Mahakala

[stevencaldwell]

Although technically I think he is a Dharmapala ( and a  wrathful form of Avalokitesvara ) I am interested in any information about Mahakala. In particular, the six-armed form. Can anybody help me with this?

Comments

[bodhimian]

do a google search and the first one that comes up is a good page.
note the six arms representing the six perfections.
mahakala is very good at forcing me to deal with my own barriers in a strong swift manner.

[stevencaldwell]

Thanks for that. I must say that I have already spent much time Googling and little has surfaced that is other than sketchy. I'm beyond the sketchy Wikipedia sort of info. Thanks for sharing the personal connection.

I suspect that Mahakala will be helpful in helping me with issues associated with masculinity. Be well.

what sect is that?

[kwanyin2004]

I've never heard of Avalokitesvara being wrathful. Isn't he/she a form of Quanyin, Bodhisattva of compassion?

Re: what sect is that?

[stevencaldwell]

Your question is interesting. Historically, I understand that Kuan Yin appears later in Buddhist chronology. Avalokitesvara was an earlier manifestation of compassion as far as texts and the archaeological record go. It suited China better for Avalokitesvara to be female (of sorts) in the form of Kuan Yin. They are the same and different. Empty and with form

Re: what sect is that?

[kwanyin2004]

Oh, now I remember. Isn't that the group that denigrates the Dalai Lama and he says they are misguided?

In Shin, this is half of Amida, who is both compassion and wisdom.

Re: what sect is that?

[stevencaldwell]

Um, no. The Dalai Lama is the head of the Gelug school. Mahakala has been seen as the protector of the Dalai Lamas since the first Dalai Lama. You maye be confusing this with another contentious bodisattva called Palden Llamo (I think??? Can somebody help me out here?)

I understand the significance of Kuan Yin to Shin Buddhism as I practised in a Pure Land school for some years.