Buddhist Protector: Shmashana Adhipati Religious Context
Shri Shmashana Adhipati Main PageSubjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (below)
- Source Texts
- Outline Page
- Chakrasamvara
- Vajrayogini
- Yantra Prints
- Protector Deities Main Page
- Secondary Figures
- Related Deities
- Meditational Deity Page
- Deities According to Function
- Colours & Activities
- Complex Specific Subjects
- Metaphor
- Confusions: Skeleton Imagery, Cham (dancing skeletons), cemetery scenes (dancing skeletons), skeleton masks
- Others...
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 (w/ instructions on how to create a painting)
[3] Activities
[4] Reversal
[5] Receiving Attainments
[6] Extreme Activities
[7] Inducing with Praise
[8] Conclusion
Primarily employed as a wealth protecting practice, with emphasis on protection from thieves, the pair also serve as the special protector for the practice of Vajrayogini 'Naro Khechari.' 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).
