Heruka

From Rigpa Wiki
Revision as of 10:24, 22 June 2009 by Adam (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

The heruka (Wyl. he ru ka) is a masculine deity, wrathful or semi-wrathful, who represents the dynamic union of compassion and skilful means. In the Nyingma tradition the term is often used to refer specifically to Chemchok Heruka or Yangdak.

Definition

According to a tantra:

He stands for great compassion.
Ru means the absence of gathering.
Ka means not abiding in anything whatsoever.”[1]

In the Zindri, Khenpo Ngakchung says that, according to Patrul Rinpoche, heruka means "one in whom absolute space (he) and primordial wisdom (ka) are united (ru)."[2]

Notes

  1. Quoted in Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, Yeshe Saldrön.
  2. Khenpo Ngawang Pelzang, A Guide to the Words of My Perfect Teacher, Boston: Shambhala, 2004, p. 275

Further Reading