Dharma Protector

A Dharma Protector is an emanation of a Buddha or a Bodhisattva whose main functions are to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from gaining spiritual realizations, and to arrange all the necessary conditions for their practice. Dharma Protectors are generally considered to be Sangha Jewels, from within the Three Jewels of Buddhism. This is because their principal function is to assist spiritual practitioners in gaining spiritual realizations to help overcome obstacles to their spiritual practice.

The practice of relying upon Dharma Protectors began in ancient India and spread to Tibet. In Tibet, every monastery had its own Dharma Protector. Some of the best known Dharma Protectors are: Mahakala, an emanation of the Buddha of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara; Kalarupa, an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri; and Kalindewi or Palden Lhamo.

References

Gyatso, Geshe Kelsang. Heart Jewel. New York: Tharpa Publications, 2003.