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[[Image:Bodhisattva.JPG|frame|Eight great bodhisattvas from the Longchen Nyingtik Field of Merit]] | [[Image:Bodhisattva.JPG|frame|Eight great bodhisattvas from the Longchen Nyingtik Field of Merit]] | ||
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'''Eight Great Bodhisattvas''', or 'Eight Close Sons' ([[Wyl.]] ''aṣṭa utaputra''; [[Wyl.]] ''nye ba'i sras brgyad'') — the main [[bodhisattva]]s in the retinue of [[Buddha Shakyamuni]]: | '''Eight Great Bodhisattvas''', or 'Eight Close Sons' ([[Wyl.]] ''aṣṭa utaputra''; [[Wyl.]] ''nye ba'i sras brgyad'') — the main [[bodhisattva]]s in the retinue of [[Buddha Shakyamuni]]: | ||
*[[Mañjushri]], | *[[Mañjushri]], | ||
Revision as of 15:56, 1 January 2009
Eight Great Bodhisattvas, or 'Eight Close Sons' (Wyl. aṣṭa utaputra; Wyl. nye ba'i sras brgyad) — the main bodhisattvas in the retinue of Buddha Shakyamuni:
- Mañjushri,
- Avalokiteshvara,
- Vajrapani,
- Maitreya,
- Kshitigarbha,
- Akashagarbha,
- Sarvanivaranavishkambhin, and
- Samantabhadra.
Each fulfils a particular role to help beings. Symbolically they represent the pure state of the eight consciousnesses.
Qualities of the Eight Bodhisattvas
Although the eight bodhisattvas or ‘close sons of the Buddha’ all possess the same qualities and powers, each one displays perfection in a particular area or activity.
- Manjushri embodies wisdom;
- Avalokiteshvara embodies compassion;
- Vajrapani represents power;
- Kshitigarbha increases the richness and fertility of the land;
- Sarvanivaranavishkambhin purifies wrong-doing and obstructions;
- Maitreya embodies love;
- Samantabhadra displays special expertise in making offerings and prayers of aspiration; and
- Akashagarbha has the perfect ability to purify transgressions.