A Brief Introduction of “Yidam”(2)

A Brief Introduction of “Yidam”(2)

The main teaching of Shangpa Kagyu is the “Five Golden Dharma of Niguma”, which is an abbreviation of “Five Vajra Integrative Meditation Dharma of Niguma”. The formal meditation can be divided into two sections: the first being the Creation Stage, and the later being the Perfection Stage. According to Buddhist dictionaries: The Creation Stage　is also called the “Starting Division”, mantra words are visualised in heart chakra of the self visualized as Yidam during recital, eventually, all visualisations are absorbed into emptiness through following the “following observation gradually absorb” method. Although this saying is not inappropriate, it is too brief, because there are many keys in the Creation Stage, and most are strictly confidential. Therefore, the words are mostly ambiguous. According to my understanding, the Creation Stage visualizes and meditates the mortal body into the wisdom Buddha body. There are many contents therein, such as refuge, offering, setting wishes, and establishing Bodhi-chitta. In one seat, both heart and body are meditated. But first, due to the limitations of disciplines, and second because my studying days are still shallow, therefore, I will speak inappropriately and you just read inappropriately.

Like other lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, Shangpa Kagyu belongs to the advanced stage of religion. The quality of religion is determined by the degree of civilization of religious belief and degree of maturation of its theory. Shangpa Kagyu has extremely high religious quality, which is reflected in three aspects: 1) Shangpa Kagyu has systematic self-integrative theory such as the Nigu Vajra Hymn Sentences, Khyongpo Brief Meaning, and the Nigu Five Golden Dharma Root Tantra. Her theory is both an important component in the treasury of Buddhist culture and also reflects the unique characteristics of Shangpa Kagyu. 2) The faith of Shangpa Kagyu has a very high degree of civilization with beliefs and opinions which can be universally accepted. It surpasses the narrowness of ethnicity and region. 3) Shangpa Kagyu takes sacred morality as the core of her belief, emphasising mercy and doing good for all living beings. It opposes violence, and does not have the seeking of rewards in this world or individual profit as its aim. In addition, the religious conduct of Shangpa Kagyu is highly regulated. The Creation Stage of the Five Golden Dharma of Niguma and the Perfection State of Five Golden Dharma of Niguma are standardised and systematic, with an extremely strong evidential quality.