Item: Mahakala (Buddhist Protector) - Shadbhuja (Shangpa)

Mahakala, 'Chingka' Shadbhuja (Tibetan: nag po chen po chag drug pa, ching ka. English: the Great Black One with Six Hands), wrathful emanation of Avalokiteshvara.

The 'Chingka' form of Shadbhuja is the same as the principal Shadbhuja deity. The difference lies with the five retinue figures. Their individual appearance and mounts are different from the standard ritual texts.

"The Lord of Pristine Awareness has six hands and a body dark blue in colour. The first two hold a curved knife and skullcup, the middle two a human skull mala and trident, the lowest two a damaru drum and lasso. Adorned with a tiger skin, garland of heads, bones and snakes, and small bells on the hands and feet. Standing in a manner with the two legs together pressing down on Ganapati. With three eyes, bared fangs, eyebrows, beard and hair flowing upward with Akshobhya as a crown. Anointed with a sindhura drop on the forehead. Supported behind by a sandalwood tree, dwelling in the middle of a blazing mass of fire." (Jonang Taranatha, 1575-1634).

Lineage: Vajradhara, Jnana Dakini, Shri Shavaripa, Lord Maitripa, Mahasiddha Rahulagupta, Khedrup Khyungpo Naljor (founder of the Shangpa Kagyu School, 11th century), Nyamme Rinchen Tsondru, Bonton Kyergangpa (famous terton of the Hayagriva 'Secret Accomplishment' cycle of practice), etc.

Jeff Watt 3-2013