Deity Practice

Deity Practice

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More commonly referred to as the ‘development stage’ (Tib. bskyed rim, Skt. utpattikrama), deity practice involves meditative focus on specific visualizations geared toward purifying perception. The fundamental principle of the development stage is to realize the primordial purity of all phenomena. As a practice of Vajrayana, it is highly recommended to read and study the philosophy behind deity practice under the guidance of a qualified teacher.

Our extremely subtle mind and body have the potential to transform into the fully enlightened body and mind of a Buddha. When we visualize Tara and regard her as the resultant Tara that we will become, we are inspired to train our mind in the path leading to this result.

-Thubten Chodron, How to Free Your Mind

Recent Books on Deity Practice

Nyingma: Mahayoga, Anuyoga, and Atiyoga, Part Two

The Great Exposition of Secret Mantra, Volume 2

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Symbolism of Deities in The Art of Awakening

On the Symbolism of Deities from The Art of Awakening: A User’s Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Art and Practice This is the third of a series of articles on The Art of Awakening: A User's Guide to Tib...

Wrathful Deities in The Art of Awakening

On Wrathful Deities from The Art of Awakening: A User’s Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Art and Practice This is the first of a series of articles on The Art of Awakening: A User's Guide to Tibetan Bud...