Eight great bodhisattvas: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
mNo edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[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]] | ||
'''Eight Great Bodhisattvas''' | '''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]], | |||
*[[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== | ==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. | 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; | *Manjushri embodies [[wisdom]]; | ||
*Avalokiteshvara embodies compassion; | *Avalokiteshvara embodies [[compassion]]; | ||
*Vajrapani represents power; | *Vajrapani represents power; | ||
*Kshitigarbha increases the richness and fertility of the land; | *Kshitigarbha increases the richness and fertility of the land; | ||
*Sarvanivaranavishkambhin purifies wrong-doing and obstructions; | *Sarvanivaranavishkambhin purifies wrong-doing and obstructions; | ||
*Maitreya embodies love; | *Maitreya embodies [[love]]; | ||
*Samantabhadra displays special expertise in making offerings and prayers of aspiration; and | *Samantabhadra displays special expertise in making offerings and prayers of aspiration; and | ||
*Akashagarbha has the perfect ability to purify transgressions. | *Akashagarbha has the perfect ability to purify transgressions. | ||
[[Category:Enumerations]] | |||
[[Category:Buddhas and Deities]] | [[Category:Buddhas and Deities]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities]] | ||
Revision as of 16:36, 30 December 2008
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.