stefos Posted October 11, 2014 Hi everyone, I found this interesting Thangka of Citti Patti: A male & female skeleton standing on a lotus looking at one another. I immediately thought...Wow, this is very poignant and beautiful. Could someone please assist me in understanding Citti Patti's role in Vajrayana? I can't find much about the pair. Thank you! Stefos Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C T Posted October 12, 2014 Citipati (Lords of the Cemetery) In Tibetan Buddhism, the Citipati, or “Lords of the Cemetery” are two mythological Buddhist ascetics, who were so deep in their meditation, they were caught unawares by a thief and beheaded even before they knew they were dead. As a symbol, the Chittipati represent the eternal dance of death, and perfect awareness. They are usually depicted as a male/female pair of intertwined skeletons caught up in an ecstatic dance. The dance of the Citipati is commemorated twice annually in Tibet with ritual dances. The Citipati are invoked as ‘wrathful deities,’ benevolent protectors who appear as fierce beings with a demonic appearance. The Chitipati, or Charnel Lords Related Symbols: 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stefos Posted October 12, 2014 (edited) Citipati (Lords of the Cemetery) In Tibetan Buddhism, the Citipati, or “Lords of the Cemetery” are two mythological Buddhist ascetics, who were so deep in their meditation, they were caught unawares by a thief and beheaded even before they knew they were dead. As a symbol, the Chittipati represent the eternal dance of death, and perfect awareness. They are usually depicted as a male/female pair of intertwined skeletons caught up in an ecstatic dance. The dance of the Citipati is commemorated twice annually in Tibet with ritual dances. The Citipati are invoked as ‘wrathful deities,’ benevolent protectors who appear as fierce beings with a demonic appearance. The Chitipati, or Charnel Lords Related Symbols: Hi C.T. , Thank you for responding in kind. So then, Are the Citipatti associated with any Tibetan Buddhist school or just a type of Tibetan archetype/symbol? Thanks, Stefos Edit: I just found out that Citipati are a manifestation of Mahakala, the general protector of the Kagyu school from which I received tantric teachings. Edited October 12, 2014 by stefos Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C T Posted October 12, 2014 (edited) Hi C.T. , Thank you for responding in kind. So then, Are the Citipatti associated with any Tibetan Buddhist school or just a type of Tibetan archetype/symbol? Thanks, Stefos No problem at all. Its symbolic, and acknowledged as part of the fabric of Tibetan spiritual heritage, in which sacred dance, as you may already know, forms a significant part of that heritage. These dances, called Cham, are traditionally part of the Monlam Prayer Festival. Citipati are Dharma protectors for those engaged in Heruka and Vajrayogini tantric sadhanas. The skeletal forms symbolise freedom from self-cherishing. Edited October 12, 2014 by C T 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rex Posted October 12, 2014 Also known as Kinkara - associated with Mother Tantra. "The dancing, grinning skeletons ... express a dynamic vision of death and change, viewed as an estatic dance of transformation, unchanging inner essence transcending the constant mutations of externals. Meditation on the impermanence of all phenomena should lead to a joyful freedom from attachment, and not to a morbid pessimism." [Taken from 'The Crystal and the Way of Light'.] 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stefos Posted October 29, 2014 Also known as Kinkara - associated with Mother Tantra. "The dancing, grinning skeletons ... express a dynamic vision of death and change, viewed as an estatic dance of transformation, unchanging inner essence transcending the constant mutations of externals. Meditation on the impermanence of all phenomena should lead to a joyful freedom from attachment, and not to a morbid pessimism." [Taken from 'The Crystal and the Way of Light'.] Hi Rex, Now THAT was a cool post. Thank you sir. Jesus loves you...he really does..... read The Gospel of John Stefos Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rex Posted October 31, 2014 Hi Rex, Now THAT was a cool post. Thank you sir. Jesus loves you...he really does..... read The Gospel of John Stefos You're welcome Stefos! Thanks for the reminder Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
