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I don’t often put much stock into the meaning of dreams, but when Ekajati appeared to me in one, I knew it was time to create my own thangka of this powerful protector from the Vajra family. Also known as Blue or Black Tara, it was fitting that I started work on a colourful version of this piece at the same time as the Green Tara piece. Even more fitting as Ekajati often appears in Green Tara mandalas in the role of liberator.
I first learned of Ekajati from a dharma talk by Judith Simmer-Brown, author of the book Dakini Wisdom. Ekajati is considered one of the most powerful of the protector deities in Tibetan Buddhism. A wrathful manifestation of Samantabhadri, she is a protector of the teachings of Buddhism. In some regards this means she protects “secret” teachings, but I think, more importantly, it means she protects the integrity of dharma teachings and practices. Ekajati doesn’t tolerate shortcuts. She holds the practitioner to account should we try to pick and choose in a way that keeps us comfortable rather than helping us meet the edges we need to in order to awaken. Basically, if you fuck around, Ekajati is what you will find out.
Working on this thangka, first as a line drawing and then as a full colour mix-media piece, brought me great joy. I appreciate what all the deities have to teach us, but the wrathful protectors hold a special place in my heart. There is something about their ferocity, and that they represent wisdom and compassion, that I find appealing.
May this be of benefit.
K.
