Tibetan Buddhism features a rich pantheon of deities. These figures serve various roles in spiritual practice. This article will explore three important figures: Kalacakra, Pehar, and the Great White Umbrella Goddess. These deities each have unique attributes and functions. They represent different aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practice.
Understanding Kalacakra: The Wheel of Time
Kalacakra, meaning “Wheel of Time,” is a significant deity in Tibetan Buddhism. It is a high-ranking yidam within the Anuttarayoga Tantra. Practitioners consider yidams as personal deities. The Kalacakra deity has a striking appearance. He typically has a blue body. Moreover, he is often depicted with his wisdom consort, or vidyā. She is yellow and known as the Great Seal of Emptiness.
Symbolic Representation of Kalacakra
The depiction of Kalacakra is rich with symbolism. The deity has four faces and twelve arms. The blue body radiates five-colored light. This represents the body of the Buddha. Each of the four faces has a different color. They are blue, yellow, white, and red. These colors signify subduing, increasing, pacifying, and magnetizing, respectively. Furthermore, these colors symbolize the perfection of merit. Each face has three eyes. This shows the ability to see all things. A human skull crowns each head. Additionally, a crescent moon and a double vajra adorn the top of the head.
The twelve arms are equally symbolic. Each arm has two hands, for a total of twenty-four hands. These hands are also different colors. There are four pairs of blue arms, four pairs of red arms, and four pairs of white arms. Furthermore, each finger, from thumb to little finger, is a different color. They are yellow, white, red, blue, and green. From fingertip to palm, each finger has colors of blue, red, and white. The colors used fully reflect the meaning in Tibetan esoteric Buddhism. Two hands embrace the consort. These hold a bell and a vajra. This symbolizes the union of method and wisdom. The other hands hold various objects. These represent the deity’s wisdom, power, and fearlessness. The deity stands with the right leg extended, stepping on a red god of desire. In contrast, the left leg is bent, stepping on a white demon.
Exploring the Protectors: The Many Forms of Pehar
Pehar is a complex deity in Tibetan Buddhism. He is known as a protector of the Dharma. He also has several emanations. These emanations are referred to as the “Five Guardian Kings.” Each king has unique characteristics. They also have their specific duties and artistic representation. Their images are frequently in Tibetan Buddhist temples.
Pehar’s Emanations: The Five Guardian Kings
The first emanation, Pehar, King of Body, is also known as Menpubucha. He resides in the conch shell palace in the East. This emanation has a black body, with one face and two arms. His right hand holds a vajra. His left hand holds a long staff. He wears black silk robes and hat. A white female lion is his mount, with a black bear leading the way. His consort is called the Corpse Demoness.
The second emanation, Pehar, King of Merit, is also named Bird-Shaped Being. He resides in the golden palace in the South. This emanation also has a black body, one face and two arms. He holds a battle ax in his right hand. Additionally, his left hand holds a lasso. He wears a cloak made of snake and tiger skins. A wicker and lambskin hat adorns his head. He rides a black horse. Dragons, monkeys, and apes accompany him. His consort is a four-faced black goddess. Her name is Sekjibhuzima.
Pehar, King of Speech, also known as War God One Man, resides in the red coral palace in the West. This form has one face and two arms. He holds a cane in his right hand. His left hand waves a sandalwood stick. He wears black silk clothes and a wicker hat. This emanation rides a white-hooved mule, led by Menpubucha. His consort is the goddess Holding a Beautiful Lotus.
Pehar, King of Mind, is also named Emperor Shakra. This emanation is in the center. He is the main deity. However, sometimes Pehar himself is in the center. This form has a blue-black body, one face and two arms. He has a fierce expression. His right hand holds a lasso. Also, his left hand holds a sharp blade. He wears a bearskin coat and a black silk cloak. He rides a white elephant. Menpubucha leads the elephant. Yanglaibai leads the way on horseback. His consort is the Goddess Sounding Like a Scattered Lotus.
Pehar, King of Karma, also known as the King of Activity, is the original form. He has three heads and six arms. The heads are white, sky blue, and red. Each hand holds a different ritual implement. The three right hands hold an iron hook, an arrow, and a sword. The three left hands hold a knife, a bow, and a staff. He wears a white silk top. He is surrounded by human and tiger skins. A wicker hat adorns his head. He rides a white lion. Menpubucha leads the lion. His main companion is Achuma. His consort is called the Demon Shining Minggamu.
The Great White Umbrella Goddess: A Symbol of Protection
The Great White Umbrella Goddess is also an important deity. She is known as “Dukarm” in Tibetan. She is the embodiment of all the Buddhas’ activities. Her manifestations are diverse. They include forms with a thousand arms, ten arms, six arms, and two arms. She is a deity of both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism. She is also the mother of all Buddhas. She is a vajra deity. She reverses unfavorable circumstances. Additionally, she is a virtuous deity who subdues demons. The Great White Umbrella scripture is an essential mantra.
Peaceful and Wrathful Manifestations
The Great White Umbrella Goddess has peaceful and wrathful aspects. Her peaceful aspect has one face, two arms, and three eyes. She sits in the vajra posture. Her right hand is in the gesture of fearlessness. Moreover, her left hand holds a white umbrella at the chest. Her body is pure white. Various ornaments adorn her. Her wrathful aspect is complex. It is also white, with three faces, each with three eyes. Countless stacked heads form an umbrella shape above. Numerous arms surround her body. Each hand has an eye. Each hand also holds a ritual implement. The two primary arms hold a vajra and a white umbrella. She steps on beings from the six realms. This represents her protection of all beings. It does not represent subjugation.
In conclusion, the deities in Tibetan Buddhism are not just figures of worship. They are complex symbols of spiritual principles. Deities like Kalacakra, Pehar, and the Great White Umbrella Goddess each embody different aspects of Buddhist teachings. They serve as guides on the path to enlightenment. The diverse forms and functions of these deities enhance the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism.
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