Dharmapala

Dharmapala (Sanskrit; Tib: chos skyong, German: Dharmaschützer ) is a common in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism term used to describe protective deities of the Buddha's teachings. A Dharma Protector is an emanation of a Buddha or Bodhisattva, or another spiritual being, whose main function is the inner and outer obstacles that prevent, and to arrange all the necessary conditions for their practice, the practitioners from gaining spiritual realizations.

Types of protectors

There are a variety of different Dharma in Buddhism. Among them there are enlightened protectors, so the Buddha, the wrathful forms radiate to protect powerful, such as Mahakala, one of the most important protectors in all traditions, as well as Palden Lhamo, the companion of Mahakala.

To be distinguished from these, the originally non- enlightened so-called eidgebundenen protectors (Tib. dam can ( Dam Chen ) ), such as Dorje Legpa or Pekar. These are usually spirits and demons of the highlands of Tibet, the Buddhist masters contrary came after the tradition centuries ago to stop the spread of Buddhism, or to interfere in their practice. They were usually of powerful tantric yogis - especially Padmasambhava - beaten and bound by oath. The job of a Dharmabeschützers is to protect or to support practitioners in their practice the Dharma. There are also general protector that protect the entire Buddha Dharma and also specific protector that protect individual traditions, monasteries, teachings and traditions.

When the eight major Dharmapalas apply in Tibetan Buddhism: Mahakala, Yama, Yamantaka, Hayagriva, Kubera, Palden Lhamo, Tshangs pa and Begtse

In the Nyingma school Ekajati, Rahula and Dorje Legpa are the three main protectors, especially the Dzogchen teachings. They are collectively known as Ma Za Dor Sum (ma gza ' rdor gsum ).

Subordinate role

Within Tibetan Buddhism, as generally in Buddhism, Dharmaschützer play a minor role, since the receipt of the Buddha's teachings depends on the exercise of ethical discipline, concentration and wisdom of practitioners and was traditionally entrusted to a large extent the monastic traditions. There are many schools protectors invocations, which are often performed to accompany the practice. The actual protector practice, so practice on individual pads as a meditation deity, is not traditionally practiced by newcomers. Protector deity practice is usually reserved for advanced practitioners.