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Dakini (Skt., Tib. mkha'.'gro.ma. [khan dro ma]) Literally "one who goes to the sky," referring to the wisdom manifestation of enlightened awareness, which is usually pictured in a semi-wrathful feminine form. Dark Age (Tib. snyigs.ma'.dus. [nyek may dii], Skt. kaliyuga) Characterization of epochs of time in which no historical Buddha has or will appear and in which no Buddhadharma is available. Also used to refer to the degeneration of morality, discipline, and spiritual wisdom within various eras and societies, including that of our present world and age. Dependent Origination see 1WELVE LINKS OF DEPENDENT ORIGINATION Dewachen (Tib. bde.ba.can. [de wa chen], Skt. sukhdvati) The pure land of Buddha Amitabha. See AMITABHA, PURE LANDS DharaQi (Skt., Tib. gzhungs. [zhung]) Invocation; an unusually long mantra. Dharma (Skt., Tib. chos. [chO]) In Buddhism there are three essential meanings: the teachings given by Lord Buddha Sakyamuni, collectively termed the Dharma; all phenomena, including ideas and emotions, called dharmas; and the essential truth or ultimate nature of the mind, which is termed dharmakdya. Dharmakaya (Skt., Tib. chos.kyi.sku. [chO kyi ku]) A term denoting the aspect of essential truth in the nature of all existence, a perspective recognized by those attaining enlightenment. Said to be wholly without form, distinct and yet inseparable from any sentient expression or experience, it is the mind quality of the buddhas. See TRIKAY A Dharmapalas (Skt., Tib. chos.skyong. [chO kyong]) Literally "protector of the Dharma," referring to the quality of immediacy and power of the buddhas' enlightened awareness that demonstrates itself through the four buddha activities to eliminate the obstacles encountered along the path to liberation though the display of compassion that is embodied in a terrifying or wrathful appearance. Dharmata (Skt., Tib. chos.nyid. [chO nye]) The nature or truth of being; experience in its totality, just as it is; the fundamental nature of all phenomena. Dorje Chang see VAJRADHARA Dorje Sempa see VAJRASATTV A Dzogrim (Tib. rdzogs.rim. [dzog rim], Skt. sa't'Pannakrama) Often translated as completion stage or perfecting yoga of the anuttarayogatantra. In this stage of meditation, the practice focuses upon identifying one's mind with that of the yidam, thereby perfecting the accomplishment of the first