Karma Kagyu Tsogshing
The Karma Kagyu Ngöndro Refuge Tree or Tsogshing: A Sacred Assembly of Enlightened Beings
The Refuge Tree of the Karma Kagyu tradition is a profound visualization used in preliminary practices to cultivate devotion, purify obscurations, and generate the aspiration to follow the path to enlightenment under the guidance of the lineage and the blessings of the Three Jewels and the Three Roots.
Symbolism of the Refuge Tree
The Refuge Tree represents the entirety of one’s spiritual refuge, with all sources of blessing, guidance, and inspiration depicted in a single visionary tableau. It acts as a bridge between the practitioner and the enlightened beings, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the lineage and the support it provides.
- Tree Structure:
The tree grows from a vast, luminous ocean or a field of lotuses. Its trunk is golden and radiant, and its branches spread in all directions, symbolizing the boundless reach of enlightened compassion and wisdom.
The tree’s roots signify the foundational teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, while its branches and fruits represent the flourishing of the Kagyu lineage.
- Central Figure:
At the heart of the Refuge Tree is Vajradhara, the primordial Buddha, representing the union of wisdom and compassion. Vajradhara is depicted in blue, holding a vajra and bell, seated on a lotus and moon disc throne.
Vajradhara embodies the essence of all Buddhas and the source of the Kagyu lineage’s teachings.
- The Enlightened Assembly:
Lineage Masters: Above Vajradhara are the unbroken lineage masters, starting from Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa, and Gampopa, leading to the successive Karmapas. Each figure embodies the transmission of wisdom and realization.
Buddhas: Surrounding the lineage masters are the Buddhas of the ten directions, representing ultimate enlightenment and the source of the teachings.
Bodhisattvas: To the sides, bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani represent compassion, wisdom, and skillful means.
Yidams: Meditational deities like Chakrasamvara, Vajrayogini, and others are arranged in their luminous forms, symbolizing profound realization.
Dakinis and Protectors: At the base of the tree are dharma protectors like Mahakala and dakinis who safeguard the teachings and practitioners.
- Radiance and Surroundings:
The entire tree glows with a golden and rainbow light, representing the purity and enlightened activity of the beings within the assembly.
The backdrop often includes vast skies and infinite space, signifying the limitless nature of enlightened qualities.
