Dorje Lekpa – One of the Three Terma Protectors
Dorje Lekpa Statue: Dorje Lekpa is the third in the ‘Ma Za Dam Sum’ or the ‘Three Terma Protectors’ trinity, together with Ekajati and Rahula. His name means ‘Excellent Vajra’ and his practice can be found in both the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions, but is mainly practiced in the former.
In oral legend in some parts of Tibet, he is considered to have been a monk from Nalanda Monastery in India. However, he committed many negative actions, which led to his rebirth as a theurang spirit that came to roam Tibet. Before becoming a Dharma protector, Dorje Lekpa was propitiated as a god of war and gambling, due to his immense power despite belonging to the theurang class of spirits. Guru Rinpoche is known to have bound him by oath to become a protector of the Buddhist teachings, especially the various terma or ‘revealed’ teachings.
Gesture and Attributes
Dorje Lekpa is portrayed as red in color, riding a snow lion. He brandishes a Vajra made from meteoric iron in his right hand and holds a heart in his left hand. In his variant forms he is portrayed riding a goat with crossed horns instead, a typical animal mount for a theurang spirit. This type of goat is native to Tibet and is even known as the ‘oath-bound goat.’ Theurang spirits are known to delight in mischief and chaos, and can inflict illness upon people, especially children. He also wears a domed Tibetan traveling hat.
Dorje Lekpa is most commonly depicted at the bottom of deity thangkas, together with Rahula and Ekajati. In singular depictions, either Guru Rinpoche or Vajrapani are portrayed above him, to remind practitioners he is a worldly and oath-bound protector and as a reminder to Dorje Lekpa to remember his oaths to protector the Dharma and its practitioners.
Dorje Lekpa has a vast retinue, including 360 of his own brothers. His main emanation, who serves as his chief attendant, is known as ‘Damchen Garba Nagpo’ or the ‘Oath-bound Blacksmith’. In this form, he holds a Vajra hammer instead of a Vajra. In this form, he is given an equally important protective position as Dorje Lekpa, and is considered the chief Dharma protector of blacksmiths.
Dorje Lekpa is often mistaken as being Dorje Shugden due to various similarities in their iconography, such as riding a snow lion, red in color, and wearing a domed hat.
About this Dorje Lekpa Statue
Expertly cast from copper alloy, adorned with radiant 24-karat gold gilding, and finished with a meticulously hand-painted face, this magnificent sculpture portrays the divine Dorje Lekpa in all its spiritual grandeur. Created using the esteemed Lost Wax Method, this statue showcases unparalleled craftsmanship, with intricate carvings that bring out the deity’s profound presence and significance. The exquisite hand-carvings, meticulous painting, and brilliant gold gilding make this statue a masterpiece of sacred art. Each detail reflects the artisan’s dedication to preserving the traditional methods while achieving artistic excellence. Individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, this remarkable sculpture is the creation of master artisans from the illustrious Shakya clan. Renowned for their expertise, these craftsmen are considered among the finest in the world. They carry forward a centuries-old legacy of crafting sacred art for temples and monasteries, employing time-honored techniques passed down through generations. This extraordinary representation of Dorje Lekpa is a true testament to the fusion of spirituality and artistry, embodying both the profound heritage and the unmatched skill of its creators.
