Achi Chokyi Drolma: The Protector and Spiritual Guide
Achi Chokyi Drolma is the Dharmapala who embodies the harmonious amalgamation of compassion, wisdom, and protective energy. Her epithets soar in Tibetan Buddhism as “Dharma Tara', 'Queen of Space' and 'guardian of Victor’s teachings.
She is also the celebrated progenitor of Lord Jigten Sumgon, founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage. Today, Achi Chokyi Drolma is revered as the Great Dharma Protector and her teachings are practiced across all Tibetan Buddhist lineages. Her practices focus on spiritual protection and enlightenment.
The Origin and Legacy of Achi Chokyi Drolma
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Early Life and Transformation
Achi Chodron descended into the mortal realm as the daughter of a noble couple in Drikung around the 11th century. Her benevolent parents were Nanam Chowopal and Driza Dharzam who went on a pilgrimage to Swayambhunath and had offered undoubted devotion for a child.
Achi, also later known as Achi Chodron was born with profound spiritual insights and auspicious signs as she started reciting the Tara mantra without uneasiness at the mere age of three. Described to be exceptionally beautiful, Achi lost her begetters at a young age and refused the woos of many suitors.
Achi chose the great saint Ame Tsultrim Gyatso as her groom and together, they birthed four sons: Namkhe Wangchuk, Pekar Wangyal, Sonam Pal and Kathung Trushi. Pekar Wangyal fathered Naljor Dorje, whose son Ratnashri Jigten Sumgon later founded the Drikung Kagyu.
In the advancing years, her teachings and qualities proved her to be an emanation of Vajrayogini. At the end of her life, Achi flew up to the Pure Field on her blue horse without leaving her body, completing her role as a karma-dakini. She also vowed to shield the Drikung Kagyu lineage and its practitioners.
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Aspect |
Detail |
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Birth and Early Life |
11th Century, Noble Family |
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Role in Buddhism |
Protector, Guide |
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Lineage Association |
Drikung Kagyu |
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Cultural Impact |
Influences Tibetan Art, Culture, Folklore |
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Modern Relevance |
Inspiration for Contemporary Practitioners |
| Iconography |
Blue Horse, Bodhisattva Robes, Drum, Mirror |
Practices and Rituals related to the Deity
- Devotional Practices
These mantras and the rituals aim to shape a spiritual connection with the protectress. Devotees wish for her blessings and protective influence.OM MAMA TSAKRA SOHA YAR DU SARWA DU RADZA RADZA DU MAMA DU HUNG PHAT SOHA
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Ceremonial Rituals
The ceremonial rituals dedicated to Achi Chokyi Drolma are both diverse and elaborate. Involving intricate offerings, detailed mandalas, and reciting her life story, these rituals are conducted with profound reverence, particularly within monastic settings and during major religious festivals.Such festivals are Chotrul Duchen, Dajyur, Galdan Namchot, Losar, Dosmoche, Monlam, Sho Dun, Losoong.
Cultural Impact and Modern Relevance
Achi’s influence on Tibetan culture runs deep, as witnessed in numerous folk tales and songs that underscore her integral role in Tibet's cultural tapestry. Artworks featuring her life are common in monasteries and homes. Thus, they constantly remind the devotees of her teachings and protective essence. It is a common belief that those who practice her meditation and recite her mantra are shielded from obstacles.
The Iconography of Achi Chokyi Drolma
Thangka artists portray Achi Chokyi Drolma as a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism. She is placed with unique attributes in the paintings with spiritual symbolism, messages and teachings.
Physical Attributes and Symbolism in Thangka
Visual Representation
In thangka paintings, Achi is depicted as a serene yet influential figure, embodying the attributes of both a compassionate deity and a formidable protector. Her representation combines human features with symbolic elements that convey her spiritual qualities and teachings.
Facial Expression and Posture
Achi Chokyi Drolma's visage in thangka art is calm and composed, symbolizing her compassionate nature. Her eyes are typically portrayed half-closed in meditation, hence, her facial features reflect profound spiritual wisdom. Whether seated or atop a horse, her posture exudes a formidable authority yet protective strength.
Attire and Ornaments
In thangka paintings, Achi is adorned in an attire befitting a bodhisattva – elegant, opulent, and laden with symbolism.
She is often seen wearing a crown and various ornaments, signifying her noble lineage.
Meanwhile, the color palette for her attire carries symbolic significance, often representing different facets of enlightenment and spiritual qualities.
The Blue Horse
One of the most defining features of the Dakini in thangka iconography is the blue horse. She mounted the horse when she was leaving for the Buddha Land, thus, it symbolizes her swift and potent ability to protect and guide her followers. The blue hue of the horse signifies the vastness of the sky and the depth of the sea, embodying her unending compassion and wisdom.
Hand Implements
Achi Chokyi Drolma is often depicted holding various implements, each carrying deep symbolic meanings:
- Drum: The drum is placed in her right hand, symbolizing the impermanent nature of existence and the perpetual cycle of life and death.
- Mirror: In her left hand, she often holds a mirror, representing the importance of self-reflection and the realization of the true nature of reality.
Surrounding Elements
The Dakini usually portrayed in a celestial mountainous setting, symbolizing her transcendent nature and profound connection to sacred realms. the background and surrounding elements convey meaningful symbolism.
The inclusion of clouds, rays of light, and other natural elements in these artworks accentuates her divine qualities and reinforces her role as a protector. Each detail, from her facial expression to the surrounding elements, is meticulously selected to convey precise spiritual messages. These thangkas function not only as objects of devotion or an element for decoration but also as visual guides. The thangkas offer Buddhist philosophy and Achi Chokyi Drolma's unique role in Tibetan spirituality.