara Tantras (Anuttarayoga Tantra).

The root Tantra has eight chapters: [1] History, [2] Root Sadhana, [3] Activities, [4] Reversal, [5] Receiving Attainments, [6] Extreme Activities, [7] Inducing with Praise, and [8] Conclusion. The 2nd chapter contains instruction on how to create a painting.

Primarily employed as a wealth practice, with emphasis on protecting from thieves, the pair also serve as the special protector for the Vajrayogini 'Naro Khechari' practice. Shri Shmashana Adhipati is now popular, to a greater or lesser extent, in all the New (Sarma) Schools of Himalayan and Tibetan influenced Buddhism.

Lineage of Teachers: Vajradhara, Vajrayogini, Mahasiddha Padmavajra, Lilavajra, Jnana Siddhi, Shri Samayavajra, Chime Lodro Zangpo, Ngulchu Vairochana, Khampa Gvalo Shonnu Pal, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092-1158), etc.

Database Search: All Images | Paintings | Sculpture

Jeff Watt 4-2004 [updated 4-2017, 12-2019]

(The images below are only a selection of examples from the links above).