Description
(Text)
The term Kangsöl (bskang gsol) means "fulfillment and offering, usually to a Dharma protector" and refers to appeasing local deities, including protective deities (srung ma) and tutelary deities. At Sumthrang Temple in central Bhutan, the Kangsöl is performed to appease its tutelary deity (yi dam) Vajrakila (rdo rje phur pa). In all his manifestations, Vajrakila is considered to embody the enlightened activities of all Buddhas, and is considered most efficacious in removing obstacles, purifying spiritual contamination and destroying negative forces through his wrathful compassion. Sumthrang's form of deity practice is undertaken both for soteriological and apotropaic purposes. While there are some studies on the soteriological aspects of Vajrakila practice, there are fewer that focus on its apotropaic aspects. This book seeks to contribute a clearer understanding of the apotropaic aspects of the practice, with the hopes of clarifying the ritual contexts for the violence articulated in the subjugation rites.
(Author portrait)
Nyenda, Sonam
Sonam Nyenda is a lecturer at the College of Language and Culture Studies under Royal University of Bhutan and holds a Master's degree in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder. He studies Himalayan Buddhism and Buddhist art and iconography and teaches Religions of Himalayan Territories at his college.
