Nepalese Guru Sculptures

In Buddhism, the guru (Sanskrit for 'teacher') is the most exalted individual. In accompaniment to a meditational deity and a dakini, one who has set off on the challenging path to enlightenment requires a guru to complete the process. More than a teacher, the guru in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition is a kalyana-mittata, or a well-wishing friend. Without his guidance and philosophy, the experiences and insights along this path become ridden with even more challenges. He is the root of the devotee's spiritual realisation; to him, the Buddha Himself. The guru is actually a bodhisattva, and his blessing is integral to the four foundation pillars of Vajrayana Buddhism (punarjanm, mrityu, karma, and samsara).

While the guru may not be a buddha, He is a treasure-trove of knowledge. The Dalai Lama ('lama' is the Tibetan word for 'guru') speaks thus of the importance of the guru, "Rely on the teachings to evaluate a guru: do not have blind faith, but also no blind criticism". Tantra teaches the devotee to practise guru yoga - visualising and making offerings to the vajra (diamond or thunderbolt) that is a personification of the guru. The plateaux and valleys of North India have been abound with gurus that have initiated swarms of devotees. They are worshipped to this day in Nepal; their forms captured in gorgeous, high-skill sculptures such as the ones in this section. That Nepalese artisans have a way with copper (repoussé, inlaid, gilded, et al) could be gleaned from the handpicked pieces that make up this exclusive Nepalese Buddhist gurus collection.

Gurus open the door to the blissful world of spirituality for their pupils. Nepal has had the honor of being the land of some of the world’s most respected Gurus-

1. Guru Padmasambhava: Padmasambhava, popularly called Guru Rimpoche, was a widely respected Indian Buddhist spiritual guru who brought the concept of Tantric Buddhism to Tibet and who is credited with laying out the principal Buddhist religious community there. The Tibetan Buddhist group Rnying-mama-pa (the Old Order) most intently follows Padmasambhava's lessons, that talk about Tantric ceremony, worship, and Yoga.

2. Guru Drakpo: The spiritual Guru Dragpo, a merciless manifestation of Guru Padmasambhava, stands on the back of a blazing aureole holding a custom tool, the vajra, and a dark scorpion. The skin of a tiger is drawn around his midriff while the excoriated skin of an elephant is hung over his shoulders. He wears a crown embellished with skulls and a wreath of cut-off heads. In this fierce meditational structure, Guru Dragpo was a significant defender god of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism.

3. Guru Marpa: Marpa Lotsāwa, usually known as Guru Marpa the Translator (Marpa Lotsāwa), was a Tibetan Buddhist educator credited with the translation of numerous Vajrayana lessons from India, including the lessons and heredities of Mahamudra. Because of this the Kagyu ancestry, which he established, is frequently called Marpa Kagyu in his honor. Marpa ventured first to Nepal where he was educated alongside Paindapa and Chitherpa, two popular pupils of Guru Naropa. Paindapa later went with Marpa to Pullahari, close to Nalanda University, where Naropa taught. Marpa endured twelve years studying and learning with Naropa and other incredible Indian masters, like Maitripada. For the next twelve years, after going back to Tibet, he taught and went about his dharma exercises.

4. Guro Gampopa: Gampopa Sönam Rinchen was the most significant student of Milarepa and a Tibetan Buddhist expert who codified his own lord's parsimonious lessons, which structure the groundwork of the Kagyu instructive practice. Gampopa was likewise a specialist and tantric expert. He wrote the principal Lamrim text, Jewel Ornament of Liberation, and established the Dagpo Kagyu school. He is otherwise called Dvagpopa and by the title Dakpo Lharjé "the doctor from Dakpo ''. After finishing his studies under Milarepa, Gampopa established Dakhla Gampo Monastery. He had numerous extraordinary students who were accomplished tantric professionals, both priests, and laymen. Gampopa's doctrines joined the Lamrim lessons of the Kadampa school with the Mahamudra and tantric lessons of the Kagyu school.

5. Guru Milarepa: Jetsun Milarepa was a Tibetan Siddha, who was known as a killer when he was a young fellow, prior to embracing Buddhism and turning into an exceptionally achieved Buddhist devotee. He is by and large viewed as perhaps one of Tibet's most popular yogis and profound artists, whose lessons are known among a few schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He was an illustrious student of Marpa Lotsawa and a significant figure throughout the entire existence of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. He is additionally popular for the accomplishment of climbing Mount Kailash. Per The Life of Milarepa, Milarepa was brought into the world in western Tibet by a prosperous family. At the point when his father passed away, his family was denied their riches by his auntie and uncle. Milarepa then ventured out from home and concentrated on witchcraft for revenge, killing many individuals. Later he felt distressed about his deeds and became a student of Marpa the Translator. Before Marpa would become Milarepa's Guru, he had him go through several trials. At last, Marpa acknowledged him. 

FAQs

Q1. Who is popularly known as the Second Buddha?

Padmasambhava, the legendary Buddhist Guru accepted to be instrumental in bringing the concept of Buddhism to Tibet, is frequently known as "The Second Buddha."

Q2. What is a Buddhist Guru called?

The expression "Făshī" (Dharma educator) is more nonexclusive and is utilized both by lay Buddhists and Buddhists monastics.