Material: Red Copper, Cast, Gilded

Size: 12cm

Description:

About the Dharma Protector Deity Rahula

Rahula (Sanskrit: Rahula, also translated as Rahula, Rahula, or Rahu) is an important Dharma protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly central to the Nyingma (Red Sect) system. He is considered a wrathful wisdom protector, symbolizing the power to combat evil and subdue obstacles. Rahula is depicted as a nine-headed, eighteen-armed dragon, wearing a five-skull crown and a human or tiger skin skirt. He wields various ritual implements, such as a vajra, bow and arrow, and a skull staff. He resides in gloomy places such as the Sea of ​​Blood or the Cemetery, accompanied by four dragon maidens. His name is derived from the original Sanskrit name, and should be chanted during rituals to ensure the invocation of his divine power.

Origin and Story

The origin of Rahula is a blend of Indian mythology and Buddhist legend. It originally derives from ancient Indian epics and Vedic texts such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas, and was later incorporated into the Buddhist Dharmapala system. The following is its main storyline:

Indian Mythology Origins: Churning of the Ocean of Milk and the Nectar of Immortality

In ancient times, gods and demons (Asuras) churned the Ocean of Milk (symbolizing the origin of the universe) in search of the Nectar of Immortality (Amrita). This churning lasted for thousands of years, and many treasures emerged during the process, including the moon, the goddess Lakshmi, and Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu. When the Nectar finally appeared, Rahu, the son of the Asura king Svarbhanu, disguised himself as a god and secretly drank it.

The Sun God and the Moon God noticed something was amiss and reported it to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu used the Sudarshana Chakra to sever Rahu's body, but because nectar had already entered his throat, his head (Rahu) and tail (Ketu) remained indestructible. From then on, out of resentment, Rahu's head devoured the sun and moon, causing solar and lunar eclipses. This is the earliest interpretation of solar and lunar eclipses in Indian mythology, and Rahu is considered the "Sun Devourer" or "Eclipse God." Buddhism borrowed this myth, and Rahu became a symbol of obstacles and delusion. However, through the influence of the Dharma, he was transformed into a Dharma protector.

Transformation of Buddhist Legend: The Rishike's Suffering and the Vow to Protect the Dharma

In Tibetan Buddhist narratives, the image of Rahu is more localized and dramatic. Legend has it that he was originally a mountain sage named Rahula, who had achieved the supernatural powers of the four Dhyāna heavens (meditative states) and lived in seclusion in the forest, detached from the world. One day, the king heard of his reputation and forced him to enter the palace to preach. The sage reluctantly journeyed, motivated by the desire to benefit all living beings.

In the palace, the king, jealous of the sage's wisdom and beauty (or perhaps misled by the slander of a palace maid), falsely accused him of seducing the queen and ordered his execution. Despite his beheading, the sage's profound merits endured, transforming into a nine-headed dragon. Its roaring heads summoned wind, rain, and lightning, threatening the palace. Terrified, the king sought the guidance of a Buddhist guru or Avalokitesvara. With the blessing of the Dharma, Lahula vowed to renounce his hatred and instead uphold the righteous Dharma, specifically subduing demons and villains.

Another version describes Lahula as the son of a rakshasa (yaksha) and a dragon girl. He was violent by nature, and when anger arose, he fell into the realm of the unconventional. However, he was subdued by the Nyingma founder, Guru Padmasambhava, and was adopted as a Dharma protector, becoming one of the three unique Dharma protectors of the Nyingma school (the other two being Chodron Dharma Protector and One-Kindred Buddha). His four consorts (dragon daughters) also became his followers after their martyrdom, serving the Dharma together. These stories emphasize the teaching that "a single thought of anger leads to the immediate transformation of one's kin," warning practitioners to be vigilant against greed, hatred, and delusion.

In Theravada Buddhism, Rahu is more prominently symbolized as a symbol of wrongful imprisonment caused by "women's problems." While its pronunciation is similar to Tibetan Buddhism, the story is more simplified, emphasizing its protective role after redress.

Role in Buddhist Ritual

Rahu plays a key role in Buddhist rituals as a "protector of subjugation," specializing in exorcism, suppressing obstacles, and absorbing the five aggregates (earth, water, fire, wind, and space). Regarded as a "great all-pervading protector," it can freely manipulate the five elements, helping practitioners overcome external demons and internal obstacles. The following are its main functions and ritual applications:

1. **Subduing Evil Spirits and Negative Spirits**: In Tibetan Buddhist Homa ceremonies and fire pujas, Lahula is often invoked to subdue those who lead the way to evil—such as court intrigues, workplace conspirators, or inner demons. Practitioners chanting its name (e.g., "Om Lahula Hum Pad") can "swallow away bad luck and misfortune" and transform life's lows.

2. **Eclipse Protection**: Originating from mythology, Lahula is responsible for averting the disasters brought on by eclipses in celestial rituals. Tibetan monasteries often perform Lahula rituals during solar and lunar eclipses, praying for it to "swallow" negative energies and protect sentient beings from the effects of the celestial phenomena.

3. **Uncommon Nyingma Dharma Protector**: As one of the three great wisdom protectors of Nyingma, Lahula specifically protects tantric practice, particularly during the "subjugation" process, assisting the master in subduing local deities or obstacles. In modern schools like the True Buddha School, it is also considered a guardian deity. Masters like Living Buddha Liansheng often use this practice to bless their disciples.

4. **Daily Practice and Feng Shui Application**: In folk Buddhist rituals, the Lahula method is often used in rituals to "drive away evil spirits" or "protect the home." By visualizing its nine-headed form, practitioners pray to resolve interpersonal conflicts or unexpected disasters. Practitioners should offer red offerings (such as blood fat or safflower), emphasizing the compassionate nature of transforming anger.

In short, Lahula has evolved from a mythological "source of disaster" to a Buddhist "guardian deity." Its stories teach sentient beings how to resolve hatred through Buddhist teachings, and in rituals, it provides powerful protection. For in-depth practice, it is recommended to consult Nyingma texts or receive guidance from a guru to avoid straying into unorthodox practices.

Lahula Dharma Protector (Aged Red Copper, Open Face)