Buddha Aspects, Meditation Deities, Celestial Buddhas

Avalokiteśvara | Chenrezig

In Buddhism, Avalokiteśvara is a Bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. He can manifest himself in many forms. This Bodhisattva is variably depicted, described and portrayed in different cultures as either male or female. In Tibet, he is known as Chenrezig. In China, Taiwan and other Chinese communities, Avalokiteśvara has evolved into the somewhat different female figure Guanyin or Guanshiyin;

Parṇaśavarī

Parṇaśavarī (Tib. Lhamo Loma Gyunma) is a Buddhist deity of diseases, her worship is believed to offer effective protection against out-breaks of epidemics and contagious illnesses. Parṇaśavarī mantra helps all kinds of epidemic illnesses, threats and obstacles. In English her name is sometimes translated as Mountain Ascetic - Wearing Leaves. Parṇaśavarī is usually depicted in a yellow natural colour, with 3 faces and 6 hands.

Uṣṇīṣavijaya | Namgyälma

Uṣṇīṣavijaya ("Victorious One with Uṣṇīṣa"; Tibetan: Tsuktor Namgyälma) is a Buddha of long life in Buddhism in female form. She removes obstacles that shorten one’s life-span. She is a helper of Buddha Amitāyus. Uṣṇīṣa is a 3-dimensional oval topknot at the top of the head. Uṣṇīṣavijaya is typically depicted as being white in colour, seated, and has 8 arms, holding various symbolic implements in hands.

Ākāśagarbha

Ākāśagarbha (Japanese pronunciation: Kokūzō Bosatsu; Tibetan: Namkhai Nyingpo) is a Bodhisattva in Chinese, Japanese and Korean Buddhism who is associated with the Great Element (mahābhūta) of Space (ākāśa). He is one of the 8 Great Bodhisattvas. The Mantra of Ākāśagarbha is popularly used by Shingon Buddhists, Chinese Esoteric Buddhists, and artists. It is believed to give rise to Wisdom and creativity, and dispel Ignorance.

Sarvanivāraṇaviṣkambhin

Sarvanivāraṇaviṣkambhin is a Bodhisattva revered in Mahāyāna Buddhism. He is invoked to remove or eliminate all the obstacles to insure a successful meditation. In iconography, he has often a flower in one hand, sometimes with a Jewel (Cintāmaṇi). Sarvanivāraṇaviṣkambhin is best known to meditators and is not an important subject to individual worship like other 7 Mahāsattvas. He is one of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas

Vajrapāṇi

Vajrapāṇi ("Vajra in his hand") is one of the earliest-appearing Bodhisattvas in Mahāyāna Buddhism. He is the protector and guide of Gautama Buddha and rose to symbolize the Buddha's Power. Vajrapāṇi is extensively represented in Buddhist iconography. Vajrapāṇi is one of the earliest Dharmapālas of Mahāyāna Buddhism and also appears as a deity in the Pāḷi Canon of the Theravāda school. Vajrapāṇi holds Vajra.

5 Wisdom Buddhas

The 5 Wisdom Buddhas or the 5 Tathāgatas (Sanskrit: pañca-Tathāgata) or 5 Dhyāna Buddhas in Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna Buddhism are 5 Buddhas which are often venerated together. These 5 Buddhas are: Akṣobhya, Ratnasambhava, Vairocana, Amitābha, and Amoghasiddhi. Each of them rule their own Pure Land and quality. They are sometimes seen as emanations and representations of the 5 qualities of the Ādi-Buddha.

Amoghasiddhi

Amoghasiddhi (in Tibetan: Dönyö Drubpa) is the last of the 5 Dhyāna or Wisdom Buddhas. Amoghasiddhi occupies the Northern Quarter of the maṇḍala. He is depicted as a Bhikṣu, and is deep green in colour. His name means Infallible (Amogha) Success (siddhi). Amoghasiddhi is the head of the Karma family of the 5 Buddhas’ Mandala. He is associated with Energy & holds double vajra.

Vajradhara | Dorje Chang

Vajradhara (Tibetan: Dorje Chang; English: Diamond-holder) is the ultimate Primordial Buddha, or Ādi Buddha, according to the Sakya, Gelug and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He is depicted as dark blue in colour, expressing the quintessence of Buddhahood itself and representing the essence of the historical Buddha's realization of Enlightenment. His arms are crossed on his breast holding the Vajra (thunderbolt) and Ghanta (bell).

Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva

Mahāsthāmaprāpta is a Bodhisattva Mahāsattva who represents the power of wisdom. His name literally means "arrival of the great strength". He is rarely worshipped alone, but he features in several Mahāyāna Sūtras and he is famous as a servant of Buddha Amitābha, always portrayed as standing guard to Amitābha’s throne, together with Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara: His name in Japan is Seishi bosatsu, one of 13 Buddhas.

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