Dharma Protectors are an important part of the Buddhist Pantheon of Vajrayana practice. The Sanskrit term dharmapala literally means the guardian of the dharma. The Vajrayana called upon this group of beings for the protection of its teachings and institutions, but they can also be invoked by the individual practitioner. Some dharma protectors are holy beings, being emanations of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. Some, however are spirits, celestial beings, animals, or even demons who have been subjugated by a Great Master and bound under oath. When you have the desire to benefit and make happy all sentient beings and keep your precepts, the dharma protectors will come to protect and uphold your practice, wipe out your demonic obstructions and assist you in becoming enlightened. The dharma protectors will safeguard your road to liberation. It is the dharma protectors who will open your chakras to enable you to receive supernormal powers. If the holy dharmapalas are properly evoked by one who practices the correct dharma, they can also bestow blessings and empowerment that will enable that person to quickly become an enlightened holy being. The dharma protectors will not allow nectar to be bestowed or other initiations to take place unless the recipients are qualified according to the dharma. Lion Vajra, Kalachakra Vajra, Ekajati Vajra, Vajrakilaya Vajra, Yamataka Vajra, Chakrasamvara Vajra, Hayagriva Vajra, Mahakala Vajra, Yama Vajra, and Guhyasamaja Vajra are the ten major dharmapalas in the lineage of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III observed at the Holy Vajrasana Temple & Retreat Center as shown on our Lineage Refuge Tree. Skanda Bodhisattva, Guan Yu Bodhisattva, and Ucchusma Vajra are also important dharmapalas as is Shri Deva Vajra who has an important role in certain ceremonies. Ekajati Vajra and Shri Deva Vajra are both female dharmapalas.
