In Vajrayana Buddhism, heruka is a designation referred to male wrathful deities, often associated with the sexual practices of the Highest Yoga Tantras, and specifically mother tantras such as Chakrasamvara and Hevajra in the Sakya, Kagyu, and Geluk traditions. Vajrakila and Hayagriva are considered herukas, as well as other male deities of the Nyingma tradition such as Chemckchok and Yangdak Heruka.

Published November 10, 2022

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