Four Buddhist Heavenly Kings: Mantras and Sadhana

The Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism are important in most lineages and traditions. Known as the Chaturmahārāja in Sanskrit — Maha meaning great and Raja meaning king —  they have an important role as devas or gods who protect...

Four Buddhist Heavenly Kings: Mantras and Sadhana

Four Buddhist Heavenly Kings: Mantras and Sadhana

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The Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism are important in most lineages and traditions.


Known as the Chaturmahārāja in Sanskrit — Maha meaning great and Raja meaning king —  they have an important role as devas or gods who protect the Dharma and the world. They are also called Lokapāla, meaning “guardians of the world.” 

Each Heavenly King protects a cardinal direction and an associated Pureland, a Buddhist virtue, and protects from a major poison. Each has a powerful mantra, a special entourage, including a sacred animal, and a special focus in practice.

One of their primary roles, is to protect our senses, which in Buddhist practices are called the gateways of Samsara and also the gateways of Dharma.

Here we provide PDF downloads of Pujas, Practices, Sadhanas, and Sutras for recitation:


Four Buddhist Heavenly Kings: Mantras and Sadhana

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