The Great Black One

The wrathful deity Mahakala looks over the human realm from the skies above. He is no ordinary Mahakala. He is punk Mahakala! Why punk? The term punk is not just for aesthetics—it goes much deeper. To reject all earthly desires in order to stay on the path of liberation and dharma is the basic ideology of Buddhism. Isn’t that a bit “punk”?

Growing up in a closed-off neighborhood and a turbulent home, I always felt different and unusual. I broke rules. I grew up in a sub-culture of anime, cartoons, manga, and a traditional Buddhist, Hindu, and Rai household. I continuously reinvented myself.

My path to dharma came from a dark time in my life, when light seeped in through the weeping willows. I found myself. I was finally accepted, somewhere, somehow. In this day and age, Mahakala is manifested from a part of my soul. He may not look traditional, but I know, for a fact, that he is real, for I felt his calling! The manifestation of Mahakala is so pure, unique, and powerful, because it is the only way I can actually see him. I feel it is the closest I’ve ever been to “The Great One.”

And yet there is also Baby Karma—my alter ego! Once a child who was ignored became the child who started to ignore. Baby Karma was a trouble child and a troubled child. We all have Baby Karma in us, and that is okay! From the witnessing of the Wrathful Ones I was able to console my inner child. I learned vulnerability through surrender; I learned vulnerability through acceptance.

Before Baby Karma never bowed to anyone. Now Baby Karma bows his head in the presence of Mahakala’s fierce compassion. Baby Karma wears a karmic chain with three hearts representing a rooster, pig, and snake, the symbols of the three poisons that lead to suffering. The chain is around his neck, suggesting the battle to overcome adversity occurs on a daily basis. It is a life-long effort and journey.

In Buddhism, a severed hand or body part represents detachment from material things. Here, the cat head balloon symbolizes detachment. The alien octopus represents karmic entanglements and the recurrence of suffering. Baby Karma is the epitome of perseverance.

Which is a little punk too.