Mahakala
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Mahakala (a bahuvrihi of Sanskrit maha "great" and kāla "black") is a Dharmapala ("protector of dharma") in Vajrayana (Tibetan and Japanese Buddhism).
In Japanese Buddhism, Mahakala (Daikoku), belongs to the fourth hierarchy of deities (tenbu).
Mahakala's typical blackness symbolizes his all-embracing, comprehensive nature, because it is the hue into which all other colors merge; it absorbs and dissolves them. Just as all colors disappear in black, so do all names and forms melt into that of Mahakala. Black is also the total absence of color, again signifying the nature of Mahakala as ultimate reality. This in Sanskrit is named as nirguna (beyond all quality and form). Either way, Mahakala's dark complexion represents his transcendence of all form. Kala however also means time. Etymologically, 'kala' means that which absorbs everything within itself (kalayati iti kala). Thus Mahakala is the cosmic nature of time, into which we will all dissolve in the course of time. He is the transcendent-time (maha-kala), absolute, eternal, measureless, and ever present.
The Mahakala is revered chiefly in his three forms. Each has some distinctly different qualities and aspects, symbolized by the physical forms and also the various implements they hold in their hands:
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[edit] The Six-Armed (Shadbhuja) Mahakala (mGon po phyag drug pa)
This form is most favored by the Gelukpa order of Tibetan Buddhism, and in this manifestation Mahakala is considered to be the fierce and powerful emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the buddha of compassion.
He is adorned with the following symbolic attributes:
- A crown of five skulls: This is worn by all manifestations of Mahakala and represents the transmutation of the five negative afflictions of human nature into positive virtues.
- The Six Arms signify the successful completion of the six perfections (shad-paramita), which are practiced and brought to perfection by bodhisattvas during the course of their training.
- The arms hold various implements each of which has a symbolic significance.
[edit] The Four-Armed (Chatur-bhuja) Mahakala (mGon po phyag bzhi pa)
The four-armed Mahakala is significant to the Nyingma and Drikung Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
The four arms of this manifestation of Mahakala perform one of the following four positive karmas or actions, which are said to be his specific boon to his worshippers:
- Pacify sickness, hindrances, and troubles.
- Increase life, good qualities and wisdom.
- Attract whatever Dharma practitioners need and bring people to the Dharma.
- Destroy confusion, doubt, and ignorance.
[edit] The Two-Armed Mahakala (mGon po phyag drug pa)
The two-armed Mahakala called Bernakchen is the primary protector of the Karma Kagyu school.
[edit] The White Mahakala (Skt. Shad-bhuja Sita Mahakala; Tib. mGon po yid bzhin nor bu)
This is the wealth aspect of Mahakala which specifically supports the comfort and economic well-being of tantric practitioners. The following description is according to his sadhana:
"His body is white. His face is wrathful and he has three eyes. He has six arms. His main right hand holds a wish-fulfilling jewel (chintamani) mounted on a jewel-tipped handle, in front of his chest."
The White Mahakala is known as mGon po yid bzhin nor bu in Tibetan with the last four meaning 'Wish-Granting Gem,' and he is the special protector of Mongolian Buddhists. His iconography is rich in symbols delineating his 'wealth-deity' status. For example his skull bowl, rather than containing the mortal remains of his victims, is full of various jewels and his crown is made up of five jewels instead of the trademark five skulls.
