Mahāpratisarā Bodhisattva (大隨求菩薩)

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  Chinese: 观音菩萨 (Guānyīn Púsà)
• Sanskrit: Avalokiteśvara
• Meaning: "The Lord Who Looks Down" (in compassion)
• Summary:
• Avalokitesvara, known as Guan Yin in Chinese and Chenrezig in Tibetan Buddhism, is the embodiment of the compassion of all Buddhas. Guan Yin is one of the most widely worshipped bodhisattvas in Asia. As the Bodhisattva of Compassion, he is deeply revered for his infinite compassion and willingness to help all sentient beings. According to the "Lotus Sutra", Avalokitesvara can manifest in any form needed to relieve suffering, which has led to a multitude of representations across different cultures. In China, Guan Yin is often depicted as a female figure, signifying gentle compassion and mercy. One of the most famous depictions is with a thousand arms and eyes on each hand, symbolizing his omnipresent ability to assist the suffering beings in the samsaric world. His mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum", is one of the most widely used in Buddhism, encapsulating the essence of compassion and the altruistic desire to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

Green Tara

• Chinese: 绿度母 (Lǜ Dùmǔ)
• Sanskrit: Śyāmatārā
• Meaning: "Green Savior"
• Summary: Green Tara is a revered female Bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism and is considered a manifestation of the active, compassionate force of all Buddhas. She is one of the most popular deities in Tibetan Buddhism, known for her swift response to those who invoke her. Green Tara is especially associated with protection from fear and the eight great dangers in samsaric existence, such as pride, delusion, and jealousy. She is often depicted in a posture of ease and readiness for action, reflecting her commitment to assist beings swiftly. Her green color symbolizes the active and energetic aspect of compassion, and her hand gestures (mudras) represent the granting of wishes and protection. Green Tara's practice involves various meditations and mantras, central to which is the mantra "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha", seeking her quick intervention and aid. Her role in Buddhist practice is profound, offering an accessible path to liberation and enlightenment through compassion and active engagement in the world.

Manjusri Bodhisattva

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  Chinese: 文殊菩萨 (Wénshū Púsà)
• Sanskrit: Mañjuśrī
• Meaning: "Gentle Glory" or "Beautifully Auspicious"
• Summary: Mañjuśrī is the bodhisattva associated with transcendent wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. Often depicted wielding a flaming sword in his right hand, which cuts through ignorance and delusion, and holding the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra in his left, he represents the embodiment of enlightened wisdom. Mañjuśrī's presence is invoked in Buddhist teachings to dispel darkness and to illuminate the path of understanding, and to see the interconnectedness and emptiness of all phenomena. He is typically portrayed as a young prince, symbolizing the freshness and vibrancy of wisdom. His presence in Buddhist teachings emphasizes the importance of developing insight and understanding as the means to achieve enlightenment. His mantras and meditations are used to sharpen intellect, enhance memory, and deepen understanding of the Buddhist teachings, making him a patron for scholars and students of Buddhism. His teachings encourage the clear seeing of reality beyond dualities, and he is revered for his insight into the true nature of phenomena.

Ākāśagarbha Bodhisattva

• Chinese: 虚空藏菩萨 (Xūkōngzàng Púsà)
• Sanskrit: Ākāśagarbha
• Meaning: "Boundless Space Treasury"
• Summary: Ākāśagarbha, meaning 'Treasury of the Boundless Void', represents the vastness of space and the profound depth of Buddhist wisdom. He is often associated with memory and intelligence, aiding devotees in retaining and understanding the Dharma teachings, helping devotees to understand the emptiness of phenomena. In Mahayana Buddhism, Ākāśagarbha is revered for his role in helping beings develop a vast and open mind, akin to limitless space. He is typically depicted holding a precious jewel and a lotus, symbolizing the light of wisdom shining in the void and the purity of enlightenment emerging from the murkiness of ignorance. His practices are particularly beneficial for those seeking to deepen their meditation, enhance their understanding of emptiness, and cultivate a vast, compassionate perspective towards all beings.

Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva

• Chinese: 大势至菩萨 (Dàshìzhì Púsà)
• Sanskrit: Mahāsthāmaprāpta
• Meaning: "Great Strength Arrived"
• Summary: Mahāsthāmaprāpta is a figure of great power and wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism, often associated with Amitabha Buddha in the Pure Land tradition. He embodies the power of wisdom and is considered one of the principal Bodhisattvas who assists Amitabha in guiding beings to the Western Pure Land, Sukhavati. Mahāsthāmaprāpta's insight helps in understanding the emptiness of all phenomena, leading to liberation from suffering and samsara. He is typically depicted as a majestic figure, often alongside Amitabha and Avalokitesvara, representing the virtues of wisdom, compassion, and power in Pure Land Buddhism. His role is crucial in aiding beings on their path to enlightenment, especially in cultivating the wisdom necessary to comprehend the deeper teachings of the Buddha. His practice is linked to the realization of the non-duality of phenomena.

Maitreya Bodhisattva

• Chinese: 弥勒菩萨 (Mílè Púsà)
• Sanskrit/Tibetan: Maitreya
• Meaning: "Loving-Kindness" or "Friendly One"
• Summary: Maitreya, known as the future Buddha, is revered in both Mahayana and Theravada traditions. He is currently in the Tushita heaven, awaiting his turn to descend to Earth and attain Buddhahood. Maitreya's coming is believed to bring a period of heightened Dharma and understanding. He is the embodiment of loving-kindness and is often depicted with a smiling, benevolent face, sometimes seated in a relaxed posture. In Buddhist art, he is sometimes shown with a stupa in his headdress, symbolizing his connection to the future enlightenment. His teachings emphasize the cultivation of loving-kindness and the importance of preparing for future challenges through ethical living and the development of wisdom. The expectation of Maitreya's arrival inspires hope and a forward-looking attitude in Buddhism, emphasizing the potential for future enlightenment and the continual evolution of the Dharma.

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

• Chinese: 普贤菩萨 (Pǔxián Púsà)
• Sanskrit: Samantabhadra
• Meaning: "Universal Worthy"
• Summary: Samantabhadra, known as the Bodhisattva of Great Activity, is a symbol of virtue and practice in Buddhism. He is renowned for his "Ten Great Vows" which are a blueprint for the path of a Bodhisattva, emphasizing altruistic actions to benefit all beings. Often depicted riding a white elephant, Samantabhadra represents the strength and steadfastness of moral discipline. His teachings focus on the importance of making and fulfilling great vows, engaging in virtuous deeds, and diligently practicing the teachings of the Buddha. Samantabhadra's presence is often paired with Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, symbolizing the unity of wisdom (prajna) and action (karuna) in the Buddhist path. His emphasis on practice and ethical conduct, and on the importance of making vows and putting them into action is particularly significant for those who seek to embody the teachings of Buddhism in their daily lives.

Garab Dorje

• Tibetan: དགའ་རབ་རྡོ་རྗེ (Dga' rab rdo rje)
• Summary: Garab Dorje is revered as the first human master of the Dzogchen tradition in Tibetan Buddhism. His name, meaning "Indestructible Joy", reflects the profound bliss of the Dzogchen realization. He is known for introducing the teachings of Dzogchen, which emphasize the natural, primordial state of being, transcending the dualities of subject and object. Garab Dorje's legacy is pivotal in the Nyingma school and is considered a direct transmission of knowledge from the Buddhas. His teachings focus on recognizing the inherent perfection of every moment and state of being, encapsulating the essence of non-dual awareness and spontaneous presence. Garab Dorje's life and teachings are considered a direct path to enlightenment, bypassing intellectual analysis and ritual practices, and are deeply revered for their simplicity and profundity.

Garab Dorje

• Tibetan: དགའ་རབ་རྡོ་རྗེ (Dga' rab rdo rje)
• Summary: Garab Dorje is revered as the first human master of the Dzogchen tradition in Tibetan Buddhism. His name, meaning "Indestructible Joy", reflects the profound bliss of the Dzogchen realization. He is known for introducing the teachings of Dzogchen, which emphasize the natural, primordial state of being, transcending the dualities of subject and object. Garab Dorje's legacy is pivotal in the Nyingma school and is considered a direct transmission of knowledge from the Buddhas. His teachings focus on recognizing the inherent perfection of every moment and state of being, encapsulating the essence of non-dual awareness and spontaneous presence. Garab Dorje's life and teachings are considered a direct path to enlightenment, bypassing intellectual analysis and ritual practices, and are deeply revered for their simplicity and profundity.

Padmasambhava

• Chinese: 莲花生大师 (Liánhuāshēng Dàshī)
• Tibetan: པདྨ་འབྱུང་གནས་ (Padma 'byung gnas)
• Meaning: "Lotus-Born"
• Summary: Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is a seminal figure in Tibetan Buddhism credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet. He is revered as the second Buddha by many schools of Tibetan Buddhism and is seen as the founder of the Nyingma tradition, the oldest of the Tibetan Buddhist schools. Padmasambhava's legendary activities include subduing malevolent spirits and demons to lay the foundation for the spread of Buddhism in Tibet. His iconography often shows him holding a vajra, symbolizing his power, and a skull cup, representing liberation from the cycle of samsara. His teachings are deeply embedded in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the form of terma (hidden spiritual treasures). Padmasambhava is believed to have had miraculous birth on a lotus flower and possesses immense power for spiritual transformation and enlightenment.

Bodhidharma

• Chinese: 菩提达摩 (Pútídámó)
• Sanskrit: Bodhidharma
• Meaning: "Awakening Teaching"
• Summary: Bodhidharma is recognized as the founder of the Chan school of Buddhism in China, which later became Zen in Japan. An Indian monk, he is attributed with the transmission of meditative practices and emphasized a direct experience of one's own nature as the path to enlightenment. Bodhidharma's journey to China and his subsequent teachings laid the groundwork for the development of Zen's distinct approach to Buddhism. His legendary encounter with Emperor Wu and the subsequent wall-gazing meditation at the Shaolin Monastery underscore his commitment to a spiritual path that transcends mere words and scripture. Bodhidharma is often depicted as a deeply insightful yet somewhat enigmatic figure, with a bearded, intense visage, wide eyes, and a monk's robe.

Bodhidharma was an Indian monk who is traditionally credited as the transmitter of Chan Buddhism to China and is regarded as its first Chinese patriarch. According to Chinese legend, sometime in the 5th or 6th century CE, Bodhidharma arrived in the kingdom of Wei where his practice and teaching would establish the school that would become known as Chan, or Zen in Japanese.

After crossing into China, Bodhidharma travelled northwards to the kingdom of Wei, where he initially met with Emperor Wu of Liang, a devout Buddhist. However, the emperor failed to understand Bodhidharma's teachings which stressed meditation and the Lankavatara Sutra's doctrine that insight into one's own nature is the path to enlightenment, rather than performing good deeds as a means to accumulate merit. Disappointed by the emperor's lack of understanding, Bodhidharma left the court and travelled to the Shaolin Monastery.

At Shaolin, Bodhidharma began a nine-year meditation, famously facing a wall in a cave near the monastery. His intense practice attracted many would-be disciples, but he refused them all. Among these was Hui Ke, who stood in the snow outside Bodhidharma's cave for days, seeking the teachings and the transmission of the Dharma. To demonstrate his sincerity, Hui Ke cut off his own arm and presented it to Bodhidharma as a sign of his earnestness.

Moved by this act, Bodhidharma finally agreed to teach Hui Ke. Bodhidharma asked Hui Ke what he wanted, to which Hui Ke replied that he sought peace of mind. Bodhidharma instructed Hui Ke to bring forth his mind to be pacified. After a long search within, Hui Ke responded that he could not find the mind. Bodhidharma then replied, "I have pacified your mind for you." With this exchange, Hui Ke attained a deep realization and Bodhidharma acknowledged Hui Ke's understanding by naming him his Dharma heir, thus making Hui Ke the Second Patriarch of Chan Buddhism.

The teachings of Bodhidharma emphasize direct experience and the importance of meditation over scripture or doctrine. This encounter between Bodhidharma and Hui Ke is one of the most iconic stories in Zen, representing the transmission of the Dharma from master to student and the idea that enlightenment is beyond words and intellect. This story also illustrates the principle of "no mind" or "emptiness of mind," which is central to Zen practice, where the absence of fixed notions and the absence of the ego are considered essential for realizing one's true nature.

Dogen

• Japanese: 道元 (Dōgen)
• Summary:
Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto school of Zen in Japan, is one of the most revered figures in Japanese Buddhism. Born in 1200, he traveled to China for deeper Buddhist study, returning to Japan to introduce Soto Zen. Dogen profoundly emphasized zazen, or seated meditation, as the direct expression of enlightenment. His teachings stress the importance of 'just sitting' (shikantaza) and the unity of practice and realization. Dogen's extensive philosophical and religious writings, including the monumental "Shobogenzo" (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye), explore themes like impermanence, the nature of Buddha-nature, and the integration of spiritual practice into daily life. His teachings have had a significant impact on the development of Zen Buddhism and continue to influence modern Buddhist practice and philosophy.

• Tibetan: འཇམ་མགོན་མི་ཕམ (‘Jam mgon mi pham)
• Summary: Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, a luminary of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, lived in the 19th century and was a leading figure in the non-sectarian Rime movement. He was renowned for his scholarly brilliance and his ability to harmonize the teachings of different Buddhist traditions. Mipham wrote extensively, authoring numerous texts on philosophy, logic, literature, and medicine, which are considered masterpieces of Tibetan literature. His works blend the exoteric and esoteric teachings of Buddhism, providing clear and accessible commentaries on complex philosophical topics. Mipham's teachings emphasize the union of wisdom (prajna) and compassionate action (karuna), and he is revered as an embodiment of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. His influence extends beyond the Nyingma school and is revered across all schools of Tibetan Buddhism for his profound insights and contributions to Buddhist learning.
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Tsongkhapa

• Chinese: 宗喀巴 (Zōngkǎbā)
• Tibetan: ཙོང་ཁ་པ་ (Tsong kha pa)
• Summary: Je Tsongkhapa, who lived in the 14th and 15th centuries, is one of the most influential figures in Tibetan Buddhism. He is the founder of the Gelug school, which emphasizes monastic discipline, ethical purity, and scholarly learning. Tsongkhapa's teachings are known for their clarity, systematic approach, and profound understanding of Buddhist philosophy. He revitalized many aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, including monastic discipline, scholastic tradition, and the practice of tantric Buddhism. His most famous works include "Lamrim Chenmo" (The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment) and "Ngagrim Chenmo" (The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Tantric Path). Tsongkhapa's legacy includes the establishment of the Ganden Monastery and the tradition of the Dalai Lamas, who are considered his spiritual heirs. His annual commemoration, the Ganden Ngamchoe, is celebrated by millions of Buddhists worldwide. Although the Dalai Lama lineage arose after Tsongkhapa, the Dalai Lamas are seen as the spiritual successors of his Gelug tradition, upholding his emphasis on monastic discipline, philosophical study, and tantric practice.

Amitabha Buddha

• Chinese: 阿弥陀佛 (Āmítuófó)
• Sanskrit: Amitābha Buddha
• Meaning: "Infinite Light"
• Summary: Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, is a principal buddha in the Pure Land sect of Mahayana Buddhism, embodying the qualities of compassion and wisdom. Amitabha made a series of vows when he was a bodhisattva, the most famous being his 18th vow: to create a Western Pure Land (Sukhavati) and to ensure that all beings who call upon his name with sincerity would be reborn there, away from the sufferings of samsara. His Pure Land is described as a place of great beauty and peace, where beings can practice the Dharma more easily. Amitabha is typically depicted in a meditative posture and his iconography is rich in symbolism, often showing him in a red robe, representing love and compassion. His teachings and vows play a crucial role in the faith and practice of Pure Land Buddhism, emphasizing devotion and mindfulness of the Buddha.

Medicine Buddha

• Chinese: 药师佛 (Yàoshīfó)
• Sanskrit: Bhaisajyaguru
• Meaning: "Medicine Master and King of Lapis Lazuli Light"
• Summary: Bhaisajyaguru, commonly known as the Medicine Buddha, is a revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism, embodying the healing aspect of the Buddha-nature. He made twelve great vows, primarily focusing on relieving physical and spiritual ailments and bringing health and longevity to all beings. His teachings are detailed in the "Medicine Buddha Sutra", where he is described as having a deep blue (lapis lazuli) color, symbolizing purity and healing. Holding a medicine bowl in one hand and a medicinal plant in the other, he represents the healing power of the Buddha's teachings. The practice of Medicine Buddha is a fundamental therapeutic and spiritual practice in many Buddhist traditions, often involving meditation, mantra recitation, and visualization techniques. His teachings are particularly relevant for those seeking to alleviate suffering, both their own and others', and to cultivate a deep understanding of the Dharma as a remedy for ignorance and delusion.

Vajrasattva Bodhisattva

• Chinese: 金刚萨埵 (Jīngāng Sàduǒ)
• Sanskrit: Vajrasattva
• Meaning: "Diamond Being"
• Summary: Vajrasattva is a seminal figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, embodying the principle of purity. As a 'Diamond Being', he is unbreakable, indestructible, and clear like a diamond. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is central to purification rituals and practices. He is often depicted in a white color, symbolizing his pure, untainted nature. Vajrasattva holds a vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand and a bell in his left, representing wisdom and compassion – the two paramount qualities on the path to enlightenment. His famous hundred-syllable mantra is a cornerstone in Vajrayana practices, recited for the purification of negative karma and the clearing of obstacles on the spiritual path. His teachings and practices are especially important for those who aspire to transform their minds and hearts, embodying the pure, enlightened qualities of the Buddhas.

The illustration of Vairocana Buddha, as inspired by the Vairocanabhisambodhi Sutra, captures several key elements described in the text:

1. Radiant Complexion and Golden Appearance: The sutra describes Vairocana as having a radiant complexion, likened to precious gems, and a golden appearance. This is reflected in the illustration where Vairocana is shown with a luminous, golden hue, symbolizing his enlightened and pure nature.

2. Crown of Hair in a Topknot and Monastic Robes: Consistent with traditional depictions of Buddhas, Vairocana is described as having a crown of hair done in a topknot. This feature, along with his monastic robes, is clearly visible in the illustration, signifying his status as a Buddha and his renunciation of worldly matters.

3. Seated on a White Lotus Flower: The white lotus flower on which Vairocana is seated symbolizes purity and enlightenment, which are central themes in the sutra. The lotus is often used in Buddhist art to represent how enlightenment rises pure and unsullied from the mud of worldly existence.

4. Surrounded by a Wreath of Flames: The sutra mentions a wreath of flames surrounding Vairocana, indicative of his transformative power and the illumination of wisdom. The flames can be interpreted as the burning away of ignorance and the illumination of the teachings of the Dharma.

5. Cosmic and Ethereal Background: The background in the illustration is designed to represent the Dharma realm, a cosmic and transcendent dimension. This aligns with Vairocana's association with the embodiment of the Dharma and the cosmic realm.

6. Symbolism of the Letter 'A': In the sutra, the letter 'A' is significant as it symbolizes the essence of all Buddhas and the nature of the Dharma. Although not explicitly visible in the image, this concept can be inferred from the overall depiction, which aims to capture the essence and teachings of Vairocana.

The illustration attempts to visually translate these detailed descriptions from the sutra, creating an image that embodies the spiritual attributes and symbolism associated with Vairocana Buddha.

Nagarjuna

• Chinese: 龙树 (Lóngshù)
• Sanskrit: Nāgārjuna
• Meaning: His name is often linked to “nāga” (serpent beings in Indian lore) and “arjuna,” thus “Arjuna [cared for by] or associated with nagas.” In Chinese, he is referred to as “Dragon Tree,” reflecting the legend that he retrieved hidden Prajñāpāramitā texts from the Nāga realm.
• Summary: Nāgārjuna (circa 2nd–3rd century CE) is one of the most pivotal figures in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Venerated as the founder of the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) school, he elucidated the doctrine of śūnyatā (emptiness), arguing that all phenomena are empty of independent existence. His major work, the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā, challenges extreme views such as eternalism and nihilism. His philosophical insights underpin much of Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna thought, bridging profound wisdom (prajñā) and great compassion (karuṇā). In art, he is sometimes shown accompanied by a snake (naga) to symbolize his connection with the nāga realm.