Difference between revisions of "Abhiṣekha"
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| − | The [[abhiseka]] [[ritual]] in [[Shingon]] [[Buddhism]] is the [[initiation]] [[ritual]] used to confirm that a student of [[esoteric]] [[Buddhism]] has now graduated to a higher level of practice. The [[ritual]] was popular in {{Wiki|China}} during the | + | The [[abhiseka]] [[ritual]] in [[Shingon]] [[Buddhism]] is the [[initiation]] [[ritual]] used to confirm that a student of [[esoteric]] [[Buddhism]] has now graduated to a higher level of practice. The [[ritual]] was popular in {{Wiki|China}} during the {{Wiki|Tang Dynasty}}, and [[Kukai]], founder of [[Shingon]], studied there extensively before introducing this [[ritual]] to the {{Wiki|Japanese}} [[Buddhist]] establishment of the time. |
The [[ritual]] utilizes the one of the two [[Mandala]] of the [[Two Realms]], depending on the occasion. In [[esoteric]] [[ritual]], the teacher of the [[esoteric]] [[Buddhism]] assumes the role of the teacher, usually [[Mahavairocana]] [[Buddha]], while the [[master]] and student repeat specific [[mantras]] in a form of dialogue taken from [[esoteric]] [[Buddhist]] [[sutras]]. The student, who is blindfolded, then throws a flower upon the [[Mandala]] that is constructed, and where it lands (i.e. which [[deity]]) helps dictate where the student should focus his devotion on the [[esoteric]] [[path]]. From there, the student's blindfold is removed and a [[vajra]] is placed in hand. | The [[ritual]] utilizes the one of the two [[Mandala]] of the [[Two Realms]], depending on the occasion. In [[esoteric]] [[ritual]], the teacher of the [[esoteric]] [[Buddhism]] assumes the role of the teacher, usually [[Mahavairocana]] [[Buddha]], while the [[master]] and student repeat specific [[mantras]] in a form of dialogue taken from [[esoteric]] [[Buddhist]] [[sutras]]. The student, who is blindfolded, then throws a flower upon the [[Mandala]] that is constructed, and where it lands (i.e. which [[deity]]) helps dictate where the student should focus his devotion on the [[esoteric]] [[path]]. From there, the student's blindfold is removed and a [[vajra]] is placed in hand. | ||
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{SanskritTerminology}} | {{SanskritTerminology}} | ||
Revision as of 16:29, 22 August 2013
Abhiseka is the name used to describe a number of ritualistic practices in Indian religions.
Hinduism
Abhiseka is the name given to a late Vedic rite of anointing government officials, particularly heads of state, at the time of their taking power or to mark a signal achievement. It is also the bathing ceremony and anointing performed on certain festival days for the temple deities.
Buddhism
The abhiseka ritual in Shingon Buddhism is the initiation ritual used to confirm that a student of esoteric Buddhism has now graduated to a higher level of practice. The ritual was popular in China during the Tang Dynasty, and Kukai, founder of Shingon, studied there extensively before introducing this ritual to the Japanese Buddhist establishment of the time.
The ritual utilizes the one of the two Mandala of the Two Realms, depending on the occasion. In esoteric ritual, the teacher of the esoteric Buddhism assumes the role of the teacher, usually Mahavairocana Buddha, while the master and student repeat specific mantras in a form of dialogue taken from esoteric Buddhist sutras. The student, who is blindfolded, then throws a flower upon the Mandala that is constructed, and where it lands (i.e. which deity) helps dictate where the student should focus his devotion on the esoteric path. From there, the student's blindfold is removed and a vajra is placed in hand.
