In Vajrayana
practice, every practitioner embarking onto the
path of ultimate enlightenment must engage in
the Three Roots practice of
1.
Guru (source
of blessings)
2.
Deities
(source of Siddhi) and
3.
Dharma Protectors
(source of fulfillment of
activities).
In Karma Kagyud
tradition, Mahakala is regarded as the most
revered enlightened dharma protector of the
lineage. All lineage masters and their fortunate
faithful followers believe that Mahakala is no
different from the manifestation of Karmapa
himself.
Many Karmapas declared that Mahakala
and Karmapa himself are inseparable. Thus,
practitioners endeavor themselves in the prayers
of Mahakala in order to receive blessings and to
clear obstacles along the spiritual path. In our
tradition, by regarding both Guru and Mahakala
as inseparable, not only will one be protected
along the spiritual path but also receive the
blessings directly from the Guru, thus sealing
the guru-disciple relationship deeper.
The chronicle
of Mahakala could be traced in the profound
tantric teachings. It clearly revealed in the
tantric texts that long before the time of Lord
Buddha Shakyamuni, all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
out of their great compassion manifested
themselves into wrathful forms to subdue Matram
Rudra, who menacingly vowed to destroy the world
and endanger all sentient beings. They
compassionately liberated Rudra's consciousness
and brought to an end of his harmful acts.
Mahakala has
several forms, each with different qualities and
aspects. He is also an
emanation of
Avalokiteshvara in the wrathful form in order to
subdue degenerate beings. The most notable
variation in Mahakala’s manifestations and
depictions is in the number of arms. Four-armed
Mahakalas are the primary protectors of
Kagyudpas and Black Cloak Mahakala (Bernagchen)
is the main protector of Karma Kagyud lineage.
It is mentioned in the prayers,
"Whoever just
by recollecting you in one’s mind, is bestowed
with desired accomplishment without exception. Dharma
protectors who are like the special
wish-fulfilling gems, Kindly assist
us in the fulfillment of our wishes.”
In order to
establish a preciously close connection with
Mahakala, KKBC is pleased to present exquisitely
designed Sacred Mahakala (Bernagchen) Pendants
to the fortunate faithful devotees. These
pendants were replicated and miniaturized from a
finely handcrafted Mahakala statue specially
chosen by Shangpa Rinpoche with great care, so
that each practitioner can wear it as a form of
protection and devotion towards the great
Dharmapala, dear to their hearts.
Shangpa
Rinpoche and Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche specially
bless the pendants, in the occasion of lunar
year end elaborated Mahakala Puja conducted at
Singapore KKBC, at the earnest request of
Singapore KKBC management committee.
