Mahakala

May 22, 2007 20:03

Although technically I think he is a Dharmapala ( and a  wrathful form of Avalokitesvara ) I am interested in any information about Mahakala. In particular, the six-armed form. Can anybody help me with this?

Leave a comment

Re: what sect is that? stevencaldwell May 24 2007, 07:40:36 UTC
Your question is interesting. Historically, I understand that Kuan Yin appears later in Buddhist chronology. Avalokitesvara was an earlier manifestation of compassion as far as texts and the archaeological record go. It suited China better for Avalokitesvara to be female (of sorts) in the form of Kuan Yin. They are the same and different. Empty and with form.

The wrathful form (known as Mahakala) is found only in the Gelug school of the Vajrayana most commonly know to us as Tibetan Buddhism although that is the only extant form. The Vajrayana was eradicated from India many many centuries ago. Mahakala exists in other Tibetan schools but in those he is not seen as a reflexive form of Avalokitesvara.

Compassion sometimes needs that extra boost, that extra effort and energy to make change. Mahakala's six arms remind us that the paramitas/perfections can also have a firm edge to them in order to shift even the most stubborn hindrances to practice.

In other words, sometimes we need a 'bad cop' to get us to face ourselves and turn our lives around.

Reply

Re: what sect is that? kwanyin2004 May 25 2007, 23:50:12 UTC
Oh, now I remember. Isn't that the group that denigrates the Dalai Lama and he says they are misguided?

In Shin, this is half of Amida, who is both compassion and wisdom.

Reply

Re: what sect is that? stevencaldwell May 26 2007, 00:03:48 UTC
Um, no. The Dalai Lama is the head of the Gelug school. Mahakala has been seen as the protector of the Dalai Lamas since the first Dalai Lama. You maye be confusing this with another contentious bodisattva called Palden Llamo (I think??? Can somebody help me out here?)

I understand the significance of Kuan Yin to Shin Buddhism as I practised in a Pure Land school for some years.

Reply

Re: what sect is that? kwanyin2004 May 26 2007, 23:08:42 UTC
Oh, protector, eh? Was he/she/it a blend of pre-Buddhist belief (deities, etc.) with Buddhist belief?

Reply

Re: what sect is that? stevencaldwell May 27 2007, 05:11:48 UTC
Yes, I believe that he was a Bon deity which was converted to Buddhism.

Reply


Leave a comment

Up