Deities in Tibetan Buddhism (5): Mahakala and Green Tara

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Introduction

Tibetan Buddhism features a rich pantheon of deities. These powerful figures guide practitioners on their spiritual journeys. Among the many, Mahakala and Green Tara hold prominent positions. This article will explore their unique attributes, symbolism, and significance. We'll also delve into their various forms and roles within Tibetan Buddhist practice. These are essential deities in Tibetan Buddhism.

Mahakala: The Great Protector

The name Mahakala translates to "Great Black One." This deity is also known as "Great Time" or "Great Black God." Mahakala is a protector of the Dharma in Vajrayana Buddhism. He is a vital guardian deity. Moreover, he acts as a divine healer. Mahakala also bestows wealth upon his followers. Tibetan Buddhism views him as the wrathful form of Vairocana Buddha. This manifestation appears when subduing demonic forces. There are three common forms: two-armed, four-armed, and six-armed.

Mahakala's Different Forms

The six-armed form is a protector of the Shangpa Kagyu and Gelug schools. In Tibetan Vajrayana, Mahakala is different from Bhairava. Although, in Hinduism, Bhairava is often a form of Mahakala. The Vajrayana understanding differs from the Hindu interpretation. Mahakala's imagery is diverse and striking.

Two-Armed Mahakala: A Fierce Guardian

The two-armed Mahakala has a dark blue-black body. He has three wide-open eyes, and his hair stands up like a mane. He wears a five-skull crown. His left hand holds a skull cup filled with blood. Meanwhile, his right hand holds a hooked knife (kartika). A staff lies horizontally between his arms. He stands on a flaming background. This imagery showcases his protective and powerful nature.

Four-Armed Mahakala: Powerful and Intimidating

The four-armed Mahakala also has a dark blue-black body. He wears a five-skull crown and has three eyes. In addition, he has a garland of human heads. Also, he wears a tiger skin around his waist. His middle hands hold a skull cup and a hooked knife, similar to the two-armed form. The other two hands hold a trident and a sword. These are extended to the sides. This form shows his ability to conquer obstacles.

Six-Armed Mahakala: The Most Common Representation

The six-armed Mahakala is the most detailed representation. He has a blue body and wears a tiger skin. Additionally, he wears a necklace of fifty human skulls and a five-skull crown. Snakes also adorn his body. These decorations symbolize his subjugation of the Dragon Kings. His six hands each hold specific objects. The middle hands hold the skull cup and hooked knife. The upper right hand holds a bone rosary. The upper left holds a trident, symbolizing his power over all realms. These two hands hold an elephant skin. The lower right hand holds a hand drum. And finally, the lower left holds a lasso. He stands on Ganesha. The main deity is surrounded by a flaming halo. This complex symbolism reflects his complete mastery. The Mahakala deity is fierce, yet compassionate.

Green Tara: The Compassionate Savior

Green Tara also has other names, such as Swift Liberator. She is also called "Savior from Eight Dangers," or "Holy Saviouress." She has many manifestations including the Twenty-One Taras and the Five Hundred Taras. All these are emanations of Avalokiteśvara. However, green tara is the primary form of all Taras. She embodies the virtues of all other manifestations.

Green Tara's Role: Protection and Liberation

Green Tara can save beings from eight types of suffering. These are: fire, lions, elephants, snakes, water, imprisonment, thieves, and non-human threats. Thus, she is known as the "Savior from Eight Dangers." Moreover, she transforms the "doubt" of the five poisons into perfect wisdom. She is known for protecting women and children. She is a very important deities in Tibetan Buddhism.

The Power of Green Tara's Mantra

Her mantra is very powerful. It pacifies, increases, controls, and destroys negativity. It also eliminates sufferings and afflictions. It fulfills wishes for wealth, long life, peace, and auspiciousness. She also removes illnesses, karmic obstacles, and hindrances. She helps beings escape the cycle of birth and death. She also guides them to the Pure Land of Bliss. Her swiftness in liberating is why she's also called "Swift Liberator." Her green tara nature is both protective and loving.

Green Tara's Appearance: Embodiment of Compassion

Green Tara is depicted as a youthful bodhisattva. Her body is vibrant green. This color represents the activity aspect in Tibetan Buddhism. The green is also the body color of Amoghasiddhi Buddha. She has one face and two arms. She has a slender figure with beauty. She wears a five-buddha crown and radiates light. She is adorned with necklaces, jewels, and heavenly garments. She sits on a lotus flower and moon disc. Her left leg is folded, and her right leg extends down to touch another lotus.

Green Tara's Hand Gestures

Her right hand extends forward with the palm facing outward. It holds an utpala flower. This symbolizes granting fearlessness and blessings. Her left hand holds an utpala flower at her chest. It displays the Three Jewels. The erect index finger is the Buddha Jewel, the middle finger represents the Dharma Jewel, and the little finger is the Sangha Jewel. The thumb and ring finger touching symbolize compassion and wisdom. The two lotus flowers extend to her shoulders. Each stem shows a fruit, an open flower, and a bud. These symbols represent potential and enlightenment. Green Tara embodies grace and compassionate action.

Conclusion

Mahakala and Green Tara are two essential deities in Tibetan Buddhism. Mahakala acts as a powerful protector. And, green tara is a compassionate savior. They embody diverse aspects of enlightenment. Both deities inspire devotion. Through understanding their attributes, practitioners deepen their spiritual practice. They also find guidance on their path to liberation.