Difference between revisions of "Lokapala"
(Created page with "thumb|250px| <poem> '''Lokapāla''', Sanskrit and Pāli for "guardian of the world", has different uses depending on whether it is found in a Hindu o...") |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:Lokapāla_02.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Lokapāla_02.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | '''Lokapāla''', Sanskrit and Pāli for "guardian of the | + | '''Lokapāla''', [[Sanskrit]] and [[Pāli]] for "guardian of the [[World]]", has different uses depending on whether it is found in a Hindu or Buddhist context. |
| − | In Hinduism, lokapāla refers to the Guardians of the Directions associated with the four cardinal directions. | + | In [[Hinduism]], lokapāla refers to the Guardians of the Directions associated with the four cardinal directions. |
| − | In Buddhism, lokapāla refers to the Four Heavenly Kings, and to other protector spirits, whereas the Guardians of the Directions are referred to as the 'dikpālas' | + | In [[Buddhism]], lokapāla refers to the [[Four Heavenly Kings]], and to other protector spirits, whereas the Guardians of the Directions are referred to as the 'dikpālas' |
| − | In Buddhism | + | In [[Buddhism]] |
| − | In Buddhism, lokapāla (Wylie: 'jig rten pa'i srung ma) are one of two broad categories of Dharmapāla ( | + | In [[Buddhism]], lokapāla (Wylie: 'jig rten pa'i srung ma) are one of two broad categories of Dharmapāla ([[Protectors]] of the Buddhist [[Religion]]) -the other category being [[Wisdom]] [[Protectors]]. |
| − | In Tibetan Buddhism many of these worldly protector deities are indigenous Tibetan deities, mountain | + | In [[Tibetan Buddhism]] many of these worldly protector deities are indigenous Tibetan deities, mountain [[Gods]], demons, spirits or [[Ghosts]] that have been subjugated by [[Padmasambhava]] or other great adepts and oath bound to protect a [[Monastery]], geographic region, particular tradition or as guardians of [[Buddhism]] in general. |
| − | These worldly | + | These worldly [[Protectors]] are invoked and propitiated to aid the [[Monastery]] or Buddhist practitioner materially and to remove obstacles to practice. However, since they are considered to be Samsaric beings they are not worshiped or considered as objects of [[Refuge]]. |
| − | According to Tripitaka Master Shramana Hsuan Hua of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, All of these beings are invoked (hooked and summoned) and exhorted to behave (subdued) and protect | + | According to [[Tripitaka]] Master Shramana [[Hsuan Hua]] of the City of Ten Thousand [[Buddhas]], All of these beings are invoked (hooked and summoned) and exhorted to behave (subdued) and protect [[THE DHARMA]] and its practitioners in [[The Shurangama Mantra]] |
| − | Classes of Worldly Protectors | + | Classes of Worldly [[Protectors]] |
Classes of Worldy Protector include: | Classes of Worldy Protector include: | ||
Lokapāla | Lokapāla | ||
| − | The Four Heavenly Kings - (Tib. Gyalpo) | + | The [[Four Heavenly Kings]] - (Tib. Gyalpo) |
Oathbound spirits - (Tib. Damchen) | Oathbound spirits - (Tib. Damchen) | ||
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
| − | [[ | + | [[Category:Deities]] |
[[Category:Buddhist Cosmology]] | [[Category:Buddhist Cosmology]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Four heavenly kings]] | ||
Revision as of 13:11, 7 May 2013
Lokapāla, Sanskrit and Pāli for "guardian of the World", has different uses depending on whether it is found in a Hindu or Buddhist context.
In Hinduism, lokapāla refers to the Guardians of the Directions associated with the four cardinal directions.
In Buddhism, lokapāla refers to the Four Heavenly Kings, and to other protector spirits, whereas the Guardians of the Directions are referred to as the 'dikpālas'
In Buddhism
In Buddhism, lokapāla (Wylie: 'jig rten pa'i srung ma) are one of two broad categories of Dharmapāla (Protectors of the Buddhist Religion) -the other category being Wisdom Protectors.
In Tibetan Buddhism many of these worldly protector deities are indigenous Tibetan deities, mountain Gods, demons, spirits or Ghosts that have been subjugated by Padmasambhava or other great adepts and oath bound to protect a Monastery, geographic region, particular tradition or as guardians of Buddhism in general.
These worldly Protectors are invoked and propitiated to aid the Monastery or Buddhist practitioner materially and to remove obstacles to practice. However, since they are considered to be Samsaric beings they are not worshiped or considered as objects of Refuge.
According to Tripitaka Master Shramana Hsuan Hua of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, All of these beings are invoked (hooked and summoned) and exhorted to behave (subdued) and protect THE DHARMA and its practitioners in The Shurangama Mantra
Classes of Worldly Protectors
Classes of Worldy Protector include:
Lokapāla
The Four Heavenly Kings - (Tib. Gyalpo)
Oathbound spirits - (Tib. Damchen)
