Question asked by Demian
Are Yamantaka, Palden Lhamo, Rahula, Dorje Shugden, Yama, Begtse, Hayagriva, and other dharmapalas used for black magic? I've heard of stories of Vajrapani destroying enemies of Buddhism and Yamantaka destroying lamas that oppose him, but does that mean that they are used for black magic?
As for exorcisms, is there such thing as self-exorcisms and simple exorcisms? I have been worried about becoming possessed by unenlightened deities and demons.
And finally, is there are there Buddhist mantras for Yama, Begtse, Rahula, and other Bon deities? I have been wanting to know the Buddhist mantras for Yama, Begtse, and Rahula as I have had some kind of connections with Yamantaka and Begtse.
Also, what does having goosebumps during meditation and praying mean? I often have this feeling of goosebumps and rising energy in me that makes me unsure as if I am being haunted or I have reached the awakening.
Dear Demian,
Thank you for your question. In regards to Yamantaka, he is not considered a Dharma protector within the Gelug tradition but a Yidam or meditational deity. This means that through Yamantaka’s practice we can actually achieve enlightenment. This is different to a Dharma protector, whose role is to aid us in practicing the Dharma. Similarly, depending on the form of Hayagriva he is either a Yidam or Dharma Protector. The others you have mentioned are all Dharma protectors.
Dharma protectors cannot be used or called upon for the purposes of black magic, this would go against their very nature if they are enlightened beings or against their vows if oath-bound worldly beings. Yes, it is written that Vajrapani destroyed enemies and Yamantaka also destroyed the lamas opposing his practice. However one must realise that the reasons for doing so were based on pure compassion for all sentient beings and not for reasons of self-gain, which is what black magic is used for.
I am not sure exactly which story you are referring to in the case of Vajrapani. However in the case of Yamantaka, these lamas were actually killed for the greater good, which was the spread of Yamantaka’s practice, through which many people gained enlightenment and will gain enlightenment in the future. In fact it is said that the lamas that were killed, actually manifested this situation so that Yamantaka’s practice would be accepted in Tibet. They were part of a plan involving enlightened beings, so that the practice could benefit others.
In regards to self-exorcisms, I do not know of any such procedure although they may appear in Highest Yoga Tantra. However, when engaging in Tantric practice since you become the deity, you can protect yourself from any negative entities that may seek possession of a person. However, for those who do not have Tantric initiation, the best way to avoid possession would be the practice of a Dharma protector. For example the practice of Trakze, the wrathful form of Dorje Shugden, is known to bestow very powerful protection against spirits, black magic and possession. You can find out more here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/trakze-to-dispel-black-magic-spirits.html.
The mantras you have asked for are not usually practiced without a Guru’s permission. In regards to Rahula, you can read more about him here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/dharma-protectors-of-tibetan-buddhism.html. I am not sure if Bon deities have mantras as Bon is a different tradition than Buddhism and its various practices.
Goosebumps when meditating doesn’t necessarily mean that you are being haunted, a lot of people have different physical sensations when they meditate. On the other hand it doesn’t mean that you have reached a stage of awakening, it is just something that can happen. You can read about the various stages of spiritual awakening, such as the levels of a Bodhisattva, in the Ten Stages and Paths of a Bodhisattva. If you are still worried about this, you can engage in the practice of Trakze, following the link above. I hope that helps.
Thank you.