the Twelve Deeds; [TRS 60-6]; Twelve Deeds of the Supreme Emanational Body. Remaining in Tushita, descent and entry into the womb, taking birth, proficiency in the arts. renouncing the world, practicing asceticism, reaching the point of enlightenment, vanquishing Mara's host, attaining perfect enlightenment, turning the doctrinal wheel, passing into the final nirvana, and teaching of the duration & decline of the doctrine. Various enumerations of the twelve are given. Cf. Longchenpa, Treasury of the Supreme Vehicle, p. 27. [ GM]
twelve deeds of the Buddhas; Twelve acts of Buddha Shakyamuni. According to NG 61: 1) Descending from Tushita Heaven, ('pho ba). 2) Entering the mother's womb, (lhum zhugs). 3) Taking birth, (bltams pa). 4) Becoming skilled in worldly arts and demonstrating physical prowess, (bzo dang). 5) Enjoying a retinue of queens, (rol rtse). 6) Renouncing the world, (nges 'byung). 7) Practicing austerities and renouncing them, (dka' spyad drug). 8) Going to the essence of awakening (Going towards the Bodhi Tree), (gshegs), 9) Defeating Mara, (bdud sde bcom). 10) Attaining total enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, (byang chub). 11) Turning the Wheel of the Dharma, (chos 'khor). 12) Departing for the ultimate peace of parinirvana, (myang 'das)