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Protector of Our Lineage
In preparation for this Losar Year of the Fire Horse, we will hold a Mahakala retreat, focusing on the main protector of our Kagyu tradition, especially in the form of Bernagchen Mahakala, the “Black Cloak,” the personal protector of the Karmapas and a principal protector of the Karma Kagyu school.
In Vajrayana, Mahakala is a dharmapala, a protector of the Dharma and its practioners, and a wrathful manifestation of enlightened compassion, often described as arising from Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) or Vajradhara.
We turn to Mahakala to:
Dispel outer obstacles – illness, harmful conditions, natural disasters, and disturbances,
Pacify inner obstacles – fear, depression, anger, jealousy, and doubt,
Cut secret obstacles – subtle habits of ego-clinging and confusion that block direct recognition of our own nature.
In our protector supplications we invoke “Lama, Gonpo, Yermepa.” Lama refers here especially to the Karmapa as our root guru and, through him, the Kagyu lineage as a whole. Gonpo is Mahakala, the main protector deity of this lineage. Yermepa refers to the yidam deities, the intimate meditation forms of awakened mind. Calling on “Lama, Gonpo, Yermepa” together reminds us that guru, protector, and yidam are inseparable aspects of one awakened activity supporting our practice.
As some teachings explain, this is a way of remembering that guru, yidam, and protector are one taste: different expressions of awakened mind acting through blessing, realization, and protection.
Mahakala Biography
From the Buddhist side, Mahakala is understood as a fully enlightened wisdom deity, appearing in fierce form to subdue negativity and protect the Dharma. He is often depicted dark blue or black, wreathed in flames, wearing a crown of five skulls symbolizing the five poisons transformed into the five wisdoms, and trampling on obstacles to liberation.
In the Kagyu tradition—especially in the Karma Kagyu—Mahakala is regarded as the main protective deity of the lineage, intimately connected with the activity of the Karmapas.
Mahakala Losar New Year Retreat Schedule
Friday, February 13th
Day of arrival for retreatants lodging at Vajra Vidya
Saturday, February 14th through Tuesday, February 17th
7:30 am - 8:00 am | Breakfast
9:00 am - 10:00 am | Community Practice with Khenpo Jigme
10:30 am - 12:00 pm | 1st Session with Khenpo Jigme
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm | Lunch
2:30 - 5:30 pm | 2nd Session and Tsok Offering with Khenpo Jigme
5:30 - 6:00 pm | Dinner
Wednesday, February 18th
Day of departure for retreatants lodging at Vajra Vidya