Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

etween the yidam and other deities must be known so
that they may be placed accordingly—for instance,
protectors appear below the deity. If both the yidam and
the deity to be visualized are in the same family, then
they should be seen in their correct positions, as when
Avalokitesvara or Amitabha are visualized on the head
of Tara.
The consort of Mahakala is Sri Devi, but she is also the
protectress of Tara, so she always remains below the
Lotus-throne of that yidam. Again, if one practices with
Amitabha, while the yidam is White Tara, the two must
be seen in heruka-form, White Tara embracing
Amitayus.
Four things must be possessed:
a. Lama: the teacher or guru. From among one's
teachers one selects a root-guru who should be
identified also with a great spiritual teacher such as
Tsong-khapa or Padmasambhava.
b. Yidam: tutelary deity. Determine this from the guru,
as his yidam is usually selected. Single forms of a
yidam will save one from many dangers, but those in
union with a dakini should be taken to accomplish Full
Enlightenment.
c. Khandroma: consort or dakini. Selected according to
one's yidam. All the yidams in anuttarayoga have a
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