Protector of Compassion: Six-Armed Mahakala
Six-Armed Mahakala (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Six-Armed Mahakala and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Six-Armed Mahakala (English)
Alternative names: Shadbhuja Mahakala (Sanskrit); Gonpo Chagdrugpa (Tibetan)
Six-Armed Mahakala is an emanation of Avalokiteshvara and propitiated as the protector of the Highest Scope of the Lamrim or the Graduated Stages on the Path to Enlightenment. He is propitiated to aid in the study, contemplation and realisation of the highest scope of the teachings and is also one of the three main protectors of the great Lama Tsongkhapa, together with Kalarupa and Vaishravana.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way View. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources.
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This six-armed form of Mahakala is the main dharma protector of the Shangpa Kagyu lineage and is also one of the main protectors in the Gelug lineage. Mahakala is the wrathful and powerful emanation of Avalokistesvara. Been a special object of veneration in Mongolia since the thirteenth century, when he served as the state protector of the Mongolian Empire. One of Mahakala’s primary roles is to overcome obstacles to enlightenment.
Thank you Rinpoche this sharing.