An emanated form of a Buddha, often with multiple faces, arms, and legs, which tantric practitioners visualize themselves as. This is done in order to create for one's mind a close bond with the figure so as to be able to attain enlightenment, in the form of that figure, through such practice.
Tibetan: ཡི་དམ། yi-dam
Sanskrit: iṣṭadevatā
J. Hopkins: Personal deity; Tutelary deity; Deity
Synonyms: Buddha-figure; Meditational deity; Personal deity
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