The concept of a Dharma Protector or Dharmapala is unique to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Dharma Protectors can either be worldly beings or emanations of enlightened Beings, for example Lord Setrap who is an emanation of Buddha Amitabha.

Dharma Protectors usually manifest as wrathful deities; however their wrath is not one of anger but that of a mother protecting her child. This expedites their work to clear outer, inner and secret obstacles in our lives, especially towards our spiritual practice. Dharma Protectors are also known for providing efficacious protection from black magic. Though in a wrathful form, Dharma Protectors are always motivated by compassion and loving care for all sentient beings.