(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor David Lai) The supreme goddess Vajrayogini is highly revered as the heart practice of many high lamas and mahasiddhas of India, Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia and China. The founder of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Tsongkhapa, was famous for advocating the Yamantaka, Heruka and Guhyasamaja practices, but after he entered clear light, Vajrayogini texts were found amongst his possessions and it was discovered that he had practised Vajrayogini secretly and intensely. In the Tibetan tradition, there are three major lineages of Vajrayogini collectively known as the Kachö Marpo Korsum or the ‘Three Circles of the Red Dakini’. Each tradition descends from one of three Mahasiddhas, namely Indrabodhi, Maitripa and Naropa. Naropa’s lineage is considered the most supreme as its practitioners have gained high levels of realisation quickly. This lineage is known as Naro Kachö, Naropa’s Dakini, or Kachöma. Nevertheless, there are innumerable other lineages which propitiate Vajrayogini in her different forms with various physical attributes. The iconography of these lineages can vary greatly from the simple Naro Kachö with one face and two arms, to those with multiple arms and in different postures. Vajrayogini herself is the consort of Heruka and her Tantra was […]