Dorje Legpa

The benign thunderbolt

Khandro Déchen says of this traditional line drawing:
Dorje Legpa is depicted here riding a white snow lion. He can also be depicted riding a goat with entwined horns and both manifestations exist within the Aro gTér. There are many similarities between this image and the Aro gTér Dorje Legpa – but here we see him wearing the more conventional ‘protector’s helmet’. This manifestation of Dorje Legpa has six arms whereas the Aro gTér Dorje Legpa only has two arms (one which holds a ripped out heart and one which wields a nine prong vajra). In this drawing Dorje Legpa mirrors Rahula’s use of the bow and arrow. In his upper hand he holds a vajra pike. In his lower left hand he holds a vajra sword. In his upper right hand he holds a vajra scimitar. In his lower right hand he holds a khram-shing – a magical baton. On the mélong in the middle of his chest is the syllable Hri. This form of Dorje Legpa has three heads with which he roars in menace in order to subdue the minions of attraction, aversion and indifference.

• Dorje Legpa
• Aro Dorje Legpa

• Drawing
• Thangka