Buddhas and Boddhisatvas of Mahayana Buddhism

5 TRANSCENDENTAL BUDDHAS

Shakyamuni, Maitreya, Amitabha, Bhaishajyaguru, Vairocana

Tushita Heaven (under Maitreya description)

- the Western paradise of Buddha Amitabha (Buddha of infinite light, space and time)

Bodhisattvas

- Buddha-to-be who remains on earth to help all beings into paradise (those who have bodhi, wisdom, or enlightenment, also known as buddhas in the making)

- divine beings that deny themselves Buddhahood to help others along the path to enlightenment

- Bodhisattvas are usually represented as extremely calm and benevolent beings

Ksitigarbha (CH: Ti-tsang) (JP: Jizo)

- worshipped as a savior to those condemned to the torments of hell

- since the 10th century, portrayed as a young, itinerant monk who carries a pilgrim's staff and a wish-granting jewel

- on a popular level, he is also believed to assist the wayward souls of deceased children

Mahasthamaprampta (CH: Shin-chih) (JP: Seishi)

- Bodhisattva of Extreme Strength

Shakyamuni (CH: Shih-chia) (JP: Shaka)

- Historical Buddha

- born in the 6th century B.C. in Lumbini (present day-Nepal)

- enlightenment at age 35, spent remaining 45 years preaching his doctrine of salvation to others

Maitreya (CH: Mi-lo) (JP: Miroku)

- Buddha of the Future

- Believed to reside in the Tushita Heaven until it is time for him to succeed Shakyamuni as the next incarnation of Buddhahood on earth

Amitabha (CH: A-mi-t'o-po) (JP: Amida)

- Buddha of Infinite Light or Infinite Life

- believed to reside over the Western Paradise where souls of his followers strive for enlightenment

Bhaishajyaguru (CH: Yao-shih) (JP: Yakushi)

- Buddha of Healing

- believed to reside over the Eastern paradise and to dispense spiritual and physical medicine

Vairocana (CH: P'i-lu-che-na) (JP: Roshana)

- the Cosmic Buddha

- considered to be the Supreme or Cosmic Buddha from which all others emanate

- sometimes depicted wearing a crown and surrounded by a mandorla comprised of miniature Buddhas

What do Bodhisattvas wear?

- wear jewelry and crowns and hold attributes (reference to Shakyamuni's earthly existence)

- still tied to the material world in this manner and usually represented in an expensive or sumptuous garment

THE FIVE BODHISATTVAS

Avalokitesvara, Ksitigarbha, Manjusri, Samantabhadra, and Mahasthamaprampta

Avalokitesvara (CH: Kuan-yin) (JP: Kannon)

- Bodhisattva of Compassion

- the most popular out of all Bodhisattvas, beloved for his infinite compassion

- together with Mahasthamaprampta, he attends Amitabha when he welcomes the souls of the deceased into the Pure Land

Manjusri (Wen-shu)

- Bodhisattva of Wisdom, believed to have been a disciple of Shakyamuni

- with Samantabhadra, he represents the two elemental aspects of Buddhist Wisdom and Compassion

- often depicted holding a sword and/or a lotus and seated on a lion

Samantabhadra (CH: P'u-suien) (JP: Fugen)

- Bodhisattva of Universal Goodness/Truth and Practice

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