A Brief Introduction of “Yidam”（3）

A Brief Introduction of “Yidam”（3）

It is common knowledge that the religious consciousness consisting of reason and emotion directly determines the establishment, survival and development of religions. Each has its individual function. Reason is reflected more in religious theory and principle, and emotion is mostly reflected in such things as religious feeling and factors of faith. Religions with a higher degree of civilization have greater factors of reason; religions with a lower degree of civilization have few factors of reason. Readers will find in later text that there is an extremely high degree of reason in the religious consciousness and religious conduct of Shangpa Kagyu. Its meditation and achievements have the clear direction of religious theory, and the strictness of its requirements for enlightenment has the quality of the natural sciences.

In Tibetan Buddhism, every tantra meditator has their Yidam. Many readers do not know what Yidam is. In some books, Yidam is written as Yidam god. This saying is inappropriate. Because “gods” are not yet beyond the worlds, they are still rotating in the Six Realms and cannot salvage themselves, how can they salvage others? Therefore, what the Yidam tantra meditators visualize are mostly Buddha and Bodhisattva. All Buddha and Bodhisattva have transmitted many dharma doors, with many heart mantras. Whichever Buddha or Bodhisattva you meditate on, visualising their appearance and spirit, chanting their secret mantra and setting up their wish, that Buddha or Bodhisattva is your Yidam. During the meditation of Yidam dharma, meditators have a soul reference. In addition to visualising their own body as the wisdom Buddha body, their body, word and thought do not depart from mercy, and do not leave from true words. All they hear are mantra sounds, and all they see are Yidam mandala, all they do are deeds to benefit living beings. After enduring cultivation, their character will undoubtedly sublime and ultimately become the same as Yidam, without difference and without separation.

It is said that most people who have achievement in the Creation Stage can see Yidam, and are able to ask them to edify dharma benefit and ask them questions. Interested readers can read the Biography of Master Tsongkapa Master. When Master Tsongkapa Master was writing books, he would seek advice and explanation from Manjusri whenever he had questions. There are many such examples. All achievers will personally meet their Yidam. However, there are some people who see “Yidam’ but have not achieved. Because what they see is not the true Yidam.