A-shé Khandro

A-shé Khandro

the appearance of a Dzogchen yogini

A-shé Khandro sits on a lotus on sun and moon discs – showing that her form is the form of a yidam. The petals of the lotus describe the elements as they arise from space and dissolve into space, as the natural play of reality. The tiger skin on which she sits is common to all the Aro gTér Lamas – as a symbol of the lineal connection with Dorje Tröllö and with Tashi Chhi’drèn. Her right hand rests upon her knee in the Dzogchen mudra of ‘Mind relaxed in natural comfort and ease’, and her legs are loosely crossed in the Dzogchen posture of the resting snow leopard. Many of the large cats sit with their front legs in this position when at rest, and the stance portrays the union of relaxation and alert presence.