Chinese Bodhisattvas – Buddha Amitabha and Kuan Yin
Buddha Amitabha and Kuan Yin (Main figures)
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(Top to bottom): Amituofo, Kuan Yin and Dorje Shugden.
Deity: Amituofo (Chinese)
Alternative names: Buddha Amitabha (Sanskrit), Opagme (Tibetan)
Amitabha practice is very strong both in Tibet and China. In China there are many schools of Amitabha practice as it is known to be very efficacious. Chinese Buddhists, when meeting or parting with another person will salute each other by saying ‘Namo Amituofo’ which means ‘Praise to Amitabha’. This is to constantly recognise the inherent nature of Amitabha in all beings they encounter. Buddha mentioned clearly all of us have the seed of enlightenment and we have to recognise this. Reciting the sutra and mantra of Amitabha diligently with great faith combined with certain layman’s vows will create the causes of taking birth in what is known as the ‘Western Paradise’ of Amitabha. Practitioners of this path are said to have no fear at the time of death as Amitabha with an entourage will escort the practitioner personally to his pure land. He is often portrayed flanked by two bodhisattva attendants, Kuan Yin on the right and Mahasthamaprapta on the left. This trinity is known as the ‘Three Saints of the Western Pureland’.
Deity: Kuan Yin (Chinese)
Alternative names: Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit), Chenrezig (Tibetan)
Kuan Yin is a popular archetypal Bodhisattva in the Sutras, in which she strives towards complete enlightenment. She is famously considered one of the Eight Great Bodhisattva Disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni. Kuan Yin’s practice is excellent for those who are angersome as her blessings lessen anger and also for those who suffer from depression. Appearing in India as a male, in China she transformed into a female over the centuries. Her origins seem to derive from the legend of the 7th Century Princess Miao Shan, who is widely believed to have been an emanation of Avalokiteshvara.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way View. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources.
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Fabulous thangka of Amituofo, Kuan Yin and Dorje Shugden. Buddha Amitabha is depicted together with two bodhisattva Kuan Yin and Mahasthamaprapta which known as the ‘Three Saints of the Western Pureland’. A colourful rime thangka with the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden paints a thousand words.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.