Yidam

[Zenji]

As my path has yet to bring me close to a lama who can guide me in the direction of finding my yidam, are there any particular meditative methods that can help me reveal who it is to myself?

[ysng101]

Hi,

    I have not personally requested Rinpoche for any yidam to practice.  But since you're in this forum , I would say karmically you would have a connection with Kechara House's main yidam practice , which is  the  Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga.  It does not require initiation and it's so gentle that is suitable for everyone.  Rinpoche has tweeted many many benefits from practicing the guru yoga.  They are too numerous to mention.  Please check out Rinpoche's tweets at  http://twitter.com/tsemtulku

tq.

[Zenji]

So, there is no official rituals, ceremonies or prayers that are involved with selecting a yidam?  Great!  I'll check out HETTR's twitter page.  Thanks so much for your help.

[ysng101]

So, there is no official rituals, ceremonies or prayers that are involved with selecting a yidam?

The yidam that I mentioned which does not require initiation is Lama Tsongkhapa.    However there are other yidams which requires initiation or blessings from a guru.   For now,  Rinpoche has mentioned many times that Lama Tsongkhapa is perfect for this time and age.

Please don't think of yidams as stepping stones or degree's for you to learn and then jump from one yidam to another.  All yidams are buddha's , and are here to help you gain enlightenment.  No yidam is better or more powerfull than another yidam.  If you may one day have the merit to be close to a lama, he may recommend certain yidam practices for you , because your guru will know which yidam is suitable to combat your negative alfliction .   But in the meantime , Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga is best, you will improve , you will transform your mind to be better if done with the correct motivation.   This is the best Lama Tsongkhapa website.  Full of explanation and information ..http://migtsema.com/

[Joey]

do some research on all the Yidams there are, and find out which one you are most attracted to. That is most probably your Yidam as all the different Yidams is tailor made to combat different combinations of defilements and will thus automatically attract people who need them the most. For example, people with anger management issues will love Yamantaka for some unexplainable reason. Arrogant people would like Manjushri, easily jealous people would like Avalokiteshvara and Tara, greedy people would like Dzambala and so on.

But of course, when choosing Yidams, it's best to follow the instructions of a Lama and in this case Lama Tsongkhapa is a perfect Yidam as he is the synthesis of 3 Yidams in one, is a Lama himself and has existed.