Material: Stainless steel outer casing, resin casting, 3D relief, mantra text on the back

Dimensions: 4 x 3 x 1.2 cm (thickness)

Description: In Tibetan Buddhism, the "Black Wrathful Dakini" (Tibetan: Tröma Nagmo, Sanskrit: Krodhakali or Krodha Kali, meaning "Black Wrathful Woman" or "Fierce Black Mother") is the most intense wrathful black manifestation of Vajrayogini or Vajravarahi. She is considered the most intense form of the wisdom dakini, representing the wrathful aspect of prajna wisdom, used to destroy ignorance, attachment, and obstacles.

Her origins are primarily derived from Indian tantric traditions, incorporating the wrathful image of the Hindu goddess Kali (dark-skinned, bloodthirsty, destroying evil), but in Buddhism she has been transformed into a protector and wisdom symbol. Padmasambhava (8th century) received the Vajravarahi Tantra from Guhyajnana Dakini in the natural charnel ground of Oddiyana, and personally received the essential oral instructions of the Black Wrathful Dakini from Vajrayogini. Padmasambhava considered this teaching extremely precious and initially kept it secret in his heart. Later, in Tibet, the Five Dhyani Buddhas prophesied to Yeshe Tsogyal (Padmasambhava's principal disciple) that she should request this teaching from Padmasambhava. Padmasambhava then bestowed the empowerment and oral instructions of the Black Wrathful Dakini upon Yeshe Tsogyal and other karmic disciples, and concealed it as a terma (hidden treasure).

This practice later spread widely within the Nyingma school, becoming a core practice, especially in the Dudjom Tersar tradition, and was developed by Dudjom Lingpa (19th century) and Dudjom Rinpoche. Other schools (such as Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug) also incorporated this practice, but the Nyingma school places the greatest emphasis on it.

Mythological Story

The legend of the Black Wrathful Dakini is closely related to the story of Padmasambhava's subjugation of demons. During his teachings, Padmasambhava foresaw the heavy obstacles faced by sentient beings in the degenerate age, and therefore concealed this powerful practice to counteract strong demonic hindrances. After Yeshe Tsogyal's devout request, Padmasambhava transmitted the teachings, prophesying that this practice would flourish in the future, benefiting all beings.

Another related legend involves Machig Labdrön (11th-century Tibetan yogi), the founder of the Chöd tradition, who is considered an emanation of the Black Wrathful Dakini or a manifestation of the Wisdom Dakini. Machi received the Chöd teachings from the Indian master Phadampa Sangye, incorporating the Black Wrathful Dakini into Chöd practice, emphasizing the offering of one's body to demons to sever self-attachment.

In the Dudjom lineage, this teaching is described as the "King of Oral Transmission," with Vajrayogini proclaiming it as the most supreme essential teaching. Nyoshul Khenpo once praised, "As long as the texts of the Black Wrathful Dakini continue to circulate, there is hope for the world."

Her image is typically black, with one face and two arms, three wide-open eyes, adorned with a pig's head (symbolizing the transformation of ignorance), holding a halberd and a skull cup, in a naked dancing posture surrounded by flames, symbolizing the destruction of all dualistic attachment.

Meaning and Influence on Tibetan Buddhism

**Meaning**:

**Wisdom and Emptiness**: The Black Wrathful Dakini represents the wrathful aspect of Prajnaparamita (wisdom), symbolizing the destruction of ego, ignorance, and fear through fierce compassion. Her black color represents primordial emptiness, while her wrathful form represents the power to transform negative emotions (such as hatred) into the energy of enlightenment.

- **Severing Attachment**: Especially in Chöd (cutting through the mind), she is the deity. Practitioners visualize offering themselves as a sacrifice, severing attachment to the body and self, and realizing selflessness and great compassion.

- **Feminine Principle**: As the ultimate form of the Dakini, she embodies the feminine wisdom energy. In tantras, she corresponds to male deities (such as Chakrasamvara), symbolizing the non-duality of bliss and emptiness.

- **Protective Function**: Clearing obstacles, subduing demons, and protecting the lineage, especially in the degenerate age to counteract powerful negative energies.

**Impact**:

- **Practice Level**: This practice is extremely important in the Dudjom lineage of the Nyingma school, considered the inner secret practice of the Dakini aspect of the Three Roots (Guru, Yidam, Dakini). Practitioners can obtain merits such as purifying karmic obscurations, increasing wisdom, and attaining the rainbow body (legend has it that 13 disciples of Dudjom Lingpa attained the rainbow body through this practice).

- **Channel Tradition**: The Black Wrathful Dakini is the core deity of Chan Buddhism, influencing the entire practice of protectors and yoga in Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing direct confrontation with one's inner darkness.

- **Culture and Lineage**: It strengthens the sacred status of women in Tibetan Buddhism (such as female masters like Yeshe Tsogyal and Machig Labdron), and has been widely propagated in the four major schools, becoming a powerful method for overcoming obstacles in the degenerate age. Dudjom Rinpoche prophesied that this practice will be widely spread in the future, benefiting countless sentient beings.

In short, the Black Wrathful Dakini is not only a fierce protector but also a gateway to ultimate enlightenment, occupying a key position in the tantras of Tibetan Buddhism, and is especially suitable for practitioners with strong aptitude.