In Exoteric Buddhism, there is a revered title for a special kind of master known as the Dharma King. In this Dharma-ending age, it is exceedingly rare and difficult to encounter a true Dharma King. According to the Vajrayana Buddhist scripture Vajra Secret Determination (Vajra Mi Jian), a Dharma King is the Sovereign of All Dharmas. A genuine Dharma King is either a Buddha or a great Bodhisattva who has attained at least the Twelfth Bhumi and has reincarnated into this world. Such a being must possess the twofold qualities of worldly and transcendental virtues.
Worldly Virtues
Worldly, or inner-worldly, virtues include mastery of both Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhist teachings, as well as perfection in the Five Vidyās:
- Mastery of Exoteric and Esoteric Teachings means thorough understanding of the Tripitaka—the Sutras, Vinaya, and Abhidharma—as well as complete proficiency in all Esoteric (Tantric) practices, including the cultivation of the Three Secrets (body, speech, and mind).
- Perfection in the Five Vidyās The five vidyas are the silpakarmasthanavidya (craftsmanship vidya), the cikitsvidya (healing vidya), the sabdavidya (sound vidya), the hetuvidya (causality or Buddhist logic vidya), and the adhyatmavidya (inner realization vidya). Actually, the Five Vidyas are not that narrow. Everything in the universe can be classified into five aspects of brightness and darkness. To develop everything that is good in the universe and that benefits living beings is classified as bright. That which confuses and is bad is classified as dark.
These Five Sciences must be fully and flawlessly accomplished.
Transcendental Virtues
Transcendental, or other-worldly, virtues refer to mastery of the Five Secret Inner Empowerments, which are revealed through the exhibition of supernatural powers within a tantric mandala. These five supreme empowerments are:
- Vase Empowerment by Golden Urn Divination (Dharmapāla Division)
- Vajra Samādhi Empowerment (Yidam Division)
- Auspicious Selection Empowerment (Yidam Division)
- Dharma Wheel Supreme Empowerment (exclusive to a Dharma King)
- Buddha-Bestowed Nectar Empowerment – the highest empowerment that signifies direct and non-dual communication with the Buddhas
Additionally, a true Dharma King must possess the Dharma King Dharma Wheel, a sacred object bestowed directly by the Buddha from the sky (the void). Though it appears similar to a coin in shape, the Dharma Wheel is imbued with extraordinary power. It can walk, dance, speak, and sing, and it can manifest supreme Dharma powers through the true Dharma King.
The following is a firsthand account from Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche, describing how she received the Dharma Wheel Initiation from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
Although this was a high level inner tantric initiation and as such cannot be publicly discussed or shared with others in detail, an exception was made to allow me to briefly tell others of my experience so that they can learn of the true power of the magnificent Buddha-dharma. A ritual was performed for me to remove certain negative karma that served as an obstacle to my achievement of liberation. After the dharma protecting deities arrived and the the Buddha-dharma was practiced, the Vajra Dharma Wheel quickly exhibited samadhi. Very quickly, I screamed–the impact was very intense, but in that same moment I also realized the truth of the Buddha-dharma. Although there was intense feeling–greater than anything I had ever experienced before–there was also no-feeling. I realized the emptiness of that magical experience while at the same time experiencing it. It was explained that this experience was a precursor to the realization of the dharmakaya.
I understood how my Buddha Master and other enlightened beings could accomplish their amazing feats. Although there are no words to adequately describe this experience, it was a glimpse of the dharmakaya–the truth of the universe! This is what is meant by “form is emptiness, and emptiness is form.” Living in this pure state, if only for a moment and through the power of my Buddha Master, I understood that the dharmakaya is everywhere. There was no place that is not the dharmakaya. This is what enlightened beings experience or realize at all times; as a result, they can do anything! All things are inherently empty and at the same time contain the potentiality of all things! This realization exists while living in this mundane world…….and, it exists for all sentient beings! We all have the inherent nature of a Buddha.
The initiation caused me not only to eliminate certain obstacles, but also reinforced my resolve to practice and help others to learn the true Buddha-dharma. I understood the necessity of obtaining inner tantric initiations from a true vajra master if one wants to achieve enlightenment in this lifetime! Only a true vajra master can summon the dharma protecting deities and communicate directly with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to perform this sort of powerful ritual! Only a true vajra master can manifest the awesome power of the true Buddha-dharma. My master, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, is such a master!
Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/07/18/dharma-king-and-dharma-wheel-initiation/
Source: https://www.zhaxizhuoma.org/i-received-the-holy-dharma-wheel-initiation/
Peace LiLy 