Introduction
Originating from Indian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Dharmapala are a type of wrathful deities tasked with safeguarding the teachings of Buddhism and its practitioners from malevolent forces. Often depicted in fierce forms and wielding weapons, the Dharmapala embody the transformative power of wisdom and compassion.
The name means “protectors of the Dharma” in Sanskrit, and this is why the dharmapālas are also known as the defenders of the Buddhist path.
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dharmapala are believed to be wrathful emanations of the buddhas or bodhisattvas, entrusted with the task to avert the inner and outer obstacles that impede practitioners from attaining spiritual realization. There are two kinds of dharmapala. The “Jnanapala” or “wisdom protectors” and the “Lokapa” or “worldly guardians”, however only the former are enlightened beings.
Dharmapala Origins
The origins of Dharmapalas are deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Buddhist mythology and spiritual traditions, evolving over centuries across various Buddhist cultures. The majority of Dharmapalas were derived from Hindu artistic and literary traditions. Additionally, some found their origins in Bon, the native pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, as well as in various folk narratives.
The idea of protective deities began to take shape originally in ancient India as part of the Buddhist tantra tradition. Early Buddhist texts mention various celestial beings, such as devas (gods) and yakshas (nature spirits), who were believed to protect the Buddha and his teachings. Over time, these entities evolved into more specialized guardians known as Dharmapalas, tasked with safeguarding specific aspects of the Buddhist path.
The concept of Dharmapalas gained particular prominence within Tibetan Buddhism, where they play a central role in religious practice and rituals. Tibetan Buddhists believe that Dharmapalas are enlightened beings who have taken on wrathful forms to protect the Dharma and its practitioners from obstacles and malevolent forces.
According to legend, the worship of Dharmapala was initiated by the tantric Buddhist master Padmasambhava around the 8th century. It is said that Padmasambhava subdued the hostile forces in Tibet, compelling them to pledge an oath to protect Buddhists and the Buddhist faith.
The Eight Dharmapala
In Tibetan Buddhism, many Dharmapalas are associated with specific lineages, monastic institutions, or spiritual practices. Subsequently, their worship forms an integral part of Tibetan religious life. Among the multitude of dharmapalas of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, eight are the principal and most revered ones.
These eight dharma protectors embody the potent forces of protection and guardianship within the spiritual realm. Each Dharmapala is associated with unique attributes and symbolism, representing aspects of enlightened wisdom and fierce determination.
Mahakala (Nagpo Chenpo)
Mahakala, the “Great Black One,” stands as one of the most revered Dharmapalas in Tibetan Buddhism. His origins can be traced to Mahakala, a fearsome manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva and the consort of the goddess Mahakali, itself a fierce manifestation of the Hindu goddess Kali.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Mahakala is considered the wrathful manifestation of various beings in different instances, including the buddhas Amitabha and Akshobhya and the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Mahakala symbolizes the power to overcome obstacles and protects practitioners on their spiritual journey. He is the protector of monasteries, nomadic Tibetans and the entirety of Tibetan Buddhism.
Mahakala is typically depicted as black, though he may also appear in various other colors. He has two to six arms, three protruding eyes with fiery brows, and a beard fashioned with hooks. He wears a crown adorned with five skulls, representing the Five Wisdom Buddhas (Dhyani Buddhas)
Yama
The origins of Yama, the Lord of Death, can be traced to the Hindu Vedic god Yama. Despite his fearsome appearance, Yama guides souls through the intermediate state after death, offering teachings on impermanence and liberation. In artistic representations, Yama is commonly depicted as the figure clutching the Bhava Chakra (Wheel of Life) in his claws.
According to legend, he was a devout individual engaged in meditation within a cave when thieves intruded, bringing along a stolen bull and severing its head. Upon realizing that the holy man had witnessed their actions, the thieves also decapitated him. In a remarkable turn, the holy man put on the bull’s head, transforming into the formidable figure of Yama. He killed the thieves, consumed their blood, and instilled fear throughout Tibet. However, Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, manifested as Yamantaka and defeated Yama. Subsequently, Yama assumed the role of protector within the Buddhist tradition.
Yamantaka
Yamantaka, the “Conqueror of Death,” embodies the ultimate triumph over ignorance and the cycle of birth and death. With his bull-headed form, Yamantaka represents the subjugation of death itself, guiding practitioners towards enlightenment.
Yamantaka is the fearsome manifestation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. It was in the form of Yamantaka that Manjushri subdued Yama and transformed him into a guardian of the Dharma.
According to certain versions of the legend, when Manjushri assumed the form of Yamantaka, he adopted Yama’s likeness but with numerous heads, limbs, and appendages. As Yama gazed upon Yamantaka, he beheld an infinite multiplication of himself. While Yama symbolizes death, Yamantaka embodies that which transcends death.
In artistic depictions, Yamantaka is often portrayed either standing or astride a bull which tramples over Yama.
Hayagriva
Hayagriva, the “Horse-Necked One,” is revered as the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge. With his horse head atop a human body, Hayagriva symbolizes the swift attainment of wisdom and the ability to overcome ignorance. Hayagriva’s origins trace back to Indian mythology, where he is the horse-headed avatar of Hindu god Vishnu.
In Tibetan Buddhism he is revered as a wrathful manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. According to legend, Hayagriva manifested to subdue a powerful demon who had stolen the sacred texts containing the Prajnaparamita Buddhist teachings.
Palden Lhamo (Shri Devi)
Palden Lhamo, meaning “Glorious Goddess”, is the only female Dharmapala among the principal eight. Her origins can be traced to the Hindu goddess Chamunda, a fearsome incarnation of the Hindu goddess Kali. With her wrathful appearance and demeanor she protects practitioners from obstacles and grants blessings of wisdom and compassion.
Palden Lhamo, serves as the guardian of all the Dalai Lamas and is the protector of the city of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. She is also considered a consort of Mahakala and is known by her Sanskrit name, Shri Devi.
According to legend, she was wedded to a malevolent king of Lanka. Despite her efforts to reform him, her endeavors proved futile. Moreover, their offspring was groomed to be a menace to Buddhism. In a dramatic turn of events, during the king’s absence, she took the drastic step of slaying her own son, consuming his flesh, and riding off, engulfed by the flames of wisdom, atop a horse or mule adorned with her son’s skinned hide, traversing through a sea of blood. In retaliation, the king launched a poisoned arrow towards Palden Lhamo, striking her horse. Miraculously, she healed the wounded steed, transforming the injury into an additional eye.
Palden Lhamo is depicted as dark blue, with three eyes, sporting a sun emblem at her navel and a moon diadem atop her head, while being sheltered under a peacock umbrella. While her appearances may vary, her most prevalent forms are depicted with either two or four arms. Additionally, there exists a system of divination by dice associated with her.
Tshangspa Dkarpo (White Brahma)
Tshangspa Dkarpo, or White Brahma, is revered as a Dharmapala associated with longevity, healing, and the preservation of life. With his white complexion and serene countenance, he grants protection against illness and obstacles to practitioners.
Tshangspa bears resemblance to the Hindu creator deity Brahma. However, in Tibetan lore, Tshangspa is not a creator god but rather a warrior deity. Typically depicted mounted on a white horse and brandishing a sword, he is associated with acts of valor.
According to one rendition of his legend, Tshangspa embarked on a violent spree across the earth. During one such episode, he attempted to assail a slumbering goddess. Upon her awakening, she struck him in the thigh, rendering him incapacitated. This transformative blow from the goddess led Tshangspa to assume the role of a guardian of the dharma.
Begtse Chen
Begtse Chen, a Mongolian Dharmapala, is revered for his fierce demeanor and protective qualities. As a warrior deity, Begtse Chen guards against enemies and obstacles on the spiritual path, embodying courage and determination. Begtse, emerged during the 16th century, marking him as the most recent dharmapala and his tale intertwines with Tibetan history.
Legend has it that Sonam Gyatso, renowned as the Third Dalai Lama, went to Mongolia in order to convert the warlord Altan Khan to Buddhism. However, Betse confronted the Dalai Lama, aiming to impede his mission. Yet, as the confrontation unfolded, the Dalai Lama assumed the form of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Witnessing this divine transformation, Begtse embraced Buddhism and dedicated himself to safeguarding the teachings of the Dharma.
In Tibetan artistic depictions, Begtse is portrayed clad in armor and Mongolian boots. Often depicted wielding a sword in one hand and holding an enemy’s heart in the other, his imagery reflects his role as a deity associated with warfare.
Vaisravana
Vaisravana is an interpretation of Kubera, the Hindu deity associated with wealth. Within Vajrayana Buddhism, Vaisravana is believed to grant prosperity, affording individuals the liberty to pursue spiritual endeavors.
In Tibet, Vaisravaṇa is also recognized as the King of the North. As the guardian of the northern direction, he is often depicted on temple murals situated outside the main entrance. Additionally, he is venerated as a deity associated with wealth. Consequently, he is sometimes depicted carrying a citron, the fruit of the jambhara tree, which serves as a visual cue distinguishing him from depictions of Kubera. This fruit symbolically represents another name for him, Jambhala.
Vaisravana is occasionally depicted as rotund and adorned with jewels. When depicted in a seated posture, his right foot typically hangs down, supported by a lotus flower bearing a conch shell. His celestial mount is a snow lion.
In the perspective of Tibetan Buddhists, Jambhala’s significance concerning wealth lies in his ability to provide freedom through bestowing prosperity. This enables individuals to concentrate on their spiritual path rather than being preoccupied with the transient and material aspects of wealth.
Dharmapala Worship & Rituals
Devotional practices dedicated to the Dharmapala vary across Buddhist traditions, encompassing rituals, offerings, and prayers to invoke their protection and blessings. Each Dharmapala has specific rituals and practices dedicated to them, aimed at purifying obstacles, dispelling negative influences, and promoting spiritual growth. Here’s an overview of the worship and rituals associated with Dharmapalas:
Devotional Practices
Devotional practices dedicated to Dharmapalas typically involve recitation of mantras, prayers, and visualization techniques. Practitioners may recite specific mantras associated with the Dharmapala, to invoke their presence and blessings. These practices are often accompanied by offerings of incense, flowers, and other symbolic offerings as expressions of reverence and devotion.
Empowerment Initiations (Wang)
Empowerment initiations, known as “Wang” in Tibetan Buddhism, are ceremonies conducted by qualified teachers to transmit the blessings and power of a particular Dharmapala to practitioners. During these rituals, practitioners receive teachings, blessings, and symbolic empowerments that establish a connection with the Dharmapala and empower them to engage in specific practices associated with the deity.
Visualizations & Meditations
Practitioners may engage in elaborate visualizations and meditation, imagining themselves as the deity surrounded by a protective sphere of light, or visualize the Dharmapala emanating rays of light that dispel obstacles. These practices aim to purify the mind, awaken wisdom and generate compassion.
Offerings & Puja Ceremonies
Offerings and puja (worship rituals) are performed regularly in monasteries, temples, and households as a means of propitiating the deities and seeking their blessings. Water, food, flowers, incense, and lamps are presented to the Dharmapala as gestures of gratitude and supplication.
Specialized Rituals
Dharmapalas are often invoked in specialized rituals aimed at addressing specific needs or challenges faced by practitioners. For example, Mahakala may be invoked in rituals for the removal of obstacles, Yamantaka for protection against negative forces, and Hayagriva for the enhancement of wisdom and knowledge.
Dharmapala Iconography
In the Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhist iconography, dharmapalas are depicted as fearsome beings, frequently adorned with multiple heads, many hands, or many feet. They often have blue, black, or red skin tones, coupled with a fierce countenance featuring prominent fangs.
Despite their typically terrifying appearance, dharmapalas act in a wrathful way for the benefit of sentient beings. While specific details may vary across different Buddhist traditions and cultural contexts, certain common elements can be found in their representations:
Wrathful Appearance
Dharmapalas are often depicted in wrathful forms, symbolizing their power to subdue negative forces and obstacles on the spiritual path. Their fierce countenances, adorned with wrathful attributes such as bulging eyes, bared teeth, and furrowed brows, convey their fearless determination in protecting practitioners.
Symbolic Attributes
Each Dharmapala is associated with specific symbolic attributes that represent their unique qualities and powers. These attributes may include weapons such as swords, axes, or lassos, which symbolize their ability to cut through ignorance and delusion.
Ornate Adornments
Dharmapalas are often adorned with elaborate ornaments and regalia, symbolizing their divine status and authority. These adornments may include crowns, jewelry, and flowing garments, which enhance their majestic presence and signify their role as celestial beings.
Dynamic Postures
Dharmapalas are frequently depicted in dynamic and energetic postures, symbolizing their active engagement in protecting practitioners and upholding the Dharma. They may be shown in fierce combat stances or yielding weapons, conveying their readiness to confront and overcome obstacles.
Consorts & Attendants
Sometimes, Dharmapalas are accompanied by consorts or attendants who assist them in their protective duties. These divine companions may embody qualities such as wisdom, compassion, or skillful means. They complement the Dharmapala’s own attributes and enhance their effectiveness as protectors.
The Dharmapala Beyond Tibetan Buddhism
As Buddhism spread to different regions of Asia, the concept of Dharmapalas continued to evolve and adapt to local cultures and religious traditions. In each new context, Dharmapalas took on unique forms and attributes while retaining their essential role as protectors of the Dharma. This process of adaptation allowed Dharmapalas to resonate with diverse cultural sensibilities and to fulfill the needs of practitioners across different regions and time periods.
In Chinese Buddhism, the Twenty Four Devas, are revered as dharmapalas, while in Japanese Shingon Buddhism, some dharmapala are classified as “Wisdom Kings”. Conversely, other dharmapalas, notably Mahakala, belong to the Deva realm, which is the fourth and lowest tier in the hierarchy of honorable beings.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The Dharmapala stand as powerful guardians of the Buddhist path, embodying the transformative power of wisdom, compassion, and fearlessness. Through their fierce yet compassionate presence, they guide practitioners through the trials and tribulations of the spiritual journey, offering protection, guidance, and ultimately, the promise of liberation.
The worship and rituals associated with the Dharmapala in Tibetan Buddhism serve as profound expressions of devotion, gratitude, and spiritual aspiration. Through practices such as mantra recitation, visualization, and puja ceremonies, practitioners cultivate a deep connection with these divine guardians, seeking their blessings, protection and guidance on the path to enlightenment.
- Dharmapala: The Powerful Guardians of the Buddhist Path
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- The Heart Sutra: Unveiling the Path of Ultimate Wisdom
- The Diamond Sutra: The Beautiful Hidden Gem of Perfect Wisdom
- The Lotus Sutra: The Sutra of the Wonderful Dharma
- The Eightfold Path: The Ultimate Way to Enlightenment
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