After dissolving into a rainbow body,
she manifested herself once again for the benefit of others.
Mandarava emanated unceasingly,
manifesting herself as a ḍākinī to tame the minds of beings in every essential way.
To the feet of Mandāravā , I supplicate!
In the Realm of Great Bliss, she is known as
the secret wisdom consort Pandaravasini;
In the realm of Khechari, as Natyendri;
And in Zahor, as Dungmen Karmo.
To the feet of Mandāravā, I supplicate!” — Padmasambhava’s Song of Praise to Mandāravā, after a request by Yeshe Tsogyel
Introduction
So I am re-publishing three pieces of original research and translations to commemorate these two events. They were both written during the COVID lockdown time, during which I stayed in India the whole time.
The first is about the prediction in the Kālacakra Tantra and commentaries says that a super-hero, wrathful King will arise and lead an army to defeat the rise of ‘barbarians’ (lelo) and barbaric religions/views. Some commentators have suggested that this religious fundamentalism is speaking about a certain type of Muslim fundamentalism (prevalent in Muslim-majority dictatorships) which use state institutions and legislation to ensure that women are seen (and treated) as inferior and unworthy of the same human rights and freedoms as men and so on. However, such barbarism can also arise within so-called secular (yet fascist) dictatorships where there is excessive military or police rule, lack of freedom of expression, human rights, gender equality, as well as barbarism and cruelty towards animals, corruption, religious hypocrisy and the rule of law and justice does not apply.
Regardless of whom the ‘barbarians’ are, it is clear that degenerate views, conduct and so on, are increasing and honesty, wisdom, love and compassion decreasing. The article about the predicted return of Guru Rinpoche, as the wrathful, final King of Shambhala, Rudra Chakrin, is thus intended to create awareness and a connection with Shambhala, Kālacakra and the Shambhala Rulers, so that in future times, peace and harmony can be experienced within and without.
The second and third articles are a Praises to Mandāravā and also an article about the long-life practice of Guru Padmasambhava and Mandāravā:
2. NEW TRANSLATION: “Praises to Mandāravā” by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (July 2020)
In the Praises to Mandāravā, I give an extensive introduction based on prior scholarship on her life, including how the representation of her relationship with Guru Padmasambhava is a lot more than just a ‘romance’ and pretty face.
“Interestingly, many of the online accounts (and general impression) of Mandāravā’s life, focus on her youth and physical beauty and being a consort of a great master, like a modern-day tale of a pretty woman who had some ‘romance’ and ‘union’ practice. Yet this does not do justice to her incredible spiritual accomplishments, will-power and courage. This was a woman who faced the wrath of her family and community, whom people tried to murder for her relationship with Guru Rinpoche and who demons attacked and so on.
As Lama Ngawang Zangpo points out in Guru Rinpoche: His Life and Times, it was not her status as consort that mattered but rather that she and Yeshe Tsogyal “were the best among Guru Rinpoche’s disciples, men or women; their inclusion in countless paintings and sculptures of the master is a tribute to their personal enlightenment during an era of social enlightenment. “
Dedicating the merit that we may all attain the level of Guru Padmasambhava and Princess Mandāravā abd the essence of immortality!
Music? Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.
Adele Tomlin, 26th May 2025.