Difference between revisions of "Hayagriva (Buddhism)"
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| − | In Tibetan and Japanese Buddhism, Hayagriva is a wrathful manifestation of [[Avalokiteshvara]]. There are believed to be 108 forms of Hayagriva. His special ability is to cure diseases, especially skin diseases even as serious as leprosy, which is said to be caused by the | + | In [[Tibetan Buddhism]] and [[Japanese Buddhism]], [[Hayagriva]] is a [[wrathful]] [[manifestation]] of [[Avalokiteshvara]]. There are believed to be [[108]] [[forms]] of [[Hayagriva]]. His special ability is to cure {{Wiki|diseases}}, especially {{Wiki|skin}} {{Wiki|diseases}} even as serious as {{Wiki|leprosy}}, which is said to be [[caused]] by the [[Nāga]]s ([[water spirits]] with [[serpent]] [[bodies]]). |
| − | [[File:Bato Kannon painting.jpg|thumb|150px|]] | + | [[File:Bato Kannon painting.jpg|thumb|150px|Hayagriva, known as Bato Kannon in Japan]] |
| − | In Hinduism, one tradition identifies Hayagriva as a group of demons subdued by Vishnu, according to another tradition, Hayagriva was incarnation of Vishnu. | + | In [[Hinduism]], one [[tradition]] identifies [[Hayagriva]] as a group of {{Wiki|demons}} subdued by [[Vishnu]], according to another [[tradition]], [[Hayagriva]] was [[incarnation]] of [[Vishnu]]. |
| − | In Tibet, Hayagriva was promoted especially by Buddhist teacher Atisha. It is said that Tibetan horse-dealers worshipped Hayagriva because he could frighten away demons by neighing like a horse. When invoked he announces his coming by neighing, the sound of which pierces false appearances and disguise. | + | In [[Tibet]], [[Hayagriva]] was promoted especially by [[Buddhist teacher]] [[Atisha]]. It is said that [[Tibetan]] horse-dealers worshipped [[Hayagriva]] because he could frighten away {{Wiki|demons}} by neighing like a [[horse]]. When invoked he announces his coming by neighing, the [[sound]] of which pierces false [[appearances]] and disguise. |
| − | ==Buddhist iconography== | + | ==[[Buddhist iconography]]== |
| − | Hayagriva statue in Samye Ling. Note the green horse's head on top of his head. | + | [[File:Hayagriva_Samye_Ling_July_09.jpg|thumb|150px|Hayagriva statue in [[Samye Ling]]. Note the [[green]] [[horse's]] head on top of his head.]] |
| − | + | In his simplest [[form]] [[Hayagriva]] is depicted with one face, two arms and two {{Wiki|legs}}. Everything about him is [[wrathful]] - a scowling face with three glaring [[eyes]], a roaring {{Wiki|mouth}} with protruding fangs, a pose of warrior’s aggressiveness, a broad belly bulging with inner [[energy]], a sword raised threateningly in his right hand (poised to cut through [[delusion]]), his left hand raised in a threatening gesture and {{Wiki|snake}} ornaments. This {{Wiki|terrifying}} aspect expresses compassion’s fierce [[determination]] to help us overcome inner [[egotism]] and outer obstructions. | |
| − | In his simplest form Hayagriva is depicted with one face, two arms and two legs. Everything about him is wrathful - a scowling face with three glaring eyes, a roaring mouth with protruding fangs, a pose of warrior’s aggressiveness, a broad belly bulging with inner energy, a sword raised threateningly in his right hand (poised to cut through delusion), his left hand raised in a threatening gesture and snake ornaments. This terrifying aspect expresses compassion’s fierce determination to help us overcome inner egotism and outer obstructions. | ||
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[[Category:Hayagriva]] | [[Category:Hayagriva]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:35, 4 February 2016
In Tibetan Buddhism and Japanese Buddhism, Hayagriva is a wrathful manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. There are believed to be 108 forms of Hayagriva. His special ability is to cure diseases, especially skin diseases even as serious as leprosy, which is said to be caused by the Nāgas (water spirits with serpent bodies).
In Hinduism, one tradition identifies Hayagriva as a group of demons subdued by Vishnu, according to another tradition, Hayagriva was incarnation of Vishnu.
In Tibet, Hayagriva was promoted especially by Buddhist teacher Atisha. It is said that Tibetan horse-dealers worshipped Hayagriva because he could frighten away demons by neighing like a horse. When invoked he announces his coming by neighing, the sound of which pierces false appearances and disguise.
Buddhist iconography
In his simplest form Hayagriva is depicted with one face, two arms and two legs. Everything about him is wrathful - a scowling face with three glaring eyes, a roaring mouth with protruding fangs, a pose of warrior’s aggressiveness, a broad belly bulging with inner energy, a sword raised threateningly in his right hand (poised to cut through delusion), his left hand raised in a threatening gesture and snake ornaments. This terrifying aspect expresses compassion’s fierce determination to help us overcome inner egotism and outer obstructions.
