Vajrabhairava Yamantaka Sadhana and Prayers

Solitary Hero Vajrabhairava (Yamāntaka) is a father tantra (pha rgyud) deity who is the wrathful manifestation of Mañjuśrī, the Buddha of wisdom. His practice is said to be powerful enough to transform negative emotions and overcome any outer obstacles to spiritual practice. As a father tantra, Vajrabhairava’s practice emphasizes the attainment of the illusory body (rgyud lus), the substantial cause of arising the rūpakāya (form body) of a Buddha. The practice includes powerful visualizations and recitations, such as taking the three bodies into the path, the protection wheel, and inner offering. Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains more about the Yamantaka practice and how it fits into Lama Tsongkhapa’s presentation of tantra here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp1GCf2Ruck

Although these classes will feature Geshe la’s commentary on the Victory Over Evil Sādhanā of Vajrabhairava as the main topic, Geshe will conclude each class with a short presentation of the Vajrayoginī completion stage, to help students develop imprints for both generation and completion stages, and father and mother tantra. This holistic approach is the essence of Lama Tsongkhapa’s presentation of the Vajrayāna path.

Geshe Sonam says:

While all students with a highest yoga tantra empowerment are permitted to attend the commentary on Vajrabhairava, it should be understood that only those with the Vajrabhairava (Yamāntaka) initiation are allowed to engage with the sadhana and practice the self-generation fully. Similarly, although all students may hear the introductory instructions on the Vajrayoginī completion stage, they should be understood as an introductory presentation to place an imprint in the mind. In order to fully engage in these instructions, a Vajrayoginī empowerment and guidance of a lama is required. You will still learn much that can be applied to the other highest yoga deity practices.

You can view an image of Vajrabhairava (Yamantaka) here (Tibetan Thangkas painted by Rob Preece).

The short sadhana of Vajrabhairava (Yamantaka) can for found here: Yamantaka Short Sadhana PDF

Many thanks to Do Ngak Kunphen Ling for kindly permitting the use of this translation of the Sādhana of Bhagavān Glorious Solitary Hero Vajrabhairava. Home - DNKL | Do Ngak Kunphen Ling