What is Ganapuja, Ganachakra or Tsog (Tsok) and why is it so precious and important?

From the Heruka Root Tantra regarding Ganachakra:

Quickly attempt to make offerings
Every waxing and waning of each month do tsog.

About Ganapuja from book of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu – Ganapuja, Shang Shung Edizioni

‘…we call the Ganapuja tun cog. Tun is practice session for a limited time, cog means ‘accumulation of merit’ via good actions. So Ganapuja means accumulation (gana) through offering (puja)…’

 

NOTE: Ganachakra or Tsog Dates for 2024 below in table.

GanaPuja or GanaChakra: What’s the Difference?

Ganachakra is what we call Tsog (Tsok). It simply means Accumulation Wheel (Gana is “accumulation” as in Accumulating Merit and Chakra is Wheel).

Ganapuja is what we call Tun Cog. It means Accumulation Offerings (Gana is “accumulation” and Puja is offerings.)

Ganachakra is more formal than Ganapuja, and traditionally is a commitment for people with certain empowerments on the 10th and 25th of each lunar month. Ganapuja is usually celebrated five times per month (including the 10th and 25th) but is not a commitment. It is an opportunity for accumulation of merit for the benefit of all.

We think of “gana” events as gatherings but even when we don’t “gather”  — for example if we practice at home — we still visualize the entire Sangha participating. In Ganapuja creates merit and purifies negative karma. Ganachakra also creates skies of merit and purifies negative karma, but it also renews our vows and commitments.

Ganachakra Tsog Dates

Ganachakra (Tsog) offerings are traditionally made on two lunar dates each month — the 10th and the 25th:

• The 10th honors Guru Rinpoche, the Yidams, Wisdom and Compassion, and the Three Jewels and Three Roots
• The 25th honors the Dakinis (Dakini Day), the Wisdom Activity Dakinis, and the Three Jewels and Three Roots.

NOTE: All dates for this year at the bottom of this feature.

In other words, on both of these special offering days, we offer and ask for blessings from the Three Jewels and the Three Roots. On the 10th we are honoring Wisdom and Compassion and on the 25th we especially celebrate Buddha Activities (Dakinis):

• The outer Three Jewels are the Buddha, Dharma, and Saṅgha.
• Three Roots: the Guru (or Teacher), who is the root of blessings; the Yidam, who is the root of accomplishment; and the Dakini, who is the root of enlightened activity.

Ganapuja Dates

Ganapuja Dates are traditionally for everyone, and are on the lunar special dates: new moon and full moon in particular, Tara Day (the 8th of the Lunar Month) and — even if you don’t have empowerments for Ganachakra — we usually offer Ganapuja on the 10th and 25th days as well to honor the Yidams and Gurus (10th) and Dakinis and Activity Mothers (25th). So the five special days for Ganapuja (Accumulation of Merit) are:

• New Moon (special to Vajrasattva and associated with purifying negative karma) (last day of each lunar month)
• 8th of the Lunar Month (special to Tara and Medicine Buddha)
• 10th of the Lunar Month (Ganapuja if you don’t do Ganachakra Tsog, special for Guru Rinpoche and all Yidams)
• Full Moon (special to Amitabha and Shakyamuni Buddha and all Buddhas)
• 25th of the Lunar Month (Ganapuja if you don’t do Ganacharka or Tsog, special for all Dakinis and Activity Yidams)

For more on special Lunar Dates (together with all the dates in a calendar) see our feature>>>

Ganapuja or Ganachakra Tsog Purpose

The Heruka Root Tantra explains the purpose of Tsog offering, which is to remove obstacles and hardships:

The waxing and waning of each month
If good tsog is offered
Then one has no hardships, no difficulties
And one goes to the pure land of Tharpo Kachoe

Ganapuja, meaning Accumulation Offering is less formal and not normally considered a “commitment” — although it is highly meritorious. It simply means Accumulation Offering and is often a group event Puja, or a single person making Puja offerings on behalf of the Sangha. As long as we dedicate the merit of our Puja offering to all sentient beings and visualize the merits coming to all of our sangha, it is Ganapuja, and accumulates merits and purifies negative karma.

• Even though the 10th is dedicated especially to the Male aspects: Buddha, Guru (especially Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava and the Male Yidams, we are actually offering to the entire merit field, all six of the Three Jewels and the Three Roots.
• The 25th, dedicated to the Female Wisdom Activity aspects (Dakinis) ad the Female Yidams, it is likewise offered to the entire merit field of Three Jewels and Three Roots.

Differences in Offerings

For GanaChakra there is always a prescribed Sadhana, with praises and songs and blessings, and always involves self-generating as your Yidam (visualizing yourself as your Yidam). For GanaPuja there is usually a Puja Offering, with frontal visualization or an altar set up to make offerings in front of the group or you. (No self generation is required, but if you have empowerment you may choose to do so.)

GanaPuja normally make offerings of Mandalas and outer sensory offerings, praises and songs and mantras. GanaChakra or Tsog always follows a more rigorous Sadhana, with extensive offerings, including special mantras, songs, and a feast. Often we are asked to bring food to the event. We offer it first to the Three Jewels and Three Roots, then especially to our teacher, then we may partake ourselves as well. The blessed offerings bless our mindstreams and renew our empowerments and commitments.

Ganachakra or Tsog Offering — What it means

H.E. Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains the higher meaning of Ganachakra or Tsog offerings:

“The very highest meaning of tsog is to join method and wisdom. The real meaning of experiencing tsog is the transcendental wisdom, non dual great bliss – the wisdom of emptiness, the non-duality of that, and uniting these two. That is the very essence of tsog. It is the offering of that experience, oneself experiencing it, the male and female heroes and heroines, of which the essence is the guru deity, and oneself also experiencing that, as the guru deity. The real meaning of tsog is integrating method and wisdom, the transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness (this is the secret meaning).” [1]

Tsog is nearly always at night time. From the Heruka Root Tantra it is explained — night is symbolically when Dakas and Dakinis are more active:

Offering extensive food and drink
Always do at night time – why?
Because it is admired to do at nighttime
Always wander at nighttime and always gather at nighttime.

As always, with Buddhist offerings, the offerings are not “needed” by self-aware deities or Buddhas. The Enlightened have no need of sensory offerings. In general, offerings are an opportunity for us to earn merit to help overcome our negative karmas and attachments. The act of offering, or generosity, is also the “cure” for the grasping, attached mind. And, then there’s Tsog, which is precious especially to the Enlightened Dakinis and Dakas. [For a story on Dakinis and a previous story on Tsog, see>>]

In some practices, the Lunar 10th is often called the “Feast of Heroes” (Feast of Dakas) — and is often a celebration of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) — and the 25th is the “Feast of Heroines” (Feast of Dakinis.) In others, there is no distinction, so both days are called the “Feast of Dakas and Dakinis” or “Feast of Yogis and Yoginis” (Feast of Heroes and Heroines.)

Pandit Ratna Raksherita explained:

Those doing the activities of the heroes, it is called the feast of the heroes,
Similarly, those doing the activities of yoginis, it is called the feast of the heroines,
Those whose minds are enriched with control of the circle
Of the integrated method and wisdom,
That is called the circle of unification.

Ganachakra Tsog is special

Everything about Tsog is special. We might have tangible, sensory offerings in front of us, but they are “converted” in our minds and by our karmic actions, mantras, visualizations and practices into sacred, special, blissful NECTAR.

H.E. Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains the higher meaning and purpose of Tsog:

The meaning of nectar is not just some special taste, like honey. In Tibetan, the word is du-tsi.Du is mara, tsi is medicine. So here, du is ordinary appearance and ordinary concepts, delusions, negative imprints and defilements. Tsi means medicine —the ultimate medicine is the transcendental wisdom of non-dual bliss and voidness, which is like an atom bomb to cut through those delusions, which are the maras.

One has to think of the meaning of nectar, du-tsi, the transcendental wisdom of non-dual bliss and voidness. By taking that nectar, you generate that experience within you. If you don’t have the actual experience of that, then you visualize it. That blesses the mind, body, and the chakras, the winds and drops. It becomes a preparation to achieve the path, the Highest Tantra accomplishing path of the illusory body and clear light, and it enables you to achieve the resultant Dharmakaya and Rupakaya. Then, one is able to offer perfect works for sentient beings, without the slightest mistake, until everyone, every single sentient being, is brought to enlightenment.

Actual method for Ganachakra

Anyone may particiapte in both Ganapuja or Ganachakra (if invited) but if you attend Ganachakra without empowerment, you are there as a spectator. You do not self-generate.

For the actual method of Ganachakra, this must be guided/taught by a qualified teacher. Normally, you attend as a group, to the Gompa, temple or monastery. If you cannot, or if you are remote, you can do this on your own. There is a ceremony for those empowered to perform Tsog. If you have no empowerment, you can, if invited, attend and receive blessings, but in this case you do not perform the Sadhana portions that are self-generation, and you visualize the Yidams and merit field in front of you.

Dakini Day and Tsog 2024

• January 6
• February 5
• March 5
• April 4
• May 3
• July 1 and July 30
• August 28
• September 27
• October 26
• November 25
• December 25

Guru Rinpoche Day and Daka Tsog

• January 20
• February 19
• March 19
• April 18
• May 18
• June 16 Annual Birthday of Guru Rinpoche: Considered a Buddha Day
• July 16
• August 14
• September 13
• October 12
• November 11
• December 10

NOTES

[1] Source Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive: “Tsog Offering Practice“

The 10th of the lunar month is the day we celebrate Guru Rinpoche each month. (Dates below for this year!)

According to National Today:

“Believers agree that he was born on the tenth day of the sixth lunar moon. However, the specific year of his birth has been lost to history. However, his birth took place during the eighth century, and it is generally acknowledged that it occurred on that day.”

ANNUAL Guru Rinpoche Anniversary

Each month, we also celebrate and honor with Pujas and other celebrations — and Tsok or Tsog offerings — the great Lotus Born Guru Rinpoche. [See section below “Guru Rinpoche Tsok Days.”]

June 16th is the annual Guru Rinpoche anniversary in 2024. The Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche is a public holiday in some countries, observed on the tenth day of the sixth lunar month, which falls on June 16th this year. This day is a celebration of his birth in a lotus. It is also, on the lunar calendar, the monthly (recurring) Guru Rinpoche Day!

The next few annual Guru Rinpoche Anniversary Days are:

Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche dates

Monthly Guru Rinpoche Days are below.

Vajra Mantra is a perfect Guru Rinpoche practice (see meaning of mantra as taught by Guru Rinpoche himself below:

Guru Rinpoche Tsok (Tsog) Days

“The 10th day of the lunar calendar is connected with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) who is revered as the Second Buddha.” [1]

Merit for practices on these days is multiplied auspiciously. The converted dates in the 2024 western calendar are:

• January 20
• February 19
• March 19
• April 18
• May 18
• June 16 Annual Birthday of Guru Rinpoche: Considered a Buddha Day
• July 16
• August 14
• September 13
• October 12
• November 11
• December 10

Guru Rinpoche’s life embodied miracles

Padmasambhava’s life was a living embodiment of the miraculous. Nothing is impossible to the fully Enlightened and marvelous Guru Rinpoche — and everything about his amazing life is a wonder. Just as Shakyamuni Buddha, the first Buddha of our age, demonstrated extraordinary phenomena, Padmasambhava personified them. Why does an Enlightened Buddha display magical feats? As “Upaya” or skillful means, or upaya-kaushalya meaning “skill in means.” In simplest terms, upaya is any activity that helps others realize enlightenment.

Timeline of Guru Rinpoche

• 717 A.D. Birth of Guru Rinpoche in Oddiyana
• 747 A.D. Guru Rinpoche invited to Tibet by the King Tri Songdetsen
• 810 A.D. Guru Rinpoche enters Bhutan

Important 7 Line Praise Dharani of Guru Rinpoche in Sanskrit, a perfect practice daily:

The Lotus Born

Historically, Guru Rinpoche turned the final wheel of Dharma, popularizing the powerful methods of Buddhist Tantra. Traditionally, he is “Lotus Born” in Oddiyana, by tradition “consciously incarnated as an eight-year-old child appearing in a lotus blossom floating in Lake Dhanakosha, in the kingdom of Oddiyana.” He is the Lotus Born — born fully Enlightened.

Historically, Guru Rinpoche is acknowledged by scholars.[1]

“Scholars agree that Guru Rinpoche was a real person, that he came from Uddiyana, a kingdom possibly located around present-day Swat in Pakistan, and that he arrived in Tibet some time around 760.”

One of the best ways to honor and celebrate Guru Rinpoche Day is with his mantra. Enjoy this beautiful Sanskrit version of the Mantra:

Recommended by National Today:

• View Buddha Weekly’s special section with many Guru Rinpoche features>>

Video chanting of the 7-Line praise to Guru Rinpoche in Sanskrit

Buddha Shakyamuni predicted Guru Padmasambhava

Buddha Shakyamuni predicted Padmasambhava’s coming and activities in 19 Sutras and Tantras, stating he would be an emanation of Amitaba and Avaloketishvara.

“Buddha Shakyamuni actually predicted Guru Padmasambhava’s appearance in several different sutras and tantras contain clear predictions of his coming and activities.In the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, Buddha Shakyamuni announced his parinirvana to the students who were with him at the time. Many of them, particularly Ananda, the Buddha’s cousin and personal attendant, were quite upset upon hearing this. So Buddha turned to Ananda and told him not to worry. “…After my parinirvana, a remarkable being with the name Padmasambhava will appear in the center of a lotus and reveal the highest teaching concerning the ultimate state of the true nature, bringing great benefit to all sentient beings.’” [5]

Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche

Padmasambhava’s best known manifestation is probably Padma Gyalpo (Peme Gyalpo), the Lotus King, as described in the Wangdu prayer as the Lotus Lord having “all of samsara and nirvana beneath your control.” [4] However, even his life and manifestations provided lessons in Quantum Mechanics and the “illusory nature” of our relative reality. In the film Guru Padmasambhava – Searching for Lotus born Master – Part I, the filmmaker explores a fascinating concept: that each of the eight key manifestations of Guru Rinpoche represent different energies in Quantum Physics.

The Lotus Born’s life can be viewed as a perfect exemplar of Quantum Mechanics, or as a life of miracles. He displayed countless miracles and powers, including eight important manifestations at different stages of his wondrous life:

1. Guru Tsokyé Dorje, ‘Lake-born Vajra’ (birth)
2. Guru Shakya Sengé, ‘Lion of the Shakyas’ (ordination)
3. Guru Nyima Özer, ‘Rays of the Sun’ (subjugating demonic spirits)
4. Guru Padmasambhava, ‘Lotus-born’ (establishing Buddhism in Tibet); Guru Pema Jungné (Wyl. gu ru pad+ma ‘byung gnas)
5. Guru Loden Choksé ‘Wise Seeker of the Sublime’ (mastery of the teachings)
6. Guru Pema Gyalpo ‘The Lotus King’ (kingship)
7. Guru Sengé Dradrok ‘The Lion’s Roar’ (subjugation of non-buddhists)
8. Guru Dorje Drolö ‘Wild Wrathful Vajra’ (concealing terma, binding spirits under oath)

These are not separate Buddhas. Padmasambhava, a fully Enlightened Buddha, could manifest any characteristics suitable to the needs of the world and his followers.

12-Syllable Mantra of Guru Rinpoche

Guru Rinpoche’s mantra is a supreme and profound meditation. It’s benefits are vast, benefiting all beings.

The twelve syllable mantra of Guru Padmasambhava: (in Sanskrit):

oṃ āḥ hūṃ vajra guru padma siddhi hūṃ

Tibetan pronunciation:

 om ah hung benza guru péma siddhi hung

Chanting in melody versus for numbers

In a precious teaching, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche explained that most mantras have melodies. In a teaching on the Guru Rinpoche mantra (embedded below), he explained:

“Guru Rinpoche taught about the benefits of chanting the mantra in melody. It is more beneficial to chant the mantra slowly in melody than to recite many mantras quickly. Reciting mantras purely makes a hundred-fold difference. Reciting them in melody makes a hundred-thousand-fold difference. Thus, chanting it in melody multiples the power of mantra.

“And why is its power multiplied? It is because to the extent that you focus on the meaning of each word in the mantra that much greater will be the blessing that enters your mind stream.

“Some people think about the numbers of mantras accumulated and of course, there is benefit from accumulating a number of mantras, but it is said ‘The recitation should be neither too fast nor too slow, neither too strong nor too soft.’ The elements of each syllable should be pronounced without deterioration. Most important for mantra or any other recitation is that the elements of each syllable are pronounced without deterioration.

“This is important. Pronouncing without deterioration has an outer, inner and secret qualities.”

The meaning of the mantra

Guru Rinpoche himself explained his essence mantra to Yeshe Tsogyal [6]:

“O daughter of good family, the Vajra Guru mantra is not just my single essence mantra, it is the very essence or life force of all the deities of the four classes of tantra, of all the nine yanas, and all of the 84,000 collections of dharma teachings. The essence of all of the buddhas of the three times, all of the gurus, yidams, dakas and dakinis, dharma protectors etc., the essence of all of these is contained and is complete within this mantra. How, you may ask, does this work? What is the reason for all these being complete with this mantra? Listen well and hold this in mind. Read it again and again. Write it out for the benefit of sentient beings, and teach it or demonstrate it to beings in the future.”

 

Garchen Rinpoche’s excellent 34 minute teaching on the Guru Rinpoche mantra:

The essence mantras multiple aspects

The tightest synopsis of the mantra essence meaning as it relates to the five Buddha Families, taken from a teaching by Lama Tarchin Rinpoche: [6]

• OM AH HUM (or HUNG) are the sublime essence of the principles of enlightened body, speech, and mind
• VAJRA or BENZA is the sublime essence of the indestructible family
• GURU is the sublime essence of the jewel family
• PADMA or PEMA is the sublime essence of the lotus family
• SIDDHI is the sublime essence of the activity family
• HUM or HUNG is the sublime essence of the transcendent family.

From the point of view of the aspects or bodies of a Buddha manifestation

• OM is the perfect splendor and richness of sambhoghakaya, the manifest body of splendor
• AH is the total unchanging perfection of dharmakaya, the manifest body of absolute reality
• HUNG perfects the presence of Guru Padmasambhava as the nirmanakaya, the manifest body of emanation
• VAJRA perfects all the heruka deities of the mandalas
• GURU refers to the root and transmission gurus and the holders of intrinsic awareness
• PEMA perfects the assembly of dakas and dakinis
• SIDDHI is the life force of all the wealth deities and the guardians of the treasure teachings
• HUNG is the life force of the dharmapalas, the protective deities.

From the point of view of the three classes of tantra

• OM AH HUNG are the life force of the three classes of tantra
• VAJRA is the life force of monastic discipline and the sutra class of teachings
• GURU is the life force of abhidharma and kriya (action) yoga, the first level of tantra
• PEMA is the life force of the charya (conduct) tantra, the second class of tantra, and yoga (joining) tantra, the third class of tantra
• SIDDHI is the life force of the mahayoga and anuyoga classes of teachings
• HUNG is the life force of the ati yoga, the Natural Great Perfection (Dzogchen)

From the point of view of obscuration’s and poison remedies

• OM AH HUNG purify obscurations arising from the three mental poisons — desire-attachment, aversion, and ignorance
• VAJRA purifies obscurations which stem from anger
• GURU purifies obscurations which stem from pride
• PEMA purifies obscurations which stem from desire and attachment
• SIDDHI purifies obscurations which stem from envy and jealousy
• HUNG in a general way purifies obscurat ions which stem from all emotional afflictions

From the point of view of realizations

• Through OM AH HUNG one attains the three kayas
• Through VAJRA one realizes mirror -like pristine awareness
• Through GURU one realizes the pristine awareness of equalness
• Through PEMA one realizes the pristine awareness of discernment
• Through SIDDHI one realizes the all-accomplishing pristine awareness
• Through HUNG one realizes the pristine awareness of basic space
• Through OM AH HUNG gods, demons and humans are subdued
• Through VAJRA one gains power over the malevolent forces of certain gods and demons
• Through GURU one gains control over the malevolent forces of the Lord of Death and the cannibal demons
• Through PEMA one gains control over the malevolent influences of the water and wind elements Through SIDDHI one gains control over the malevolent influences of non-human forces and spirits bringing harm and exerting negative control over one‘s life
• Through HUNG one gains control of the malevolent influences of planetary configurations and earth spirits

From the point of view of the activities and accomplishments

• OM AH HUNG accomplishes the six spiritual virtues
• VAJRA accomplishes pacifying activity
• GURU accomplishes enriching activity
• PEMA accomplishes magnetizing activity
• SIDDHI accomplishes enlightened activity in general
• HUNG accomplishes wrathful enlightened activity

How to recite according to Guru Rinpoche

“One recitation of the Vajra Guru mantra will grant a physical body and entry into this world. Any sentient being who sees, hears, or thinks of the mantra will definitely be established among the ranks of the male and female Awareness Holders. The infallible Vajra Guru mantra is the word of truth; if what you wish for does not happen as I have promised, I, Padma, have deceived sentient beings—absurd! I have not deceived you—it will happen just as I’ve promised.

“If you are unable to recite the mantra, use it to adorn the tops of victory banners and prayer flags; there is no doubt that sentient beings touched by the same wind will be liberated. Otherwise, carve it on hillsides, trees, and stones; after they are consecrated, anyone who merely passes by and sees them will be purified of illness, spirit possession, and obscurations. Spirits and demons dwelling in the area will offer wealth and riches. Write it in gold on pieces of indigo paper and hang them up; demons, obstacle-makers, and evil spirits will be unable to harm you. If you place the mantra upon a corpse immediately upon death and do not remove it, during cremation rainbow colors will flash out and the consciousness will definitely be transferred to the Blissful Realm of Amitābha. The benefits of writing, reading and reciting the Vajra Guru mantra are immeasurable. For the benefit of sentient beings in the future, write this down and conceal it. May it meet with those of fortune and merit. Samaya Gya Gya Gya” [6]

How to Recite Mantras Video (as taught by Guru Rinpoche):

NOTES and CITATIONS

[1] Encounters with a Badass 8th Century Buddhist Mystic>>

Tara’s mantra chanted by Buddha Weekly:

The full story of Tara and Her Rescues of Sentient Beings:

21 Praises in Sanskrit

Chanting the Dharani of 21 Praises to Tara in original Sanskrit is the most sacred and powerful of practices. The 21 Taras Mantra Dharanis in Sanskrit, as taught by Buddha in the Kangyur, became popularized as the 21 Homages or 21 Praises to Tara. When chanted in the original Sanskrit, the 21 Praises to Tara are 21 potent and powerful Dharanis (long-form mantras). Although popularized as both a Tibetan and English 21 Praise chant, in its Sanskrit Holy syllable form, it is an original Dharani as taught by the Buddha. In its Tibetan or English form, it loses its sacred vibrational sound and the actual “meaning” (translation) is significantly more simplified in other languages.

The Dharani is nuanced and profound in Sanskrit. In its Sanskrit form it is a Dharani or mantra (or series of 21 Dharanis), but in other languages it becomes more of a “chanted prayer or praise” or hymn. For example, Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha, the famous and powerful mantra of Tara, if translated to English is simply, “I prostrate to Tara the liberator, mother of all the victorious ones” — beautiful, but lacking the sacred sound vibrations of mantra, and missing the nuanced and layered meaning of each syllable:

Tara’s mantra, a complete practice

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA

21 English Praises: Singable

20-Minute Tara Meditation

Follow along with Venerable Zasep Rinpoche, author of Tara in the Palm of Your Hand, for a guided 20-minute meditation and practice of Tara

Tea or Torma offering

Bopar Rinpoche, in his wonderful book Tara The Feminine Divine, recommends that in addition to general offerings of water bowls, flowers, incense, that someone seeking a special activity from the great Saving Goddess consider a Torma (cake) offering. Likewise, the same offering can be made as hot tea — traditionally indicating “activity offering.”

After presenting and purifying the offering — OM AH HUM being a widely used purification mantra — he suggests the traditional activity dedication (substitute “tea offering” as appropriate):

“Tara, You who fully rejoice in the mandala creation, consume this well-made offering torma. Give me and people around me: health, life, power, glory, fame, luck, and abundent wealth. Give me the accomplishments of activities, such as purification, increase and others. You who have made the promise protect me, give me the support of all accomplishments. Brush away untimely death and illness, demons and creators of obstacles. Brush away bad dreams, inauspicious signs and unwholesome acts. Make the world happy, the years excellent, the harvest bountiful. Make the Dharma spread, happiness perfect and may all my wishes be realized.”

NOTE: If it makes you feel awkward to demand so many wonderful activities, there’s no need to be. Tara will provide what our karma and our needs dictate.

A Song of Longing for Tara, the Infallible

By Lama Lobsang Tenpey Gyaltsen (1852)

Translated by Lama Thubten Yeshe

• To see our full year’s Dharma Date’s calendar, visit>>

According to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, based on the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, “karmic results are multiplied one hundred million times.”

Whether you take that as literal — many of us do — or symbolic of the importance of these days, it is auspicious for Buddhist practitioners to honor the special days.

Lunar Recurring Days

Here, we’ll cover the special days for 2023. They break down into categories:

• Buddha Days:
  • 15 Days of Miracles — and especially the 15th Day of the Lunar first month, which is “the Day of Miracles”
  • Lord Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Paranirvana: celebrated on the 15th lunar day of the 4th lunar month
  • Lord Buddha’s First Teaching: 4th day of the 6th lunar month
  • Lord Buddha’s Descent from the God Realm of Thirty Three: day 22 of lunar month 9.
• Eclipse Days: considered auspicious with “karmic results are multiplied by one hundred million on solar eclipses and by seven million on lunar” according to Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
• Full Moon Days: auspicious for practice and special to both Tara and Medicine Buddha (Pujas encouraged.)
• Medicine Buddha Puja Days: 8th and/or 15th of every lunar month
• New Moon Days: auspicious for practice, and also for Naga Pujas.
• Protector Puja: once a month pujas for the Dharma Protectors on the 29th of every lunar month.
• Guru Rinpoche Day: each month on the 10th day of the lunar month, corresponding with Tsog (see below.)
• Tsog (Tsok) Days: on the 10th and 25th of every lunar month, a festive offering for: “Those who have received an initiation into Highest Yoga Tantra have a commitment to perform tsog” — according to Lama Zopa Rinpoche. These break down into:
  • Daka (Hero) Tsog: 10th day of the lunar month
  • Dakini (Heroine or Yogini) Tsog: 25th day of the lunar month.

For the latest actual dates for 2024, see our Dharma Calendar>>

Mahayana Special Days on Western Calendar 2024

In addition to the special “meritorious” days for practice, there are annual celebration days, such as the Buddha Days. Some days may vary with the region. For example, the celebration of Lord Buddha’s Birth, Death and Enlightenment, typically celebrate don the 15th day of the 4th lunar day may be observed (in some cases as a national holiday) on other dates in some countries.

Buddha Days Converted to Western Calendar

Full Moon Days 2024

Full Moon is very special every month for all practices, with all merit increased.

This is the day for Amitabha Pujas, Medicine Buddha Pujas, or a second Tara Puja (the main date being the 8th of the lunar month for Tara).
• January 25
• February 24
• March 25
• April 23
• May 23
• June 22
• July 21
• August 19
• September 18
• October 17
• November 15
• December 15

New Moon: Upavasatha Renewal Day and Vajrasattva Practice

Lama Zopa advised: The New Moon or “30th of Tibetan month; good for all practices.”

Lunar 30th Day New moon practices arose from the ancient tradition of Upavasatha or the practice of renewal on the new moon day. It is auspicious for all practices, and especially Shakyamuni Buddha practices, Vajrasattva and other purification practices such as Vajrakilaya.

The last day of the lunar month, or New Moon, is very auspicious and has high merit for all practices but it is especially the day for purifying all the negative karma of the previous month for a fresh start on the new month. Especially important for Mahayana Buddhists is Vajrasattva’s 100-syllable mantra, which purifies all negative karmas.

New Moon Days 2024

Lama Zopa advised: The New Moon or “30th of Tibetan month; good for practice.”
• January 11
• February 9
• February 9
• March 10
• April 8
• May 8 (The new moon of May occurs on May 7 at 11:22 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (0322 UTC May 8), in New York, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory.)
• June 6
• July 5
• August 4
• September 2
• October 2
• November 1
• November 30
• December 1
• December 30

Medicine Buddha Puja 2024

Medicine Buddha Puja is traditionally celebrated on the full moon of the lunar calendar (full moon dates above). It may also be honored on the 8th of the lunar month along with Tara Pujas.

• See our Dharma Dates 2024 for all dates in 2024!>>

Tara Puja Days 2023

Tara Puja Days are traditional celebrated on the 8th of the Lunar month — known affectionately as Tara Day! It is also often performed and honored on the full moon and all auspicious days. Any day can be Tara Day! For more on Tara Days and why they’re important, see>>

• January 18
• February 17
• March 17
• April 16
• May 15
• June 14
• July 14
• August 12
• September 11
• October 10
• November 9
• December None — as it’s an astrological skip month with no 8th day.

• See our Dharma Dates 2024 for all dates in 2024!>>

Tsog Offering

For a breakdown by Daka Tsog and Dakini Tsog dates see our Dharma Dates calendar. There are traditionally two:

• Daka (Hero) Tsog: 10th day of the lunar month
• Dakini (Heroine or Yogini) Tsog: 25th day of the lunar month.
• For all Tsog dates converted to the Western Calendar, see our Dharma Dates 2024>>

Lunar calendars can be confusing — especially since there are three systems: lunisiderial, lunisolar, and pure lunar. For this reason, our Lunar Dharma Dates calendar has different dates for Buddha Days, for example, since most of Asia and India use the lunisolar calendar while Tibetan Buddhism uses “skip days” and “double days” to make up for the difference in days between the lunar month/year and the solar. Since Tibetan Buddhism places a relatively larger emphasis on astrology and lunar, we have both the Lunisolar (traditional Chinese or Lunar calendar) and Tibetan Lunar dates indicated.

• To see our full year’s Dharma Date’s calendar, visit>>

Multiple dates: varies by tradition

For example, this year (solar 2024) New Year in the West is January 1, 2024, while Losar Tibetan Lunar New Year and also Chinese New Year — the Year of the Dragon! — is February 10, 2024.  February 15 is Nirvana Day and February 24 is Lantern Festival. In Tibetan Buddhism, the 15th Day of the First Month — this year of February 24 — is the Day of Miracles.

However, in 2024 — unlike 2023 — the Tibetan and Chinese Lunar Calendars mostly align, making it a less confusing year overall.

New Year Confusion

If you like New Years’ celebrations, you’ll be happy to know we mark four separate New Years!

• Solar Calendar: January 1, 2024
• Mahayana New Year: January 25, 2024
• Tibetan New Year LOSAR: February 10, 2024
• Chinese New Year: February 10, 2024
• Theravadan New Year: April 24, 2024

Special Buddha Days

The most important days of the Buddhist calendars — which are variously celebrated depending on the tradition) are always the Buddha Days:

• Nirvana Day (and Lantern Festival): February 24, 2024
• Magha Puja Day or Sangha Day: February 24, 2024
• Buddha’s 15 Days of Miracles: February 10-24 More about these special days here>>
• Buddha’s Day of Miracles: March 24, 2024
• Vesak Buddha Day (Mahayana): May 23, 2024
• Tibetan Vesak or Lord Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Paranirvana Day (Tibetan): May 23, 2024
• Lord Buddha’s First Teaching Buddha Day (Tibetan) July 10, 2024
• Asala Dharma Day (Theravadan): July 21, 2024
• Obon (Japan): August 13, 2024
• Lord Buddha’s Descent from God Real Day (Tibetan): November 15, 2024
• Bodhi Day: December 9, 2024

Special Buddha Days Mahayana Buddhism

• Medicine Buddha Annual Day: January 18
• Maitreya Buddha Special Day: February 9
• Shakyamuni Buddha Renunciation Day: March 17
• Ullambana All Souls Day (The textual origin of the festival is found in Buddha Speaks Ullambana Sutra.): September 18
• Bodhi Day: December 8

Annual Days

In addition to the Buddha Days celebrated on various dates by all traditions, there are some sacred annual days unique to Tibetan Buddhism:

• Lama Thubten Yeshe February 10, 2024
• Milarepa Day: Feb 23, 2024
• Lama Zopa Rinpoche: April 13, 2024
• Kyabje Garchen Rinpoche: April 15, 2024
• Guru Rinpoche Annual Day: June 16, 2024
• His Holiness the Dalai Lama: July 6 (89th birthday this year! May His Holiness live long)
• In the Japanese tradition, there is Obon or Ancestor Day, celebrating the ancestors, on August 28-30, 2024.
• His Holiness Sakya Trichen 79th Birthday September 7, 2024
• Lama Tsong Khapa December 25, 2024

Eclipse Days

In Tibetan Buddhism, days of lunar and solar eclipse are especially good for practice, and all merit from these activities is magnified. Eclipses for 2024 include:

• March 25 Lunar Eclipse
• April 8 Solar Eclipse
• September 19 Lunar Eclipse
• October 2 Solar Ecipse

Monthly Lunar Practices

Especially in Tibetan Buddhism, New Moon, Full Moon and 10th and 25th of the Lunar month are all important. For those with Highest Yoga Tantra commitments, the lunar 10th and 25th Tsog (Tsok) are commitments. The Tsog on the 10th is dedicated to the Dakas and the 25th to the Dakinis. The 10th is also monthly Guru Rinpoche Day.

• For a feature on Dakini Tsog’s significance, see>>
• The “meaning of Tsog” feature>>

The practices on the full moon are especially meritorious, and usually include Medicine Buddha Pujas and other auspicious activities. Full moon is on the 15th of any lunar month.

Full Moon Day: All Practices

Full Moon is very special every month for all practices, with all merit increased. This is the day for Amitabha Pujas, Medicine Buddha Pujas, or a second Tara Puja (the main date being the 8th of the lunar month for Tara).
• January 25
• February 24
• March 25
• April 23
• May 23
• June 22
• July 21
• August 19
• September 18
• October 17
• November 15
• December 15

Tara Days: 8th of the Lunar Month

The Eighth of the lunar month is also auspicious for all pujas and is especially sacred to Tara — often called Tara Day. Medicine Buddha Pujas are also common on this day.

These are the Tara Days in 2024 on the 8th of the Lunar Month:

• January 18
• February 17
• March 17
• April 16
• May 15
• June 14
• July 14
• August 12
• September 11
• October 10
• November 9
• December None — as it’s an astrological skip month with no 8th day.

Dakini Day and Tsog on the 25th of the Lunar Month:

• January 6
• February 5
• March 5
• April 4
• May 3
• July 1 and July 30
• August 28
• September 27
• October 26
• November 25
• December 25

About Tsog or Tsok Offering

Devoted Buddhists will celebrate with a Tsok (Tsog), a feast including food, singing, a group (or single) sadhana full of sound and celebration. The 10th is also celebrated with Daka Tsog to honor Guru Rinpoche and the Heroes (Dakas). Tsog is normally a commitment in higher yogic practices.

For a full story on “What is Tsog” see this feature>>

• Dakinis are portrayed as elusive, playful and often fierce and naked to symbolically convey how elusive true Wisdom encompassing “Emptiness” can be.

Dakinis: Protective, Mother, Activity, Wisdom

Without contradiction to their role as exemplars of Emptiness, Dakinis can also represent fierce activities (Lion-Faced Dakini, aspects of Tara), and protection (Green Tara and Palden Lhamo) — the ferocious protective love of a mother [For a story on Palden Lhamo, the female protector, view here>>].  Most Tibetan Buddhist temples and meditation centres try to arrange a monthly Tsog on this day each month, with celebrants bringing food as offerings. It is always a happy day, that invites blessings not only for the attendees, but for all sentient beings.

Padmasambhava described Dakinis as “the bestower of excellent blessings.” [3]

What is a Dakini?

The Dakini represents the divine feminine. (Khandroma in Tibetan, K’ung-hsing fo-mu in Chinese.) Dakini practices focus on Enlightened Feminine (although there are also some “unenlightened Dakinis”) — the Enlightened Dakinis such as Vajrayogini or Vajravarahi and, of course, Tara in all her forms. Dakini can also refer to female sangha, teachers and students who might be exemplars of the path.

In Buddhism, typically, the male Buddhas represent compassionate means, epitomized in Avaolokiteshvara (Chenrezig), while the female Buddhas represent Wisdom, typically exemplified in Tara or Vajrayogini. The symbols of bell and vajra (Ghanta and Dorje) represent female wisdom — the bell, which makes the sound of “Emptiness” — and the Vajra, representing compassionate means.

The Dakini is almost always an advanced practice, or Highest Yoga Tantra, largely because their practice explores the challenging notion of “Emptiness” (not be be confused with Nothingness. (For an article on Emptiness, see>>)

Padmasambhava, the great Eight Century Enlightened Yogi of Tibet, “reasoned that women are better equipped to realize the wisdom of the teachings…” [1]

Playful, Naked and Elusive

Just as true wisdom is “elusive”, the female enlightened, in the form of Dakinis, is very “elusive and playful.” [1] Dakinis recognize that true wisdom does not come from intellectual debate and meditative contemplation alone. The elusive wisdom of Dakinis is the ultimate wisdom of Emptiness.

Khandro Rinpoche defines the authentic dakini principle as “a very sharp, brilliant wisdom mind that is uncompromising, honest, with a little bit of wrath.” [1]

Dakini’s have always been a part of Buddhism, starting with the Jataka’s (stories of Buddha’s former lives) in which “divine beings are described as travelling through the air. In Sanskrit, such a being is called a dakini, a term generally translated as “space-goer,” “celestial woman,” or “cloud fairy.”” [2]

Dakinis are typically thought of as the emanation of the “Enlightened Mind” understanding Emptiness. Another concept usually tied to Dakini practice is “bliss” — the state of blissful awareness of emptiness.

It is a wonderful experience to have a moment that realizes emptiness, a feeling of joy-bliss rather than “nothingness.” This is why Dakinis are often portrayed as active, dancing, joyful or fierce, naked and unencumbered.

There are also male aspects, called Dakas. Typically, the 25th day of the lunar month is focused on Dakinis, while the 10th day of the lunar month (which is also a Tsok feast day) is for the Dakas — and also to celebrate Guru Rinpoche Day.

The Wisdom of Enlightenment

Wisdom, without Compassion, is not the path to Enlightenment, which is why, in Tantric Buddhism, Dakinis are often in union with male Herukas (Buddhas) — this symbolically demonstrates the union of Wisdom (Dakini) and Compassion (Heruka or “Hero”). This is symbolic, not literal — in other words not a sexual representation. It’s symbolically conveys you cannot have one without the other (wisdom without compassion, or compassion without wisdom) if your goal is to achieve Enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Also, that the union of wisdom and compassion bring bliss.

Nyingma master, Chagdud Tulku, explained, “Dakini refers to the feminine principle of wisdom that manifests in female form to benefit beings. We say the lama’s mind is the dakini because it embodies the inseparability of emptiness and wisdom, the absolute dakini. This absolute nature, dharmakaya, manifests as the subtle display of the samboghakaya dakini and the nirmanakhaya, or physical form of great female realization holders in order to benefit beings.” [2]

Dakini Power book:

Dakinis can come in many forms, but are normally portrayed as active, playful and fierce. The notable exeptions are the many manifestations of Tara [Read more about Green Tara here>>]. Most enlightened Dakinis can be thought of as emanations of Tara — at the level of ultimate reality. Tara herself, in her many forms, can be thought of as a Dakini:

The Four Classes the Four Empowerments

Padmasambhava taught there were “four classes of Dakinis, who are the Daknis of the four families of Vajra, Ratna, Padma, and Karma. They art spiritual beings who carry out the four activities of pacifying, increasing, magnetizing and subjugating.” Dakinis often are also visualized in advanced practices as giving the four empowerments: “the empowerments of vase, secret, wisdom knowledge and precious word.” [3]

Dakinis are also strongly associated with the great Mahasiddhas of India, particularly Vajrayogini. It is often said that all of the Mahasiddas relied on Dakinis. Also, most of the great Enlightened Yogis and Yoginis of India and Tibet practiced Dakinis.

Practicing Dakinis

There are, it is said, countless emanations of wisdom, although at the ultimate level, they are all one. Probably the best known Dakini is Vajrayogini. These practices do require a teacher and initiation, due to their profundity, but many Buddhists around the world attend Tsog (as spectators and to receive blessings) and Dakini public pujas as a blessing. Padmasambhava described the Dakini as the “bestower of excellent blessings.” [3].

Dakini mantras should not be recited without appropriate teachings and intimations, although many people will get started on the path to feminine wisdom with the practices and mantras of Tara, which do not require initiation:

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha

In addition, some Buddhists who may not yet have initiation, might set up a statue or tangkha of a Dakini, especially Vajrayogini, and present offerings. A student does not have to be initiated to honour the wisdom of Enlightenment. Initiation is a step towards realizing that Emptiness. But the precursor to that is often doing the things that Dakini’s delight in:

• Making offerings to all the Buddhas, Yidams and Dakinis, especially water offerings (a BW story on water offerings)>>
• Keeping vows and samaya with one’s teacher
• Taking Refuge in Guru, Buddha, Dharma Sangha (Guru and Three Precious Jewels.)
• Lamrim and foundation practices (a video on foundation and Lamrim practices here>>)
• Practice mindfulness and metta (loving kindness) meditation. Meditation is the path to wisdom. (Story on the ten benefits of Metta Loving Kindness Meditation here>>)
• Keep up your daily meditations and practice, and dedicate a little time to the contemplation of emptiness.

It is said that you do not have to call to Dakinis. Because we all have Buddha Nature, we all have Dakini within. Dakinis manifest spontaneously in our lives when we perform pleasing acts of compassion, conduct ourselves ethically, and follow the precepts.

Om Ah Hum.

NOTES

[1] Dakini Power, the book

[2] Kahanro.net  “Dakini”

[3] Page 24 in “Dakini Teachings”

“There are both male and female protectors (dharmapāla). Protectors are very extensive. They can be dharma protectors or worldly protectors. Your teacher is a dharma protector. A worldly protector can be someone who protects your country. There are protectors of your family and your beliefs. There are your personal protectors. There are guardian protectors who give you guidance. There are many of them. There are guides for food, for a journey, for your health, and during war. All these guides are like guardian angels.”

—Phakchok Rinpoche [1]

Three Jewels is Our Main Protection

Although the Three Jewels– Buddha, Dharma and Sangha — is always our main protection and our Buddhist Refuge, we can think of the Dharma Protectors as “our guardian angels” (just aas a metaphor, not literally!) as Phakchock Rinpoche explained (above.)

Dharma Protector Day is the monthly day we honour our metaphorical “guardian angels” or protectors, with puja practices or tea offerings. This special day, celebrated on the 29th day of each lunar month (the day before the New Moon), holds significant importance in the Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhist calendar.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the 29th day of the lunar month is considered an auspicious day and is observed as Dharma Protector Day – a day to honor and invoke the blessings of Dharma Protectors. This day, and these offerings are for all of the Dharma Protectors: Enlightened protectors, Yidam Protectors and Worldly Protectors. They protect the Dharma, and on the 29th day, we ask them to continue supporting and helping us.

A video on Palden Lhamo, the wrathful protector aspect of Tara, with a Tea Offering:

Who are the Dharma Protectors?

The term ‘Dharma Protectors’ or Dharmapalas refers to the protective deities like Mahakala and Palden Lhamo or Vaisravana. They tend to appear somewhat wrathful in appearance to symbolize their strong activities and power. They can be Enlightened, a few are Yidams, and many are Worldly (Worldly just means that like us, they are in the cycle of Samsara, and not yet Enlightened).

Their pivotal role is to create favorable conditions and remove any obstacles hindering progress on the spiritual path. The Dharmapalas may appear fearsome and wrathful, but this outward måanifestation is symbolic of their determination to overcome our inner obstacles and delusions. They can be Yidams, such as Hayagriva, or Enlightened Protectors such as Mahakala, or Worldly Protectors (unenlightened, still subject to karma and samsara) such as Vaisravana.

Quick Facts on Dharma Protector Day

• Dharma Protector Day is an auspicious occasion observed on the 29th day of the lunar month, considered the day before the New Moon (Source: Lion’s Roar). Usually we make tea offerings and perform protector Pujas.
• This day is dedicated to the honoring of Dharmapalas or Dharma Protectors, spiritual entities who create favorable conditions for spiritual growth by eliminating obstacles (Source: Britannica).
• Within Vajrayana Buddhism, Dharmapalas such as Mahakala, Palden Lhamo, and Vaisravana are honored  for their assistance and commitment to safeguarding Dharma (Source: Lama Yeshe).
• Observing Dharma Protector Day is thought to strengthen the connection between practitioners and the Dharmapalas, thereby facilitating one’s spiritual journey (Source: Study Buddhism).

The Dharma Protector Puja Days in 2024

Video on Black Mahakala, the Enlightened Protector:

Why is Dharma Protector Day important in Vajrayana Buddhism?

The purpose of Dharma Protector Day is not just a religious observance, rather it serves as a time for the believer to engage deeper in spiritual introspection and invocation to the protectors. As you explore Vajrayana Buddhism, this recognition and reverence of the Dharma Protectors can serve as an integral component of your spiritual journey.

There are eight famous Dharmapalas — often called the Eight Wrathful Ones — across many lineages (although lineages vary widely), and they are generally categorized in three ways:

• Wrathful Yidams (ishtadeveta) such as Hayagriva and Vajrabhairava (Yamantaka). Although they are wrathful and protectors, they are also Yidams (when we have permission and empowerment) and can be a wrathful personal deity. These are always wrathful emanations of the Buddhas: Hayagriva is wrathful Amitabha and Yamantaka is typically wrathful Manjushri. They are fully Enlightened and inseparable from all the Buddhas.
• Wisdom Protectors (or Enlightened Protectors), such as Mahakala and Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa (Yamadamaraja), as well as Begtse Chen. Although they are Enlightened, and are emanations of Buddhas, these are not Yidams so we usually don’t have permission to self-generate. In other words, we visualize them in front of us, with ourselves as our personal Yidam. 
• Worldly Protectors such as Vaisravana (Riding a Lion) and Tsangpa Karpo (White Brahma). Worldly Protectors are powerful and helpful and protect the Dharma, and are oath-bound, but they’re not yet considered fully Enlightened as they remain, like us, in the Samsaric cycle. Examples include: Vaishravana (North king), Dhritarashtra (East), Virudhaka (South), Virupaksha (West).

These are the main types of Dharmapals, although there are many, many others, especially in the Worldly Protectors, such as the Four Kings (Guardians of the Four Directions), the Guardians of the Ten Directions, and many more.

Yellow Jambhala is an Enlightened Aspect of Ratnsasambhava:

Who are the Eight Dharmapalas or Dharma Protectors?

These are the eight best known Dharmapalas, in alphabetical order:

• Begtse Chen — A warrior Enlightened protector of the Buddhist teachings. He is usually a Wisdom Protector, not a Yidam. Source: Himalayan Art
• Mahakala — Known as the ‘Great Black One’, associated with courage and protection. He is an Enlightened Protector and emanates from various Buddhas depending on the specific tantra or lineage, but we rarely self-generate or take him as a Yidam. Learn more about Mahakala in our full feature “Three Men in Black and the Miracles of Mahakala”>>
• Ekajati, Ugra Tara or Blue or Black Tara — She has different appearances but famously is depicted with one eye and one tooth, associated with spiritual transformation. She is fully Enlightened, as an emanation of Tara. Source: Himalayan Art
• Kalarupa, Yamadamaraja, or Yama — associated with wisdom and righteousness, and usually considered Enlightened but NOT a Yidam or personal practice. Source: Himalayan Art
• Palden Lhamo — The only female Dharmapala, revered as a fierce and Enlightened powerful protector, and also the protector of both Tibet and the Dalai Lama. Like Mahakala, she is Enlightened but not a personal Yidam. To learn more about Palden Lhamo, see our full feature>
• Tshangs pa — Known as the White Brahma, regarded as a worldly protector of monasteries and the Buddhist teachings. Source: Himalayan Art
• Vaisravana — Also known as Kubera, the Guardian of the Northern Direction. Although there is a tendency in many traditions to think of him as Wisdom Protector, he is usually considered Worldly, but very important. Learn More about Vaisravana in our feature>>
• Yamantaka or Vajrabhairava — Yamantaka is the “slayer of death” or “slayer of Yama” and is a fully Enlightened Protector as well as a Yidam (Highest Yoga Tantra generally, with permission only), associated with overcoming death and fear. To learn more about Yamantaka Vajrabhairava see our feature>>

Yamantaka as a Yidam as well as protector, explained in a Video:

Example: Three Protectors of the Lamrim in the Gelulg Tradition

Although there are many protectors with different specialties — each suited to the individual needs of various students– there are three main protectors in the Gelug traditions — although they are not exclusive to the Gelug school. Mahakala and Vaisravana are certainly common to all lineages.  Most lineages honor and make offerings and practices toThree Protectors of the Lamrim, suitable for any Buddhist, who are:

• Mahakala (Tib: Nagpo Chenpo): Often depicted in a wrathful form to represent his relentless determination to safeguard Dharma, Mahakala is one of the most revered Dharma Protectors. According to Lama Zopa Mahaklala’s focus as a protector  is “meditation, shamatha, the protector of meditation is Mahakala.”
• Vaisravana: Often called the “Northern King” and appearing as a wealth deity,  Vaisravana (or Jambhala) is called upon not only for material abundance but also spiritual wealth. He clears away poverty and obstacles, enabling believers to practice the Dharma unhindered. He teaches us “morality” and especially generosity. Lama Zopa wrote:  Vaisravana is the Protector of “the higher training of morality.”
• Kalarupa (Dharmaraja; Tib: Chögyal) according to Lama Zopa is the protector who helps us grasp “emptiness, the higher training of wisdom, that’s Kalarupa.

Lineage Protectors and Personal Protectors

Many of us have more specialized protectors. For instance, a devotee of Tara may feel drawn to her most wrathful emanation Palden Lahmo.

• To learn more about Palden Lhamo, see our full feature>>

Then, many lineages and temples have specific protectors for their lineage or temple. For those, we are normally guided by our lineage and teachers. For example, Sera Je Monastery treasures Hayagriva as its protector.

• To learn more about Hayagriva, see our full feature>>

Specialized Protectors

There are many lineages of specialized teachings on very focused protectors, such as White Mahakala, who is an Enlightened Protector who emanates from Avalokiteshvara. Or, Black Manjushri, a wrathful healing emanation of Manjushri. Or, Shabala Garuda, Lion-Faced Dakini and other practices which may be given to us as a special focus by our teachers.

These are typically Enlightened Protectors, usually not Yidams, although they can be. If you are taking a specialized deity as a Yidam, it should be with the permission of your teacher, together with empowerment and teachings.

• For a feature on White Mahakala, see>>
• For a feature on Lion-Faced Dakini, see>>
• For a feature on Shabala Garuda, see>>
• For a feature on Ganesha, Enlightened Protector (emanation of Avalokiteshvara), see>>

Sources

[1] https://www.samyeinstitute.org/event/dharma-protector-day/2022-09-24/