Mahakala, the Black One of Great Compassion, is the wrathful aspect of Chenrezig, (Avalokiteshvara in Skanskrit). Chenrezig is the emanation of enlightened mind manifesting as our infinite Great Compassion. Chenrezig’s mantra, OM MANI PADME HUNG, is the most recited of all mantras in Tibet.

And so the story goes, that Chenrezig took the Bodhisattva Vow, that until all beings recognize their true nature, our inherent enlightened mind, he would remain to serve them to fulfill this aim. So for countless eons Chenrezig, the emanation of compassion, worked tirelessly serving all beings. Then, he saw that the number of sentient beings lost in states of confusion, and therefore suffering, was increasing due to the power of this degenerative age. So he thought that to manifest a wrathful form would be more beneficial, supporting beings to destroy the weight of the negativities in these dark times. And so from his great compassion he emanated from his heart center, a seed syllable, a blue black HUNG, instantaneously becoming the Great Wisdom Protector Mahakala.

It is most important to recognize that these “wrathful” emanations of enlightened nature are at their deepest core, emanations of selfless compassion, caring for the welfare of all beings without exception. To gaze upon this image, reminds us of this deep power within our own being, inherent in us all. And to call forth this well of compassion within us, first destroying our own negativities, so that we may be of greatest benefit to removing the negativities which are the root cause of the suffering for all.

This beautiful woven tapestery is rich with black and gold. In the upper left is Manjusuri, the aspect of enlightened mind of wisdom and knowlege. And in the upper right is Chenrezig, enlightened mind manifesting as Great Compassion.