Mahakala The Wrathful Dharma Protector(大黒天) Part 2

Bernagchen, meaning "black cloak" is the traditional principal Dharma protector of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The two arms, black Mahakala, he wears a necklace of human heads, this is symbolized his conquest of the afflictive emotions. 

He has a snake around his neck, indicating his masterly over attachment. He holds a skull cup of blood in his left hand and a curved knife in his right hand. 

The two arms Mahakala,his named is Dorje Bernagchen had a very special and deep connection beginning with the 2nd Karmapa.  This is how the Mahakala has traditionally become the Dharma protector of the Karma Kagyu lineage, and in this Tangka, His Holiness of the 2nd Karmapa appears at the top of the Mahakala. 

Legend has said the Mahakala with his divine power helped His Holiness of the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje escaped and exiled from Tibet. Mahakala he is surrounded with the flames of wisdom. 

Two arms Mahakala He is the well known as a Dharma protector and he is the wrathful manifestation of the compassion of Chenrizig (In Tibetan) or Avalokitesvara (In Sanskrit) Kuan Yin (In Chinese) Bodhisattva. 

Mahakala uses his power to protect the temples, monasteries, protect the precious Vajrayana teachings and help other Dharma practitioners. He is typically black color. Just as all colors are absorbed and dissolved into black, all names and forms are said to melt into those of Mahakala, symbolizing his all-embracing, comprehensive nature. Black can also represent the total absence of color, and again in this case it signifies the nature of Mahakala as ultimate Bodhisattva.

Six arms white color Mahakala to be continued in part 3.

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