A Mahakala is a wrathful deity of Tibetan Buddhism which devours
death, time, confusion and ignorance. Mahakala means (etymologically, at least)
that which absorbs all time. Maha (great-big) -Kala (the cosmic nature of
time) signifies transcendent-time, absolute, eternal, measureless, ever-present,
and into which all dissolves. Mahakalas come in different forms (some with
four arms, some with six etc.) and are largely seen as protectors, in that
they destroy the five kleshas (defilements or corruptions of the mind, like
greed, hatred and ignorance) so that the five wisdoms may emerge (Buddha, Ratna,
Padma, Karma and Vajra).
An example of a four-armed Mahakala:
The four arms of this manifestation of Mahakala perform one of the following four positive karmas or actions, which are said to be his specific boon to his worshippers:
1) Pacify sickness, hindrances, and troubles.
2) Increase life, good qualities and wisdom.
3) Attract whatever Dharma practitioners need and bring people to the Dharma.
4) Destroy confusion, doubt, and ignorance.
“Mahakala,” as with many of my other paintings, embodies a number
of conflicting energies (I see them as faces, masks or directions) all pushing
and pulling. The central form is the intermediary between the two
greater halves of the background. On the right, there is a white beam that is
dispersed as the Mahakala passes over it, and the canvas becomes uniform, white
and empty. This same element serves as a kind of headlight or charging path of
focus for the deity.