唐密祖师善无畏
作者：金珂玄雷上师与弟子共创
年代：2014 年【甲午年】
尺寸：70cm x 138cm
材质：绢本设色
题款：
唐密祖师善无畏 烽烟万里赴长安
广演无上瑜伽密 护国利民觉有情
甲午秋金珂玄雷金刚上师与如来佛子绘于广西十万大山金莲湖
善无畏，天竺乌荼国佛手王之子，十三岁继任王位，后让位于兄，到那烂陀寺礼龙智为师，被尊为"三藏阿阇黎"。唐开元四年（公元716年）抵长安，玄宗亲为顶礼，尊为教主。 作品描绘了80岁的善无畏走陆路行至大唐西境，护法神对善无畏说：“再向东就不是弟子我的辖界了，守护神州的是文殊师利菩萨。”说罢顶礼善无畏双足，然后消失不见。善无畏路过北印度境时，他东行的消息己被僧侣和商人传到了长安，对于善无畏不惜年迈东行传法的行为，唐睿宗深受感动，就派僧人若那和将军史献，带着礼物出玉门关候迎。
Śubhākarasiṃha — Lineage Master of Sino Esoteric Buddhism
Creator: Vajra Master Jinke Xuanlei and Disciples
Year: 2014 (Year of Wood Horse)
Dimensions: 70cm x 138cm
Material: Ink and color on silk
Inscription:
Śubhākarasiṃha, founding master of Sino Esoteric Buddhism,
Journeyed across thousands of miles to reach Chang’an.
Expounded the supreme teachings of Yoga Tantra,
Benefiting the nation, its people, and awakening all beings.
Śubhākarasiṃha, a prince of the Uḍḍiyāna kingdom in India, ascended the throne at the tender age of thirteen following the passing of his father, King Buddhakara. Despite his royal duties, his deep spiritual calling led him to renounce the throne and pursue enlightenment. He entered Nālandā Monastery, where he became a disciple of Nāgabodhi and was venerated as the “Tripiṭaka Ācārya.” Mastering both exoteric and esoteric Buddhist teachings, Śubhākarasiṃha’s profound wisdom and teachings established him as a preeminent figure in Buddhist thought.
In 716 CE (Kaiyuan Year 4), at the remarkable age of 80, Śubhākarasiṃha journeyed overland to Tang China to transmit the Dharma. Upon his arrival in Chang’an, he was received with great honor by Emperor Xuanzong, who personally bowed before him and bestowed upon him the title of National Preceptor.
This painting captures a pivotal moment during Śubhākarasiṃha’s eastward pilgrimage, as he reached the western frontier of the Tang Empire. According to legend, a Dharma protector appeared and said, “Further east lies the domain of Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva. It is beyond my jurisdiction to escort you further.” The protector then bowed deeply at Śubhākarasiṃha’s feet before vanishing.
The composition of the artwork masterfully depicts Śubhākarasiṃha’s resilience and spiritual commitment as he traverses the challenging terrain. The presence of the Dharma protector symbolizes the divine support and auspicious blessings that accompanied him on his journey. The inclusion of merchants and monks spreading news of his arrival emphasizes the anticipation and reverence surrounding Śubhākarasiṃha’s mission.
Upon learning of Śubhākarasiṃha’s arduous journey, Emperor Ruizong, deeply moved by his dedication, dispatched an envoy of monks and generals beyond the Yumen Pass to greet and honor him with gifts. This event marked the beginning of the flourishing transmission of Vajrayāna teachings in Tang China.
Through its dynamic interplay of narrative and symbolism, this painting captures the indomitable spirit, selflessness, and profound wisdom of Śubhākarasiṃha, a figure whose contributions to Sino Esoteric Buddhism continue to inspire and illuminate the path of countless practitioners.