Material: Cloth. Printing. Scroll. (Four-armed Mahakala)

Size: Approximately 122 x 83 cm

Description:

Four-armed Mahakala (Tibetan: མགོན་པོ་ཕྱག་བཞི་པ།, Sanskrit: Chaturbhuja Mahākāla) is one of the important Dharma protectors in Tibetan Buddhism. With its powerful protection and complex mythological background, it occupies an important position in Tibetan Buddhism. The following will be described from two aspects: its influence and the origin of the mythological story:

1. The influence and status of the Four-armed Mahakala in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **The role of the Dharma protector**

Four-armed Mahakala is an important "wisdom protector" (Tibetan: ye shes mgon po) in Tibetan Buddhism, specializing in protecting the Dharma, practitioners and temples from external and internal obstacles. His image is mighty, symbolizing the power to destroy ignorance, evil spirits and bad karma. In various sects of Tibetan Buddhism (such as Gelugpa, Sakya, Nyingma and Kagyu), the Four-Armed Mahakala is widely worshipped, especially in the Gelugpa, where he is regarded as the primary guardian deity of Master Tsongkhapa.

2. **Religious and cultural influence**

- **Role in practice**: The Four-Armed Mahakala is believed to help practitioners eliminate obstacles on the path of practice, such as the three poisons of greed, anger and ignorance, external demonic interference and inner confusion. His practice methods are used to purify karma, enhance wisdom and protect the results of practice.

- **Temples and rituals**: In Tibetan Buddhist temples, the Four-Armed Mahakala's offering rituals (such as the Dharma Protector Rituals) are the core part of daily practice. His rituals and offerings (such as lighting lamps and offering incense) are particularly grand during specific festivals or important rituals in the Tibetan calendar.

- **Art and Symbolism**: Thangkas and statues of the Four-Armed Mahakala are common in Tibetan Buddhist art. His image not only has religious significance, but has also become an important symbol of Tibetan culture. His image is often used to remind practitioners to face impermanence and karma.

3. **Special Status in Each Tradition**

- **Gelug**: The Four-Armed Mahakala is the core protector of the Gelug sect and is closely related to the tradition of Master Tsongkhapa. He is considered to be the protector who was personally seen and appointed by the master.

- **Sakya**: In the Sakya sect, the Four-Armed Mahakala (especially in the form of "Padmahakala") is on par with other protectors to protect the teachings of the Sakya tradition.

- **Nyingma and Kagyu**: Although other protectors are also important in these sects, the Four-Armed Mahakala is still widely respected for his universality and great power.

2. The myth and origin of the Four-armed Mahakala

1. **Myth origin**

The origin of the Four-armed Mahakala is closely related to the myth of Mahakala, who is one of the incarnations of Shiva in Hinduism. He was later absorbed by Buddhism and transformed into a guardian deity. According to Tibetan Buddhist legends, the Four-armed Mahakala is a special manifestation of Mahakala, and his image and function have been further developed in Tibetan Buddhism.

- **Incarnation legend**: It is said that the Four-armed Mahakala is the wrathful incarnation of Avalokiteśvara or Vajrapāṇi, who appeared to subdue demons and protect the Dharma. His four arms symbolize the four kinds of deeds (pacification, increase, embrace, and destruction), reflecting his multi-faceted protective power.

- **Connection with Tsongkhapa**: In the Gelug tradition, Master Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) personally saw the Four-Armed Mahakala during his practice, received his blessing, and designated him as the primary guardian deity of the Gelug tradition. According to legend, when Tsongkhapa founded Ganden Monastery, the Four-Armed Mahakala promised to protect the sect's teachings forever.

2. **Image and Symbolism**

The typical image of the Four-Armed Mahakala is:

- **Appearance**: Blue-black body, wrathful appearance, wearing a crown of five skulls on the head, symbolizing the five wisdoms; the four arms hold a curved knife (to cut off ignorance), a skull bowl (filled with wisdom nectar), a trident (to destroy the three poisons) and a rope (to bind demons).

- **Symbolic meaning**: His wrathful image is not anger itself, but a manifestation of compassion, aimed at deterring evil spirits and awakening lost beings. His four arms represent the omnipotent guardian power, which can perform multiple tasks at the same time.

- **Accompanying followers**: Four-armed Mahakala is often accompanied by other guardian gods or followers, such as Lhamo or six-armed Mahakala, to jointly protect the Dharma.

3. **Deeds in mythological stories**

- **Legends of subduing demons**: It is said that Four-armed Mahakala has appeared many times to subdue demons that endanger the Dharma. For example, in some legends, he destroyed the evil gods of the outside world with the power of thunder and protected the Buddhist holy places.

- **Interaction with practitioners**: Many eminent monks and great virtues have obtained supernatural powers or blessings and overcome obstacles in their practice by practicing the Four-armed Mahakala's method during retreat or practice. For example, when Master Tsongkhapa founded the Gelug Sect, it is said that he successfully spread the Dharma with the support of the Four-armed Mahakala.

III. Summary

Four-armed Mahakala is not only a symbol of the guardian god in Tibetan Buddhism, but also a manifestation of compassion and wisdom. Its mighty image and powerful power are deeply respected by practitioners.

Four-armed Mahakala (printed thangka on cloth frame)