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Understanding Yama, the Dharma Protector
Yama, a significant Dharma Protector, embodies an emanation of Manjushri Bodhisattva. Generally, Yama is classified into three categories: Outer, Inner, and Secret Yama Dharma Kings. Each category represents a different aspect of Yama’s nature and role. The Outer Yama, for instance, is portrayed with a dark blue complexion. Moreover, he has a stout physique with a low-hanging belly. This depiction includes one face, two arms, and an angry bull-like visage. He also has sharp horns and three wide-open eyes, symbolizing his intense nature. His mouth gapes wide, revealing four fangs. Additionally, his eyebrows, beard, and hair are red like fire. His right hand holds a skull staff, while his left hand grasps a demon-binding lasso. He is often shown standing on a blue wrathful water buffalo.
The Significance of Outer Yama
Alongside the Outer Yama is his consort, Chamundi. She is dark blue-black, with one face and two arms. Chamundi holds a trident in her right hand and a skull cup filled with blood in her left. She is shown looking up at Yama, also standing on a water buffalo. This "Outer Yama" is believed to reside beneath the southern ground. This is the master of the prison of all life's cycles, acting as a protector of karma and the lower path. The image of Outer Yama serves as a reminder of the consequences of actions and the cycle of life. This encourages practitioners to follow the path of righteousness.
Inner and Secret Yama
The Inner Yama represents karmic energy. It flows through the left and right channels within the body. This form is depicted as naked and dark blue-black. He possesses a wrathful Rakshasa-like face. His three eyes burn with intense ferocity. He also has a garland of fifty fresh human heads, a five-skull crown, and swirling yellow hair and beard. Furthermore, a yellow vajra is on top of his head, which signifies Vajra's immovability. He wears a tiger skin skirt. Additionally, he is adorned with cemetery ornaments. In his right hand, he holds a curved knife, and his left hand has a skull cup. The Inner Yama stands on a sun-disk and a prostrate Rakshasa. The Secret Yama, on the other hand, embodies discriminating consciousness. It is depicted entirely red with one face and two arms. His right hand holds a wish-fulfilling jewel, and his left hand a skull cup. This form also includes a garland of heads and a fierce appearance.
Exploring the Sister Protectors
The Sister Protectors, or the Rhinoceros Armor Protectors, function as worldly protectors. Despite their worldly designation, they show characteristics of war gods. They play a unique role within the pantheon of Tibetan Buddhism. These protectors have their own lineage. Their father is Yaksha Sangye Repa Chin, and their mother is the goddess Semu Chagi Repa Chin. The Sister Protectors reside in a sea of blood, located within a copper mountain. Human and horse corpses are scattered around. Blood trickles to form a lake, encircled by iron mountains. In the center is a rhinoceros hide palace with agate ramparts and skull eaves.
Appearance and Characteristics of Sister Protectors
The Sister Protectors are bright red, resembling the color of a red agate. They have short, stout limbs, with wide open mouths. Hot blood bubbles from their mouths. Their tongues are rolled back, exposing copper fangs. Furthermore, their eyebrows and facial hair are yellowish-red. Their three eyes fiercely glare at the enemies of the Dharma. In their right hand they hold a sword, which is pointed skyward. The sword cuts off the lifelines of enemies and demons. Their left hand holds a heart, along with a bow and arrow. They wear copper armor, red silk clothing, and a goat skin cloak. They also wear a red copper helmet and red leather boots. They are enveloped in red flames. Moreover, their attire and weaponry signify their roles as protectors of the faith.
Donmama: The Sister Protector’s Consort
Donmama, the red-faced woman, is the Sister Protectors’ sister and consort. She has a Rakshasa female form. Her body is black-blue, with a red face. Her mouth is open, revealing sharp teeth. Her right hand wields a copper sword. Her left hand plunges a vajra dagger into demons. Donmama's breasts are bare and adorned with skull bones. She rides a bear or a lioness, with a prostrate man beneath her. This imagery represents her powerful nature. Both the Sister Protectors and Donmama are forces to be reckoned with. They fiercely protect the Dharma.
The Wisdom of Arya Deva Bodhisattva
Arya Deva Bodhisattva, also known as Kanaripa, stands out as a principal disciple of Nagarjuna. He is recognized as one of the founders of the Mahayana Madhyamaka school. He further developed the teachings he inherited from Nagarjuna. As a result, later masters refer to Nagarjuna and Arya Deva as "holy father and son." Arya Deva is one of the six ornaments of Jambudvipa. This further emphasizes his importance in the lineage of Buddhist thought.
Depiction and Significance
Arya Deva Bodhisattva is often depicted wearing a Pandita hat. He is also shown with a beard. He sits naked above the waist on an animal skin seat, often engaged in debate. Thangkas of Arya Deva often include Nagarjuna, his teacher. This reinforces their close relationship. In these thangkas, Nagarjuna is shown above Arya Deva. In addition, Chakrasamvara appears in the upper right, and the four-armed Mahakala Dharma Protectors are below. The depiction highlights Arya Deva's central role in the transmission of wisdom. Moreover, it underscores the continuation of their lineage of teachings.
Exploring Geshe Palden Lhamo
Geshe Palden Lhamo serves as a worldly protector. He acts as a guardian of many Tibetan monasteries. In different monasteries, he is known by various names. For instance, he is known as the Ganden Wild Mountain Geshe in Ganden Monastery. In Reting Monastery, he is called the Earth God Palden Lhamo. Sera Monastery refers to him as Dorje Pelden. Finally, in Dongkar Monastery, he is known by many names. Some include Neyshe Gyewo Chenpo, Lhache Gyewo Chaling, and Kangzenpa. Furthermore, two other names for this protector are Earth God Pelden and Dorje Bachen.
History and Emanation
According to legend, Palden Lhamo's original residence was in Nalanda, India. Later, Pandit Atisha moved him to Tibet. Palden Lhamo is considered an emanation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. This adds to the protector’s significance and reverence. He embodies the compassion of Avalokiteshvara. Additionally, he has the protective strength of a Dharma protector. These combined traits make him a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
Depiction and Retinue
Palden Lhamo is depicted with a crystal white body. He has one face and two arms. His right hand holds a golden-headed white crystal spear. The spear has celestial silk flags attached to it. His left hand holds a wish-fulfilling jewel. He is shown with a laughing expression, wearing a cloth head covering and wide-sleeved clothes. His outer retinue includes a queen, sons, ministers, warriors, and subjects. These beings are considered ordinary individuals without Dharma power. This depiction highlights Palden Lhamo's role as a protector who is approachable and supportive. Moreover, the retinue emphasizes his connection to the everyday world.
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