Yamantaka Mantra
Significance & Meaning
Invoking the Conqueror of Death, wrathful Manjushri, to destroy ignorance and overcome death
The Yamantaka Mantra invokes Yamantaka ("Destroyer of Death"), the wrathful emanation of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.
Meaning
- Om - Sacred universal syllable
- Yamantaka - "Destroyer of Yama (death)"
- Hum - Seed syllable of the mind of all Buddhas
- Phat - Wrathful syllable that cuts through obstacles
The Legend
According to Tibetan tradition, Manjushri manifested as Yamantaka specifically to subdue Yama, the Lord of Death, who was causing harm to beings. By appearing in a form even more terrifying than Death itself—with the head of a water buffalo (Yama's own form)—Manjushri conquered death and transformed it into a protector of the Dharma.
Forms of Yamantaka
- Vajrabhairava - The most elaborate form with 34 arms, 16 legs, 9 heads
- Yamantaka - Simpler form
- Rakta (Red) Yamantaka - Associated with magnetizing
Visualization
Yamantaka is depicted:
- Blue-black in color
- Water buffalo head with horns
- Multiple arms and legs
- Extremely wrathful expression
- Standing on various beings representing conquered negative forces
Benefits
- Destroys ignorance (the root of cyclic existence)
- Overcomes fear of death
- Subdues negative forces and obstacles
- Extremely powerful protection
- Central practice in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism
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