Six-Armed Mahakala

18" x 24" ◊ Ground mineral pigment on cotton cloth

Mahakala is a fierce manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of universal compassion. It is said that when Avalokiteshvara realized that his peaceful methods were too mild in an age of darkness to either subdue degenerate beings or to protect them from the consequences of their misguided behaviour, he decided that a wrathful form was required to accomplish his compassionate intentions. He therefore emanated the dark blue syllable "hum" which transformed into the powerful Mahakala.

Mahakala is shown here in his six-armed manifestation; his six arms signify the completion of the six perfections. Each arm holds an implement with which he carries out his protective functions. The curved knife in his first right hand cuts ego-attachment, and the skull-cup filled with blood in his left hand shows his subjugation of evil-doers. The knife and the cup also represent the inseparability of bliss and emptiness, the tantric union of method and wisdom. His other right hands hold a rosary of skulls, symbolizing his continuous activity for the benefit of beings, and a damaru (drum) with which he exerts control over all classes of dakinis (female spirits). His remaining left hand holds a trident, symbolizing his power over the three spheres of existence - the desire, form, and formless realms - and a lasso with which he binds those who would break their vows and reins in the caprices of the confused mind. His three eyes symbolize his clear comprehension of past, present and future, and his crown of five sculls represent the five poisonous delusions - anger, desire, ignorance, jealousy and pride - transformed into the wisdoms of the five Buddha families.

Mahakala tramples an elephant-headed deity to symbolize the destruction and dispersal of great obstacles. The blazing fire emanating from all his pores demonstrates his powerful activities in consuming all neurotic states of mind.