Articles by alphabetic order
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 Ā Ḍ Ḥ Ī Ḷ Ṃ Ṇ Ñ Ṅ Ṛ Ṣ Ś Ṭ Ū Ö Ō
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0


Difference between revisions of "Eight Legions"

From Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Created page with " The Eight Legions are a curious grouping of Buddhist protectors, {{Wiki|demons}}, and spirits. Among the eight groups, only the Ten (Skt. Deva) and R...")
 
 
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
<nomobile>{{DisplayImages|447|6|3062|2663}}</nomobile>
  
  
  
  
−
The [[Eight Legions]] are a curious grouping of [[Buddhist]] [[protectors]], {{Wiki|demons}}, and [[spirits]].
 
  
−
Among the eight groups, only the Ten (Skt. [[Deva]]) and Ryū (Skt. [[Naga]]; serpent-like creatures, including [[Dragons]]) appear with great frequency in [[Japanese]] {{Wiki|sculpture}} and artwork, while the other six are represented much less so.  
+
The [[Eight Legions]] are a curious grouping of [[Buddhist protectors]], {{Wiki|demons}}, and [[spirits]].
 +
 
 +
Among the eight groups, only the [[Ten]] (Skt. [[Deva]]) and [[Ryū]] (Skt. [[Naga]]; serpent-like creatures, including [[Dragons]]) appear with great frequency in [[Japanese]] {{Wiki|sculpture}} and artwork, while the other six are represented much less so.  
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
As a group, the [[Hachi Bushu]] are not [[objects]] of [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|worship}}, although some {{Wiki|individual}} [[Ten]] ([[Deva]]) are given {{Wiki|independent}} {{Wiki|status}} as [[objects]] of [[devotion]] (e.g., [[Bishamonten]], [[Benzaiten]], [[Daikokuten]]).
 +
 
  
−
As a group, the [[Hachi]] Bushu are not [[objects]] of [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|worship}}, although some {{Wiki|individual}} Ten ([[Deva]]) are given {{Wiki|independent}} {{Wiki|status}} as [[objects]] of [[devotion]] (e.g., [[Bishamonten]], [[Benzaiten]], [[Daikokuten]]).
 
  
 
<poem>
 
<poem>
−
     Ten (Skt: [[Deva]]). [[Celestial beings]], 6th level of [[existence]]
+
     [[Ten]] (Skt: [[Deva]]). [[Celestial beings]], [[6th level of existence]]
−
     Ryū (Ryu, Ryuu) (Skt: [[Naga]]). Serpent-like creatures, including [[dragons]]. Attendants to [[Kōmokuten]] ([[Shitennō]])
+
     [[Ryū]] ([[Ryu]], [[Ryuu]]) (Skt: [[Naga]]). Serpent-like creatures, including [[dragons]]. Attendants to [[Kōmokuten]] ([[Shitennō]])
 
     [[Yasha]] (Skt: [[Yaksa]]). [[Warriors]] of Fierce Stance, [[Nature]] [[Spirits]].
 
     [[Yasha]] (Skt: [[Yaksa]]). [[Warriors]] of Fierce Stance, [[Nature]] [[Spirits]].
 
     {{Wiki|Protect}} [[Yakushi Nyorai]], commanded by [[Tamonten]] ([[Shitennō]])  
 
     {{Wiki|Protect}} [[Yakushi Nyorai]], commanded by [[Tamonten]] ([[Shitennō]])  
−
     [[Kendatsuba]] (Skt: [[Gandharva]]). [[Gods]] of [[music]], [[medicine]], children. Commanded by [[Jikokuten]] ([[Shitennō]]); one of their [[kings]] is Sendan [[Kendatsuba]]
+
 
 +
 
 +
     [[Kendatsuba]] (Skt: [[Gandharva]]). [[Gods of music]], [[medicine]], children. Commanded by [[Jikokuten]] ([[Shitennō]]); one of their [[kings]] is [[Sendan Kendatsuba]]
 +
 
 +
 
 
     [[Ashura]] (Skt: [[Asura]]). [[Demigod]], 4th level of [[existence]]
 
     [[Ashura]] (Skt: [[Asura]]). [[Demigod]], 4th level of [[existence]]
 
     [[Karura]] (Skt: [[Garuda]])  Bird-man, enemy of [[dragons]]
 
     [[Karura]] (Skt: [[Garuda]])  Bird-man, enemy of [[dragons]]
−
     [[Kinnara]] (Skt: [[Kimnara]]). [[Celestial musicians]] & dancers; [[human]] [[form]] with  [[horse’s]] head; commanded by [[Tamonten]] ([[Shitennō]])  
+
     [[Kinnara]] (Skt: [[Kimnara]]). [[Celestial musicians]] & dancers; [[human form]] with  [[horse’s]] head; commanded by [[Tamonten]] ([[Shitennō]])  
−
     Magoraka (Skt: [[Mahoraga]]). [[Serpentine]] musicians
+
     [[Magoraka]] (Skt: [[Mahoraga]]). [[Serpentine musicians]]
 
</poem>
 
</poem>
  
  
−
HISTORICAL NOTES: The [[Hachi]] Bushū (Eight Legions) are eight groups of [[sentient]] and [[supernatural beings]] said to be {{Wiki|present}} when [[Shaka Nyorai]] ([[Historical Buddha]]) expounded the [[Flower Sutra]] on [[Vultures Peak]] (also called [[Eagle Peak]]). They originated in earlier [[Hindu mythology]], but converted to [[Buddhism]] after listening to the words of [[Shaka Nyorai]], thereafter becoming guardians of [[Buddhist teachings]]. Two of the eight -- the [[Ashura]] ([[Demigods]]) and Ten ([[Deva]]) -- also populate two of the [[six states of existence]]. The lowest [[three states]] are called the [[three evil paths]], or three bad states. They are (1) [[people]] in [[hells]]; (2) [[hungry ghosts]]; (3) [[animals]]. The [[highest]] [[three states]] are (4) [[Asura]]; (5) [[Humans]]; (6) [[Deva]]. All [[beings]] in these [[six states]] are doomed to [[death]] and [[rebirth]] in a recurring cycle over countless ages -- unless they can break free from [[desire]], from the cycle of [[suffering]] (Skt. = [[Samsara]]).
 
  
  
−
SAYS JAANUS: Hachibushuu is an abbreviation of Tenryuu Hachibushuu 天竜八部衆. Eight classes of [[Indian]] [[deities]] who were converted by [[Shaka]] ([[Historical Buddha]]) and came to be considered [[protectors]] of the [[Dharma]] ([[Buddhist Law]]). They appear in many texts, including the [[HOKEKYOU]] [[法華経]] ([[Lotus Sutra]]), and are named as follows: Ten [[天]] ([[Deva]]), Ryuu [[龍]] ([[Naga]]), [[Yasha]] [[夜叉]] ([[Yaksa]]), [[Kendatsuba]] [[乾闥婆]] ([[Gandharva]]), [[Ashura]] [[阿修羅]] ([[Asura]]), [[Karura]] [[迦楼羅]] ([[Garuda]]), [[Kinnara]] [[緊那羅]] ([[Kimnara]]), and Magoraka 摩ご羅伽 ([[Mahoraga]]). The names are not fixed, and an {{Wiki|individual}} [[deity]] may sometimes represent their class. The most famous set in [[Japan]] was made of dry lacquer in 734 AD and once accompanied an image of [[Shaka]] [[Buddha]]. There is also a set of sculptures of Shaka's [[disciples]] in Koufukuji [[興福寺]] (Nara). [[Temple]] [[tradition]] gives their names as Gobujou 五部浄 for the Ten, Shagara (or [[Sakara]]) 沙羯羅 for the Ryuu, Kubanda [[鳩槃荼]] for the [[Yasha]], [[Kendatsuba]], [[Ashura]], [[Kinnara]], and Hibakara 畢婆迦羅, probably for the Magoraka. The Hachibushuu usually appear amidst groups, such as the group of figures surrounding [[Shaka]] in paintings of his [[death]] (Nehan-zu 涅槃図). They were shown as a {{Wiki|distinct}} group only in the [[Nara period]].  <end JAANUS quote>
+
The [[Hachi Bushū]] ([[Eight Legions]]) are eight groups of [[sentient]] and [[supernatural beings]] said to be {{Wiki|present}} when [[Shaka Nyorai]] ([[Historical Buddha]]) expounded the [[Flower Sutra]] on [[Vultures Peak]] (also called [[Eagle Peak]]).
 +
 
 +
They originated in earlier [[Hindu mythology]], but converted to [[Buddhism]] after listening to the words of [[Shaka Nyorai]], there after becoming [[guardians of Buddhist teachings]].
 +
 
 +
Two of the eight -- the [[Ashura]] ([[Demigods]]) and [[Ten]] ([[Deva]]) -- also populate two of the [[six states of existence]]. The lowest [[three states]] are called the [[three evil paths]], or [[three bad states]].
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
They are:
 +
 
 +
 
 +
(1) [[people]] in [[hells]];
 +
(2) [[hungry ghosts]];
 +
(3) [[animals]].
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The [[highest]] [[three states]] are:  
 +
 
 +
(4) [[Asura]];
 +
(5) [[Humans]];
 +
(6) [[Deva]].
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
All [[beings]] in these [[six states]] are doomed to [[death]] and [[rebirth]] in a recurring cycle over countless ages -- unless they can break free from [[desire]], from the cycle of [[suffering]] (Skt. = [[Samsara]]).
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 +
 
 +
[[Hachibushuu]] is an abbreviation of [[Tenryuu Hachibushuu]] [[天竜八部衆]].  
 +
 
 +
Eight classes of [[Indian]] [[deities]] who were converted by [[Shaka]] ([[Historical Buddha]]) and came to be considered [[protectors]] of the [[Dharma]] ([[Buddhist Law]]).  
 +
 
 +
They appear in many texts, including the [[HOKEKYOU]] [[法華経]] ([[Lotus Sutra]]), and are named as follows:  
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[Ten]] [[天]] ([[Deva]]),  
 +
[[Ryuu]] [[龍]] ([[Naga]]),  
 +
[[Yasha]] [[夜叉]] ([[Yaksa]]),  
 +
[[Kendatsuba]] [[乾闥婆]] ([[Gandharva]]),  
 +
[[Ashura]] [[阿修羅]] ([[Asura]]),  
 +
[[Karura]] [[迦楼羅]] ([[Garuda]]),  
 +
[[Kinnara]] [[緊那羅]] ([[Kimnara]]), and
 +
[[Magoraka]] 摩ご羅伽 ([[Mahoraga]]).  
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The names are not fixed, and an {{Wiki|individual}} [[deity]] may sometimes represent their class.  
 +
 
 +
The most famous set in [[Japan]] was made of dry lacquer in 734 AD and once accompanied an image of [[Shaka]] [[Buddha]].  
 +
 
 +
There is also a set of sculptures of [[Shaka's]] [[disciples]] in [[Koufukuji]] [[興福寺]] (Nara). [[Temple]] [[tradition]] gives their names as [[Gobujou]] [[五部浄]] for the [Ten]], [[Shagara]] (or [[Sakara]]) 沙羯羅 for the Ryuu, Kubanda [[鳩槃荼]] for the [[Yasha]], [[Kendatsuba]], [[Ashura]], [[Kinnara]], and [[Hibakara]] [[畢婆迦羅]], probably for the [[Magoraka]].  
 +
 
 +
The [[Hachibushuu]] usually appear amidst groups, such as the group of figures surrounding [[Shaka]] in paintings of his [[death]] ([[Nehan-zu]] [[涅槃図]]). They were shown as a {{Wiki|distinct}} group only in the [[Nara period]].   
 +
 
  
−
The eight are discussed below. Links to their {{Wiki|individual}} pages (when available) are also provided. These are the main group of eight most often mentioned in {{Wiki|Chinese}} and [[Japanese Buddhist]] texts. There is another grouping of eight that included men (but excluded the [[Kendatsuba]]), but this [[latter]] grouping is rare.
 
 
{{R}}
 
{{R}}
 
http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/hachi-bushu.shtml
 
http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/hachi-bushu.shtml
 
[[Category:Dharmapalas]]
 
[[Category:Dharmapalas]]

Latest revision as of 13:49, 24 November 2015

Milarepa7894.jpg
Kuh0061.JPG
Imres.jpg
35733 n.jpg



The Eight Legions are a curious grouping of Buddhist protectors, demons, and spirits.

Among the eight groups, only the Ten (Skt. Deva) and Ryū (Skt. Naga; serpent-like creatures, including Dragons) appear with great frequency in Japanese sculpture and artwork, while the other six are represented much less so.


As a group, the Hachi Bushu are not objects of Buddhist worship, although some individual Ten (Deva) are given independent status as objects of devotion (e.g., Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Daikokuten).


    Ten (Skt: Deva). Celestial beings, 6th level of existence
    Ryū (Ryu, Ryuu) (Skt: Naga). Serpent-like creatures, including dragons. Attendants to Kōmokuten (Shitennō)
    Yasha (Skt: Yaksa). Warriors of Fierce Stance, Nature Spirits.
    Protect Yakushi Nyorai, commanded by Tamonten (Shitennō)


    Kendatsuba (Skt: Gandharva). Gods of music, medicine, children. Commanded by Jikokuten (Shitennō); one of their kings is Sendan Kendatsuba


    Ashura (Skt: Asura). Demigod, 4th level of existence
    Karura (Skt: Garuda) Bird-man, enemy of dragons
    Kinnara (Skt: Kimnara). Celestial musicians & dancers; human form with horse’s head; commanded by Tamonten (Shitennō)
    Magoraka (Skt: Mahoraga). Serpentine musicians



The Hachi Bushū (Eight Legions) are eight groups of sentient and supernatural beings said to be present when Shaka Nyorai (Historical Buddha) expounded the Flower Sutra on Vultures Peak (also called Eagle Peak).

They originated in earlier Hindu mythology, but converted to Buddhism after listening to the words of Shaka Nyorai, there after becoming guardians of Buddhist teachings.

Two of the eight -- the Ashura (Demigods) and Ten (Deva) -- also populate two of the six states of existence. The lowest three states are called the three evil paths, or three bad states.


They are:


(1) people in hells; (2) hungry ghosts; (3) animals.


The highest three states are:

(4) Asura; (5) Humans; (6) Deva.


All beings in these six states are doomed to death and rebirth in a recurring cycle over countless ages -- unless they can break free from desire, from the cycle of suffering (Skt. = Samsara).



Hachibushuu is an abbreviation of Tenryuu Hachibushuu 天竜八部衆.

Eight classes of Indian deities who were converted by Shaka (Historical Buddha) and came to be considered protectors of the Dharma (Buddhist Law).

They appear in many texts, including the HOKEKYOU 法華経 (Lotus Sutra), and are named as follows:


Ten 天 (Deva), Ryuu 龍 (Naga), Yasha 夜叉 (Yaksa), Kendatsuba 乾闥婆 (Gandharva), Ashura 阿修羅 (Asura), Karura 迦楼羅 (Garuda), Kinnara 緊那羅 (Kimnara), and Magoraka 摩ご羅伽 (Mahoraga).


The names are not fixed, and an individual deity may sometimes represent their class.

The most famous set in Japan was made of dry lacquer in 734 AD and once accompanied an image of Shaka Buddha.

There is also a set of sculptures of Shaka's disciples in Koufukuji 興福寺 (Nara). Temple tradition gives their names as Gobujou 五部浄 for the [Ten]], Shagara (or Sakara) 沙羯羅 for the Ryuu, Kubanda 鳩槃荼 for the Yasha, Kendatsuba, Ashura, Kinnara, and Hibakara 畢婆迦羅, probably for the Magoraka.

The Hachibushuu usually appear amidst groups, such as the group of figures surrounding Shaka in paintings of his death (Nehan-zu 涅槃図). They were shown as a distinct group only in the Nara period.


Source

http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/hachi-bushu.shtml

Retrieved from "http://www.tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/en/index.php?title=Eight_Legions&oldid=222302"