Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Buddha-figures may be peaceful or forceful, as indicated on the simplest level by their having smiles on their
faces or fangs bared. More elaborately, forceful figures have terrifying faces, hold an arsenal of weapons, and
stand surrounded by flames. Descriptions of them specify in gory detail various ways in which they smash their
enemies. Part of the confusion that arises about the role and intent of these forceful figures comes from the usual
translations of the word for them, trowo ( khro-bo, Skt. kroddha), as angry or wrathful deities.
For many Westerners with a Biblical upbringing, the term wrathful deity carries the connotation of an almighty
being with righteous vengeful anger. Such a being metes out divine punishment as retribution for evildoers who
have disobeyed its laws or somehow offended it. For some people, a wrathful deity may even connote the Devil
or a demon working on the side of darkness. The Buddhist concept has nothing to do with such notions.
Although the Tibetan term derives from one of the usual words for anger, anger here has more the connotation of
repulsion a rough state of mind directed toward an object with the wish to get rid of it. Thus, a more
appropriate translation for "trowo" might be a forceful figure.
Forceful figures symbolize the strong energetic means often required to break through mental and emotional
blocks that prevent one from being clearheaded or compassionate. The enemies the figures smash include
dullness, laziness, and self-centeredness. The weapons they use span positive qualities developed along the
spiritual path, such as concentration, enthusiasm, and love. The flames that surround them are the different types
of deep awareness ( yeshey, ye-shes; Skt. jnana, wisdom) that burn away obscurations. Imagining oneself as a
forceful figure helps to harness the mental energy and resolve to overcome "internal enemies."
From the Buddhist perspective, the subtlest energy of the clear light continuum may be peaceful or forceful.
When associated with confusion, the peaceful and forceful energies and the emotional states that they underlie
become destructive. For example, peaceful energy becomes lethargic and forceful energy becomes angry and
violent. When rid of confusion, the energies may readily combine with concentration and discriminating
awareness ( sherab, shes-rab; Skt. prajna, wisdom), so that they are available for positive, constructive use.
With peaceful energy, one may calm oneself and others to deal with difficulties in a levelheaded manner. With
forceful energy, one may rouse oneself and others to have more strength, courage, and intensity of mind to
overcome dangerous situations.
Concluding Remarks
Contemporary Western advertising and entertainment draw their success partially from most peoples fascination
with sex and violence. For some persons, this fascination also attracts them to tantra. Their attraction, however,
may lead them to higher aims.
In general, watching, hearing about, or engaging in sex and violence excite peoples energies. Hormones flow
and the mind becomes intense. The violence need not be gory, but may include extreme or contact sports. Some
people, of course, experience aversion or are so jaded by such things that they feel nothing. Consider, however,
those who become fascinated or obsessed. If confusion accompanies the energies aroused by their passions, such
people may cause problems for themselves or others, for example by being rowdy. If, on the other hand, people
accompany the energies with mindfulness, concentration, and insight, they may transform and use the energies
for positive aims. Tantra provides skillful methods for bringing about the transformation, specifically for the sake
of helping others. To derive the full benefits of tantra practice, however, requires deeper understanding of the
processes involved.
End of Article