[promise-having]; name of a deity who has promised to defend Buddhism
a vow-holder; loyal guardians, samaya-bound, vow-holders. protectors; oath-bound one; ex. {chos skyong dam can rgya mtsho} the ocean of vowed guardians and dharmapalas
faithful protectors {dam can rnams la grogs mdzod cig ces bstan pa'i srung mar gnyer gtad cing skos so} appointed the faithful protectors as his companions to protect the doctrine