Machig Labdron

Nidhiratna's Machig Labdron Statue: The Mother of Chod Practice

Nidhiratna's Machig Labdron statue is an elegant and profound representation of one of Tibet's most iconic female saints. Known as the originator of the Chöd practice, Machig Labdron is revered for her fearless approach to the nature of suffering, life, and death. The statue, meticulously crafted with gold gilding on a copper base, captures the essence of her teachings and her deep compassion for all sentient beings.

Created by master artisans from Nepal, this statue reflects the strength, wisdom, and spiritual power of Machig Labdron. Every detail, from the flowing robes to the compassionate gaze in her eyes, is thoughtfully designed to honor her legacy as both a scholar and a practitioner who embodied the teachings of emptiness, compassion, and liberation. The intricate craftsmanship represents not only the artist’s skill but also the spiritual dedication passed down through generations of Tibetan Buddhist artisans.

Machig Labdron: The Pioneer of the Chöd Practice

Machig Labdron (1055-1149) was a visionary female yogini who pioneered the Chöd practice, a profound and unique method of cutting through the ego and attachments, particularly related to fear of death and suffering. She is regarded as one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism, especially within the Nyingma and Kagyu schools, and is revered for her deep spiritual insight and courage.

Born in Tibet, Machig Labdron was inspired by the teachings of the great Buddhist masters of her time and devoted her life to meditation, retreat, and the direct experience of the teachings. Through her practice and realization of the nature of emptiness, she developed the Chöd practice, which involves the symbolic offering of one’s body to the demons of the world, a powerful method for transforming fear and attachment into wisdom.

The Chöd practice, as taught by Machig Labdron, is based on the understanding that all beings are inherently empty of inherent existence, and through the practice of giving and offering, one transcends the fear of death and suffering. Chöd is also a practice of generosity and compassion, as practitioners symbolically offer their bodies and lives to all sentient beings, realizing that all suffering is interdependent.

Symbolism and Features of the Machig Labdron Statue

The statue of Machig Labdron is imbued with deep symbolism that reflects her life’s work, spiritual power, and the core teachings she offered to the world:

• Posture: In the statue, Machig Labdron is often depicted seated in the vajra posture, representing her deep meditation and her profound realization of emptiness. This posture symbolizes stability and the unshakable nature of a realized practitioner’s mind. Her calm, serene posture embodies the inner peace and fearlessness that she achieved through her practice.

• Facial Expression: The expression on her face is one of deep wisdom and compassion. Her soft, peaceful smile represents her profound realization of emptiness and the compassion that flows from it. Her gaze is focused and clear, reflecting her sharp spiritual insight and her ability to see beyond the illusions of suffering and attachment.

• Attributes: Machig Labdron is commonly depicted holding a khadga, a ritual implement associated with the Chöd practice. The khadga symbolizes the cutting through of attachments, particularly the ego and the fear of death, which are central themes of the Chöd practice. The instrument in her hand represents her mastery over these delusions.

• Robes and Attire: The robes of Machig Labdron are often depicted in flowing, simple attire that reflects her renunciation of worldly attachments. The simplicity of her robes symbolizes her deep commitment to spiritual practice over material wealth. Her attire also carries the vibrant colors of Tibetan Buddhist tradition, with reds and yellows signifying the energy of life and the illumination of wisdom.

• The Skullcup: Machig Labdron is sometimes depicted holding a skullcup, another symbol of the Chöd practice. This represents the offering of the body, especially the symbolic offering of one's life to the benefit of all beings. The skullcup can also represent the ultimate understanding of the impermanence of the physical body and the liberation from fear of death.

The Chöd Practice: Cutting Through the Ego

At the heart of Machig Labdron’s teachings lies the Chöd practice, a unique and profound path that confronts the most deeply rooted fears: the fear of suffering, the fear of loss, and the fear of death. The practice is deeply transformative, as it invites practitioners to face their most intimate fears and to offer them up to all sentient beings in an act of deep generosity.

Through the practice of Chöd, practitioners visualize offering their body, which symbolizes the self, to all beings, including those who would normally be feared, such as demons or evil spirits. By engaging in this offering, practitioners not only overcome their fears but also cultivate a sense of liberation and compassion for all beings. This fearless practice encourages the letting go of egoic attachments, allowing the practitioner to experience the interconnectedness of all life.

The Mantra of Machig Labdron

While there is no specific mantra solely attributed to Machig Labdron, the Chöd practice is often associated with the following mantra, which embodies the essence of cutting through attachment and offering oneself selflessly for the benefit of all beings:

"Om Ah Hung, Chö Dzin Kyé, So Ha"

This mantra is recited during the practice of Chöd and carries profound meaning:

• Om: The seed syllable that represents the universe and the essence of all phenomena.
• Ah: Represents the inherent wisdom of the practitioner, cultivated through meditation.
• Hung: Symbolizes the power of compassion and the cutting through of all attachments.
• Chö Dzin Kyé: Refers to the practice of offering oneself for the benefit of others and the complete renunciation of self-centeredness.
• So Ha: A term used to indicate the completion of the practice and the profound realization of emptiness.

Through the repetition of this mantra, practitioners are guided to transcend their fears and limitations, cutting through the illusion of self and experiencing the boundless compassion that Machig Labdron exemplified.

Machig Labdron’s Influence in Daily Life

The statue of Machig Labdron serves as a powerful reminder of the profound transformation that can take place through the practice of Chöd and the fearless offering of oneself for the benefit of others. Placing this statue in a meditation space, altar, or retreat center encourages practitioners to reflect on their own attachments and fears and to cultivate the courage and compassion to face them.

Machig Labdron’s legacy continues to inspire those on the path to spiritual awakening, especially in the face of fear, suffering, and the impermanence of life. Her teachings offer a path of liberation that transcends conventional understandings of life and death, encouraging practitioners to cultivate fearlessness and compassion in their daily lives, ultimately leading to the liberation of all sentient beings.