The Indian Buddhist Iconography, Mainly Based on the Sadhanamala and Other Cognate Tantric Texts of Rituals c9.s3.22

c9.s3.22

In the realisation of the deity, there are thus three elements, the worshipper, the deity and their connection or identity. These are named in the Tantric works as the Bodhicitta, the Mantrapuruṣa (Mantra body) and the Ahaṃkāra (identity). The worshipper is called the Bodhisattva (Bodhi essence), and his mind is known as the Bodhicitta (Will to Enlightenment). The deity is the embodiment of the cluster of letters contained in a Mantra which are dynamized by excessive concentration and repetition. The sacred words or letters set up strong vibrations and ultimately condense themselves in the form of deities and this is called the Mantrapuruṣa (Mantra body) or Mantra person. But before the Mantra person is visualised there must always be a complete identity between the Bodhicitta and the Mantrapuruṣa. The subject is both interesting and important for the study of gods and goddesses, and therefore merits a detailed treatment.