Title

The Changkya Khutukhutu and the Making of Vajrabhairava Statues in the Qing Court

Author

Su Te-cheng, Lai Hui-min

Genre

Article

Pages

387-428

DOI

10.6503/THJCS.202309_53(3).0001

Download

PDF

Language

Chinese

Key words

Changkya Khutukhutu, crafts, rituals, Vajrabhairava statues

Abstract

Changkya Rölpé Dorjé (1717-1786) was an imperial preceptor during the reign of Emperor Qianlong 乾隆. He traveled to Tibet several times to learn about crafts and rituals and brought back his knowledge to Beijing, making remarkable contributions. During the Dzungar-Qing Wars, which spanned the Kangxi 康熙, Yongzheng 雍正, and Qianlong reigns, Emperor Qianlong hoped to defeat the Dzungar Khanate with the help of the great Vajrabhairava (Yamāntaka). Therefore, he ordered the Qing amban (high-ranking official) in Tibet to transport the Vajrabhairava statue from Potala Palace to Beijing and brought in Nepalese artisans. The great Vajrabhairava statues were displayed in important Tibetan temples in Beijing, and ritual ceremonies were held regularly.

The Changkya Khutukhutu, the imperial preceptor, combined the palace workshop artisans with Tibetan and Nepalese artisans to enhance the court’s metallurgical technology and manufacture Buddha statues according to standardized procedures. In addition, he guided the rituals of the grand Vajrabhairava sutra chanting ceremony and transplanted the five Tibetan offerings into the palace, enriching the content of the offerings.

While scholars have previously focused on Emperor Qianlong’s military achievements, this article explores the religious operations behind the wars. It concludes that religion is beneficial to boosting morale and winning hearts.