Introduction
Tibetan Buddhism features a rich pantheon of deities. These figures embody various aspects of enlightenment and compassion. Among them, Mahakala and green tara stand out. They play significant roles in the spiritual practices of many followers. This article will explore their unique attributes and significance.
Understanding the Role of Deities in Tibetan Buddhism
Deities in Tibetan Buddhism are not simply gods. They are archetypal figures that represent aspects of enlightened awareness. Practitioners use these deities for meditation. They also serve as a focus for their spiritual development. Through visualization and prayer, Buddhists aspire to embody the qualities of these deities. Deities in Tibetan Buddhism are crucial for spiritual growth.
Mahakala: The Great Protector
Mahakala, often called the Great Black One, is a powerful protector. He is also known as Great Time or the Great Black God. The name can be directly transliterated as Mahakala or Mohegala. Originating from the Hindu god Shiva, he was integrated into Buddhism. He is now a key Dharma protector, especially in Vajrayana Buddhism. He is considered a divine healer and also a bestower of wealth. Tibetan Buddhists regard him as the wrathful form of Vairocana Buddha. This form manifested to subdue demonic forces.
Three Forms of Mahakala
There are three primary forms of Mahakala: six-armed, four-armed, and two-armed. The six-armed form is particularly important. It serves as a protector deity for both the Shangpa Kagyu and Gelug schools. It is crucial to distinguish between Mahakala in Vajrayana and Bhairava in Hinduism. While they are related, the Vajrayana understanding is distinct.
Two-Armed Mahakala: Simplicity in Power
The two-armed Mahakala has a dark blue-black body. He possesses three piercing eyes and upright hair. A five-skull crown adorns his head. His hands hold specific items. The left hand carries a skull cup full of blood, while the right holds a hooked knife. A staff lies horizontally between his arms. Additionally, he stands atop a blazing background.
Four-Armed Mahakala: Expanded Strength
The four-armed Mahakala is also dark blue-black. Similarly, he wears a five-skull crown and has three eyes. He has a garland of human heads. Furthermore, he has a tiger skin around his waist. The middle hands mirror the two-armed form: a skull cup and hooked knife. His other two hands hold a trident and a sword. These hands extend outwards to the sides.
Six-Armed Mahakala: The Complete Manifestation
The six-armed Mahakala is a more elaborate form. It includes additional adornments. His blue body is adorned with a tiger skin and a necklace of fifty skulls. He also has a five-skull crown and various snakes. These snakes are binding his hair and coil around his body. They symbolize the subjugation of the Dragon Kings. His six hands hold different objects. The middle hands hold a skull cup and a hooked knife. The upper right hand holds a bone rosary, while the upper left holds a trident. These hands hold out an elephant skin. The lower right hand carries a hand drum. The lower left hand holds a lasso with a vajra and a hook. He stands on Ganesha, who holds a skull cup and a radish. It is said that Ganesha was subdued by Mahakala. Now he serves Mahakala in that pose. A flaming halo surrounds the deity.
Green Tara: The Swift Liberator
Green Tara, or Tara Bodhisattva, is known by many names. These include Swift Liberator and Savior from Eight Dangers. She is a significant figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Many consider her an emanation of Avalokiteśvara. She is the primary form of all Taras. Also, she encompasses the virtues of all twenty-one other manifestations.
Green Tara’s Compassionate Abilities
She is believed to protect from eight types of suffering. These include dangers from fire, lions, and elephants. She can also help with snakes, water, imprisonment, thieves and non-human threats. Thus, she is known as the “Savior from Eight Dangers.” Moreover, she can transform the five poisons of human behavior into wisdom. She is also known for her protection of women and children.
The Power of Green Tara’s Mantra
Her mantra possesses all the powers of pacifying, increasing, controlling and destroying. This helps to eliminate suffering. It fulfills all wishes, brings wealth, and increases lifespan. In addition, it brings peace and removes obstacles. She also assists beings in freeing themselves from the cycle of birth and death. She guides them to rebirth in the Pure Land and achieving ultimate peace. Furthermore, her swiftness in liberating people makes her known as the “Swift Liberator.”
Green Tara’s Appearance
Green Tara is depicted as a bodhisattva. She has a vibrant green body. In Tibetan Buddhism, this color represents the activity aspect. It is also the body color of Amoghasiddhi Buddha. She has one face and two arms. She looks youthful and graceful. She wears a five-buddha crown. Light emanates from her. She also wears various jewels and heavenly garments. Her image is elegant yet powerful. It exudes compassion and dignity.
Green Tara’s Posture and Hand Gestures
She sits on a lotus flower and moon disc. Her left leg is folded, and her right leg extends downward. This signifies her readiness to aid beings quickly. Her right hand extends with the palm facing outward. This is the gesture of granting boons, providing fearlessness and protection. Her left hand holds an utpala flower at her chest, representing the Three Jewels. The index finger is the Buddha Jewel, the middle finger is the Dharma Jewel, and the little finger represents the Sangha Jewel. The thumb and ring finger touch, symbolizing the union of compassion and wisdom. The two lotus flowers she holds also contain a fruit, a fully opened flower, and an unopened bud.
Conclusion
Both Mahakala and green tara are vital in Tibetan Buddhism. Mahakala is a powerful protector. Green Tara is a compassionate guide. Their images and practices provide a foundation for spiritual growth. They are two of the many significant deities in Tibetan Buddhism. Studying them offers a profound understanding of this tradition.
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