Material: 925 silver. Pendant (gold. silver in two colors)

Size: 2.3 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, "Padmasambhava Scorpion" usually refers to the symbolic symbols or legendary images related to Padmasambhava (Tibetan: པདྨ་འབྱུང་གནས།, also known as Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche). Padmasambhava is the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, especially the main deity of the Nyingma school. In the 8th century, he entered Tibet at the request of King Trisong Detsen and Shantarakshita, founded Samye Monastery and laid the foundation of Tibetan Buddhism. His image and related symbols have far-reaching significance in Tibetan Buddhism.

The meaning of "Padmasambhava's scorpion"

The "scorpion" is not a simple animal totem in Tibetan Buddhism, but is closely related to the legend of Padmasambhava subduing evil spirits, subduing the local primitive religion (Bon religion), and spreading secret teachings. In the Tantric tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava is believed to have powerful supernatural powers and can subdue evil spirits and negative forces. "Scorpion", as an aggressive and dangerous animal, is often used to symbolize evil forces, obstacles or demons. In the legend, Padmasambhava subdued these symbolic "scorpions" with his supreme wisdom and secret power, and transformed them into guardians of the Dharma or the Dharma.

Specifically, "scorpions" may appear in the following levels of symbolic meaning:

1. **Symbol of demon subjugation**: In Tibetan Buddhist art or rituals, scorpions may be used as a symbol of demons or obstacles. Padmasambhava subdued these forces with his secret power, reflecting the ability of Buddhism to fight against ignorance and troubles.

2. **Dharmapala image**: In some tantric rituals or terma (the scriptures or instruments buried by Padmasambhava), scorpions may be given the role of guardians, becoming a symbol of protecting the Dharma or practitioners.

3. **Tantric symbol**: In the tantric tradition of the Nyingma school, scorpions may be associated with specific tantric practices or mantras, as a symbolic instrument or totem to exorcise evil or purify.

The origin of "Padmasambhava Scorpion"

The specific origin of "Padmasambhava Scorpion" may be related to the legend of Padmasambhava and the Nyingma tradition of terma. The following are some possible sources and backgrounds:

1. **The legend of Padmasambhava's subjugation of Bon**: According to Tibetan Buddhist literature (such as "web:9⁊" and "web:11⁊"), when Padmasambhava entered Tibet in the 8th century, he faced the challenge of Bon (the native primitive religion of Tibet) that was prevalent at the time. He subdued the gods and demons of the Bon religion with his supernatural powers and secret methods. These gods are sometimes described as having animal forms (such as scorpions, snakes, etc.). These subdued gods were later incorporated into the Dharma protector system of Buddhism and became part of Tibetan Buddhism. Scorpions may be used in these legends to symbolize the subdued negative forces.

2. **Treasure Tradition**: Guru Padmasambhava foresaw that Tibetan Buddhism might face a crisis of extinction, so he buried many scriptures, instruments and secret methods, called treasures (web:9⁊web:11⁊). In the treasure documents of the Nyingma school, some instruments or mantras may be symbolized by scorpions, representing the power of subduing demons or protecting the Dharma. These treasures were discovered by later disciples with predestined relationships, further enriching the symbolic meaning of "scorpions" in Tantra.

3. **Tantric Art and Rituals**: In Tibetan Buddhist thangkas or ritual instruments, scorpions sometimes appear in images related to guardian or wrathful deities, especially images related to emanations or guardian deities of Guru Padmasambhava. These images emphasize Guru Padmasambhava's ability to subdue demons, and scorpions may serve as a visual symbol to express the power to overcome obstacles.

Cultural and religious background

In Tibetan Buddhism, animal imagery (such as scorpions, snakes, tigers, etc.) is often used to express specific religious or philosophical concepts. Scorpions may be chosen to represent negative forces because of their danger and mystery, while Guru Padmasambhava's subjugation behavior embodies the Dharma's transcendence of ignorance and evil forces. This symbolism is also related to the history of Tibetan Buddhism's integration of Bon elements. Bon religion often uses animal totems to express spiritual power. When Guru Padmasambhava spread the Dharma, he transformed some Bon elements into symbols of the Dharma (web:3⁊web:6⁊).

Notes

It should be noted that some modern sources (such as web:8⁊) may provide controversial interpretations of Tibetan Buddhism, such as associating symbols such as the lotus with Tantric dual-body practice and evaluating it negatively. These views may reflect the positions of specific groups and may not represent the mainstream teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. When discussing the "Padmasambhava Scorpion", the orthodox Tibetan Buddhist texts (such as the Kangyur and the Tengyur) and the Nyingma tradition should be the main basis, avoiding over-reliance on non-mainstream or controversial sources.

Conclusion

The "Padmasambhava Scorpion" in Tibetan Buddhism may symbolize the ability of Padmasambhava to subdue demons and transform negative forces, which originated from the legend that he subdued Bon gods and obstacles when he entered Tibet to teach. The specific image may appear in the Nyingma treasures, secret rituals or artistic expressions, reflecting the supreme wisdom and power of Padmasambhava as the "second Buddha". For more specific details, it is recommended to refer to the relevant Nyingma treasures or consult with Tibetan Buddhist masters to obtain more precise doctrinal interpretations.