The preliminary explanation > The pre-eminent qualities of Heruka

Question 1

1. What does ‘Heruka’ mean?

Answer 1

‘He’ - teaches the emptiness of phenomena in general.

‘ru’ teaches the emptiness of persons in particular

• together they reveal the emptiness of all phenomena.

‘ka’ refers to the union of Heruka’s mind of great bliss and the emptiness of all phenomena.

Question 2

2. What does ‘Chakrasambara’ mean?

Answer 2

‘Chakra’ means ‘wheel’ and in this context refers to the ‘wheel’ of all phenomena.

‘Sambara’ means the supreme bliss, which is called ‘spontaneous great bliss’.

Together ‘Chakra’ and ‘sambara’ reveal that by practising Heruka Tantra we gain a profound realization that experiences all phenomena as one nature with our mind of great bliss.

Question 3

3. What does attaining the state of Buddha Heruka depend upon? (think: symbolism)

Answer 3

• Abandoning the twelve dependent related links (12 arms)
• by gaining the realizations of the four doors of liberation (4 faces)
• and realizing the union of great bliss and emptiness (embracing Vajravarahi).

Question 4

4. What can we remember if we feel uncomfortable about with Heruka’s wrathful aspect?

Answer 4

• All phenomena are equal in lacking inherent existence.
• In emptiness there are no wrathful or peaceful aspects because all phenomena are of one nature.
• There are no truly existent unattractive or attractive objects.

Question 5

5. What are the benefits of visualizing the wrathful aspect of Heruka?

Answer 5

It is a powerful method for swiftly receiving Heruka’s blessings and protection.

Question 6

6. Explain about Buddha Vajradhara, Buddha Shakyamuni and Buddha Heruka

Answer 6

They are the same person differing only in aspect.

• When Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma of Sutra he appeared in the form of an ordained person.
• When he turned the Wheel of Dharma of Tantra in general he appeared in the form of Vajradhara.
• When he turned the Wheel of Dharma of Heruka Tantra in particular he appeared in the form of Heruka.

Question 7

7. How can Buddha manifest his mind of compassion as form (Heruka)?

Answer 7

A Buddha’s mind and body are the same nature and so wherever their mind goes their body goes too.

Buddhas have abandoned mistaken perception (perceiving a gap between the mind and its object). For this reason Buddhas have the ability to display their minds as form (emanations).

Question 8

8. What are the 37 parts of Buddha’s omniscient mind known as?

Answer 8

The thirty-seven realizations conducive to enlightenment.