The Wrathful Protector Mahakala: Folio from a Manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom)
Not on view
These manuscript paintings do not illustrate the adjacent doctrinal text but instead bring auspiciousness and act to protect the collected body of Buddhist writings. This unusual six-armed red Avalokiteshvara holds a bow to dispel impediments standing in the way of enlightenment, as well as a mala (string of prayer beads), a text, and a lotus. His final hand is lowered in the boon-giving gesture (varada mudra). As Avalokiteshvara’s ferocious manifestation, Mahakala (The Great Black One) rids the world of corruption and protects the monastic community as well as the Buddha’s teachings (the dharma). In this early depiction, he is surrounded by a flaming halo and wears a garland of severed heads.
On view from September 25, 2021–February 22, 2022
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