Lineage Practices
Four Armed Mahakala (Tib: Gonpo Chagshi)

Lineage History:

Lineage of Palchen Galo Namgyal Dorje

Palchen Galo Namgyal Dorje, also widely known as Ga Lotsawa is a great Tibetan mahasiddha and translator who visited India and brought back many precious teachings to Tibet, particularly Mahakala practices. He is the very specialist in Mahakala practices, and has transmitted numerous Mahakala practices into all the four school of Tibetan Buddhism. Any Mahakala teachings originated from Palchen Galo are treated as the authentic and reputable sources.

Lineage Transmission:

Buddha Vajradhara -> Vajrapani -> King Indra Bhuti -> Lü Naljorma -> Saraha -> Nagajurna -> Aryadeva -> after number of Indian Mahasiddhas -> Palchen Galo Namgyal Dorje*, the great Tibetan master and translator who brought many Mahakala teachings including this lineage from India to Tibet ->  Tsultrim Jungne-> Dorje Wangchuk -> Phagmo Drupa -> Shang Tsalpa -> Rinchen Repa -> Tsangpa Gyare -> after number of Lineage Holders -> Yongzin & Choegon.

Deity Introduction:

Mahakala is the wrathful manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, embodying the fierce compassionate activity of all Buddhas. Wrathful compassion of Mahakala is able to overcome any obstacles and negativities one faces on the path to enlightenment.

Mahakala, also known as the chief Dharmapala, is the guardian protector of the Buddha's teachings. Dharmapalas are basically emanations of Buddhas who undertake the role of removing obstacles on the path to liberation. He can be practiced as the Three Roots - Lama, Yidam and Protector.

There are many different colors and forms of Mahakala, but generally he is recognized universally in all schools of Vajrayana as one of the prominent guardians and great protectors of the Dharma.

For example, Maning Mahakala of the Nyingma Tradition, Mahakala Bernakchen (Black Coat Mahakala) - the Two-Armed Mahakala of the Karma Kagyu school, the Four-Headed Mahakala (Shar She Pa) of Sakya Tradition and the Six-Armed form of Mahakala is the principal protector of the Gelugpa.

Objective & Benefit of the Practice:

The objective of Mahakala practice is to assist practitioners in removing any challenges that impedes their spiritual practice, as well as to encourage exertion and devotion and at the same time purify obscuration and defilements.  With earnest prayer and diligent practices, blessings will be bestowed and obstacles will be pacified. 

*Palchen Galo Namgyal Dorje is one of Choegon Rinpoche's previous lives.

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