Himalayan Art Resources

Teacher: Karmapa, Karma Pakshi (Guruyoga)

Karma Pakshi Main Page

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Karma Pakshi Guruyoga Description (below)
- Karmapa Generic Guruyoga
- Guruyoga Main Page
- Wrathful Gurus with Hats
- Masterworks
- Confusions
- Others...

Karma Pakshi, the 2nd Karmapa (1204-1283) in a unique depiction holding a vajra in the upraised right hand and a kila peg thrusting downwards with the left hand.

This image of Karma Pakshi is intended as a guruyoga meditation practice based on a vision and a subsequent 'Terma' text of the Nyingma Terton 'Treasure Revealer' Yongge Mingyur Dorje (1628/1641-1708 [P654]) when he was 25 years old, while performing the practices of Bernagchen Mahakala at 3:00 in the morning. At that time, Mingyur Dorje had an experience of a bright red light filling his room. After passing unconscious, he awoke to a vision of the teacher Karma Pakshi and a retinue of seven figures surrounding him at the four sides, front and above. Above Kama Pakshi was (1) Padmasambhava. On his right side was (2) Hayagriva, behind - the yogi (3) Rechungpa. On the left side was (4) Vajravarahi and in front there were the protectors (5) Bernagchen Mahakala, (6) Shri Devi and (7) Damchen Garwa Nagpo.

The texts and liturgies are to be found in the famous Rinchen Terdzo collection compiled by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye.

Jeff Watt 4-2005 [updated 11-2018]