Why do enlightened deities hold their weapons so gently?
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Because they are compassionate and powerful.
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The powers (Siddhis) symbolically represented by their weapons and implements are held gently by these wise and compassionate beings so that we don’t get hurt or suffer unnecessarily from their presence.
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Another explanation is because they are so strong. They don’t need to force anything, they aren’t struggling, it isn’t urgent, they are relaxed and taking their time.
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Effort, urgency, struggle are associated with titans and lessor beings who strive for things (and powers) they don’t already have, or haven’t already mastered. A tight grasp on one’s powers implies desire, struggle, or insecurity/attachment.
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Each finger represents a different “ray” of the heart and is associated with a specific element. The fingers that touch or grasp the implement direct or ‘drive’ the power (Siddhi), while the other fingers are relaxed.
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From Tibet to Tamil Nadu, deities are usually depicted holding their implements with only the thumb and middle two fingers.
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Different lineages assign different elements to the fingers, but usually the middle two fingers are associated with nourishing water and enlightening/transforming fire, while the thumb is associated with space.
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So the deity is gently transmitting their own nourishing, enlightened, and spacious (non-grasping) nature to gently express that power for the benefit of all beings.
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The Friday evening lecture explains the significance of Kurukulla’s figure, implements, and ornaments. During the workshop, students are guided to paint in the traditional manner. If you would like to know more about our master instructor, please visit his site: https://andyweberstudios.com/
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The lecture and painting workshop will be held 12-14 April, 2024. Everyone is welcome to the Friday night lecture & meditation, which can be paid for separately. The weekend workshop includes Friday night.
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Our lovely location and a list of tools and materials will be provided after registration. For more details, please click on this link to the event listing in our store.