Difference between revisions of "Five Dhyani Buddhas"
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[[File:03-jina-budha.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:03-jina-budha.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | In [[Vajrayana Buddhism]], the [[Five Dhyani Buddhas]] ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: [[金刚界五智如来]] / [[五方佛]]), also known as the [[Five Wisdom Tathāgatas]] ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: [[五智如来]]; pinyin: [[Wǔzhì Rúlái]]), the [[Five Great Buddhas]] and the [[Five Jinas]] ([[Sanskrit]] for "conqueror" or "victor"), are representations of the five qualities of The | + | In [[Vajrayana Buddhism]], the [[Five Dhyani Buddhas]] ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: [[金刚界五智如来]] / [[五方佛]]), also known as the [[Five Wisdom Tathāgatas]] ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: [[五智如来]]; pinyin: [[Wǔzhì Rúlái]]), the [[Five Great Buddhas]] and the [[Five Jinas]] ([[Sanskrit]] for "conqueror" or "victor"), are {{Wiki|representations}} of the [[five qualities of The Buddha]]. |
+ | |||
+ | The term "[[dhyani-Buddha]]" is first recorded in English by the {{Wiki|British Resident}} in [[Nepal]], {{Wiki|Brian Hodgson}}, in the early 19th century, and is unattested in any surviving [[traditional]] [[primary]] sources. | ||
+ | |||
+ | These [[five Buddhas]] are a common [[subject]] of [[Vajrayana]] [[mandalas]]. These [[five Buddhas]] are the [[primary]] [[object]] of {{Wiki|worship}} and [[Meditation]] in [[Shingon Buddhism]], a school of [[Vajarayana Buddhism]] founded in [[Japan]] by [[Kūkai]]. | ||
==Origination== | ==Origination== | ||
− | |||
− | When these [[Buddhas]] are represented in [[mandalas]], they may not always have the same colour or be related to the same [[directions]]. In particular, [[Akṣobhya]] and [[Vairocana]] may be switched. When represented in a [[Vairocana]] [[Mandala]], the [[Buddhas]] are arranged like this: | + | |
+ | The [[Five Wisdom Buddhas]] are a later [[development]], based on the [[Yogācāra]] [[elaboration]] of [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]] concerning the [[jñāna]] of the [[Buddhas]], of the [[Trikaya]] (In [[Sanskrit]], Tri is "three", [[kaya]] is "[[Body]]") {{Wiki|theory}}, which posits three "[[bodies]]" of The [[Buddha]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The [[Wisdom Buddhas]] are all aspects of the [[Dharmakaya]] or "[[Truth-Body]]", which [[embodies]] the [[principle]] of [[Enlightenment]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Initially two [[Buddhas]] appeared which represented [[Wisdom]] and [[Compassion]] - they were, respectively, [[Akṣobhya]] and [[Amitābha]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | A further {{Wiki|distinction}} [[embodied]] the aspects of [[Power]], or [[activity]], and the aspect of [[Beauty]], or [[spiritual]] riches. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In the [[Sutra of Golden Light]] (an early [[Mahayana Sutra]]) the figures are named [[Dundubishvara]], and [[Ratnaketu]], but over [[time]] their names changed to become [[Amoghasiddhi]], and [[Ratnasaṃbhava]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The central figure came to be called [[Vairocana]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | When these [[Buddhas]] are represented in [[mandalas]], they may not always have the same {{Wiki|colour}} or be related to the same [[directions]]. In particular, [[Akṣobhya]] and [[Vairocana]] may be switched. | ||
+ | |||
+ | When represented in a [[Vairocana]] [[Mandala]], the [[Buddhas]] are arranged like this: | ||
{|border="0" cellspacing="5" | {|border="0" cellspacing="5" | ||
Line 11: | Line 29: | ||
|align = "center"|'''[[Amoghasiddhi]]''' | |align = "center"|'''[[Amoghasiddhi]]''' | ||
− | (north) | + | ([[north]]) |
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align = "center"|[[Amitabha]] | |align = "center"|[[Amitabha]] | ||
− | (West) | + | ([[West]]) |
|align = "center"|[[Vairocana]] | |align = "center"|[[Vairocana]] | ||
− | (principal [[deity]]/ | + | ([[principal]] [[deity]]/ |
[[meditator]]) | [[meditator]]) | ||
|align = "center"|[[Akshobhya]] | |align = "center"|[[Akshobhya]] | ||
− | (East) | + | ([[East]]) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
|align = "center"|[[Ratnasambhava]] | |align = "center"|[[Ratnasambhava]] | ||
− | (South) | + | ([[South]]) |
| | | | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 30: | Line 48: | ||
==Names== | ==Names== | ||
− | Names in other languages: | + | Names in other [[languages]]: |
{|class="wikitable" | {|class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 72: | Line 90: | ||
==Qualities== | ==Qualities== | ||
− | There is an expansive number of associations with each [[element]] of the [[Mandala]], so that the [[Mandala]] becomes a cipher and | + | There is an expansive number of associations with each [[element]] of the [[Mandala]], so that the [[Mandala]] becomes a cipher and [[mnemonic visual Thinking instrument]] and {{Wiki|concept map}}; a [[vehicle]] for [[understanding]] and decoding the whole of the [[Dharma]]. |
+ | |||
+ | |||
Some of the associations include: | Some of the associations include: | ||
+ | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
!Family/[[Buddha]] | !Family/[[Buddha]] | ||
− | !Colour ← ''[[Element]]'' → [[Symbolism]] | + | !{{Wiki|Colour}} ← ''[[Element]]'' → [[Symbolism]] |
!Cardinality → ''[[Wisdom]]'' → [[Attachments]] → ''Gestures'' | !Cardinality → ''[[Wisdom]]'' → [[Attachments]] → ''Gestures'' | ||
!''Means'' → {{Wiki|Maladaptation}} to [[Stress]] | !''Means'' → {{Wiki|Maladaptation}} to [[Stress]] | ||
Line 107: | Line 128: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align=right|[[Karma]]/'''[[Amoghasiddhi]]''' | |align=right|[[Karma]]/'''[[Amoghasiddhi]]''' | ||
− | |align=center|green <!-- From Cloud article: A greenish tinge to a cloud is produced when sunlight is scattered by ice. A cumulonimbus cloud emitting green is an imminent sign of heavy rain, hail, strong winds and possible tornadoes. --> ← ''[[air (classical element)|air, wind]]'' → [[double vajras]] | + | |align=center|green <!-- From Cloud article: |
+ | |||
+ | A greenish tinge to a cloud is produced when sunlight is scattered by ice. | ||
+ | |||
+ | A cumulonimbus cloud emitting green is an imminent sign of heavy rain, hail, strong winds and possible tornadoes. --> ← ''[[air (classical element)|air, wind]]'' → [[double vajras]] | ||
|align=center|north → ''all accomplishing'' → [[Mental formation]], {{Wiki|concept}} → ''[[fearlessness]]'' | |align=center|north → ''all accomplishing'' → [[Mental formation]], {{Wiki|concept}} → ''[[fearlessness]]'' | ||
|align=center|''pacify'' → [[envy]] | |align=center|''pacify'' → [[envy]] | ||
Line 113: | Line 138: | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | The [[Five Wisdom Buddhas]] are protected by the [[Five Wisdom Kings]], and in [[Japan]] are frequently depicted together in the [[Mandala of the Two Realms]] and are in [[The Shurangama Mantra]] revealed in [[The Shurangama Sutra]]. They each are often depicted with [[consorts]], and preside over their own [[Pure Lands]]. In {{Wiki|East Asia}}, the [[aspiration]] to be [[reborn]] in a [[Pure land]] is the central point of [[Pure Land Buddhism]]. Although all five [[Buddhas]] have [[pure lands]], it appears that only [[Sukhāvatī]] of [[Amitabha]], and to a much lesser extent [[Abhirati]] of [[Akshobhya]] (where great [[masters]] like [[Vimalakirti]] and [[Milarepa]] are said to dwell) attracted aspirants. | + | The [[Five Wisdom Buddhas]] are protected by the [[Five Wisdom Kings]], and in [[Japan]] are frequently depicted together in the [[Mandala of the Two Realms]] and are in [[The Shurangama Mantra]] revealed in [[The Shurangama Sutra]]. |
+ | |||
+ | They each are often depicted with [[consorts]], and preside over their [[own]] [[Pure Lands]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In {{Wiki|East Asia}}, the [[aspiration]] to be [[reborn]] in a [[Pure land]] is the central point of [[Pure Land Buddhism]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Although all five [[Buddhas]] have [[pure lands]], it appears that only [[Sukhāvatī]] of [[Amitabha]], and to a much lesser extent [[Abhirati]] of [[Akshobhya]] (where great [[masters]] like [[Vimalakirti]] and [[Milarepa]] are said to dwell) attracted aspirants. | ||
{|class="wikitable" | {|class="wikitable" | ||
Line 121: | Line 152: | ||
![[Dhyani Bodhisattva]] | ![[Dhyani Bodhisattva]] | ||
![[Pure land]] | ![[Pure land]] | ||
− | !seed syllable | + | ![[seed syllable]] |
|- | |- | ||
|'''[[Vairocana]]''' | |'''[[Vairocana]]''' | ||
|[[White Tara]] or [[Dharmadhatvishvari]] | |[[White Tara]] or [[Dharmadhatvishvari]] | ||
|[[Samantabhadra]] | |[[Samantabhadra]] | ||
− | | | + | |[[central Pure land [[Akanistha Ghanavyuha]] |
|Om | |Om | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 132: | Line 163: | ||
|[[Locanā]] | |[[Locanā]] | ||
|[[Vajrapāni]] | |[[Vajrapāni]] | ||
− | | | + | |[[eastern Pure land]] [[Abhirati]] |
− | |Hum | + | |[[Hum]] |
|- | |- | ||
|'''[[Amitabha|Amitābha]]''' | |'''[[Amitabha|Amitābha]]''' | ||
|[[Pandara ]] | |[[Pandara ]] | ||
|[[Avalokiteshvara]] | |[[Avalokiteshvara]] | ||
− | | | + | |[[western Pure land]] [[Sukhāvatī]] |
− | |Hrih | + | |[[Hrih]] |
|- | |- | ||
|'''[[Ratnasambhava]]''' | |'''[[Ratnasambhava]]''' | ||
|[[Mamaki]] | |[[Mamaki]] | ||
|[[Ratnapani]] | |[[Ratnapani]] | ||
− | | | + | |[[southern Pure land]] [[Shrimat]] |
|Trah | |Trah | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 150: | Line 181: | ||
|[[Green Tara]] | |[[Green Tara]] | ||
|[[Viśvapāni]] | |[[Viśvapāni]] | ||
− | | | + | |[[northern Pure land]] [[Prakuta]] |
− | |Ah | + | |[[Ah]] |
|} | |} | ||
Revision as of 11:14, 16 February 2015
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Five Dhyani Buddhas (Chinese: 金刚界五智如来 / 五方佛), also known as the Five Wisdom Tathāgatas (Chinese: 五智如来; pinyin: Wǔzhì Rúlái), the Five Great Buddhas and the Five Jinas (Sanskrit for "conqueror" or "victor"), are representations of the five qualities of The Buddha.
The term "dhyani-Buddha" is first recorded in English by the British Resident in Nepal, Brian Hodgson, in the early 19th century, and is unattested in any surviving traditional primary sources.
These five Buddhas are a common subject of Vajrayana mandalas. These five Buddhas are the primary object of worship and Meditation in Shingon Buddhism, a school of Vajarayana Buddhism founded in Japan by Kūkai.
Origination
The Five Wisdom Buddhas are a later development, based on the Yogācāra elaboration of concepts concerning the jñāna of the Buddhas, of the Trikaya (In Sanskrit, Tri is "three", kaya is "Body") theory, which posits three "bodies" of The Buddha.
The Wisdom Buddhas are all aspects of the Dharmakaya or "Truth-Body", which embodies the principle of Enlightenment.
Initially two Buddhas appeared which represented Wisdom and Compassion - they were, respectively, Akṣobhya and Amitābha.
A further distinction embodied the aspects of Power, or activity, and the aspect of Beauty, or spiritual riches.
In the Sutra of Golden Light (an early Mahayana Sutra) the figures are named Dundubishvara, and Ratnaketu, but over time their names changed to become Amoghasiddhi, and Ratnasaṃbhava.
The central figure came to be called Vairocana.
When these Buddhas are represented in mandalas, they may not always have the same colour or be related to the same directions. In particular, Akṣobhya and Vairocana may be switched.
When represented in a Vairocana Mandala, the Buddhas are arranged like this:
Amoghasiddhi
(north) |
||
Amitabha
(West) |
Vairocana | Akshobhya
(East) |
Ratnasambhava
(South) |
Names
Names in other languages:
Qualities
There is an expansive number of associations with each element of the Mandala, so that the Mandala becomes a cipher and mnemonic visual Thinking instrument and concept map; a vehicle for understanding and decoding the whole of the Dharma.
Some of the associations include:
Family/Buddha | Colour ← Element → Symbolism | Cardinality → Wisdom → Attachments → Gestures | Means → Maladaptation to Stress | Season |
---|---|---|---|---|
Buddha/Vairocana | white ← space → wheel | center → all accommodating → form → Teaching the Dharma | Turning the Wheel of Dharma → Ignorance | n/a |
Vajra/Akshobhya | blue ← water → scepter, Vajra | east → nondualist → consciousness → humility | protect, destroy → Anger, hate | spring |
Padma/Amitābha | red ← fire → lotus | west → inquisitive → Perception → Meditation | magnetize, subjugate → selfishness | summer |
Ratna/Ratnasambhava | gold/yellow ← earth → jewel | south → equanimous → Feeling → giving | enrich, increase → pride, Greed | autumn |
Karma/Amoghasiddhi | green ← air, wind → double vajras | north → all accomplishing → Mental formation, concept → fearlessness | pacify → envy | winter |
The Five Wisdom Buddhas are protected by the Five Wisdom Kings, and in Japan are frequently depicted together in the Mandala of the Two Realms and are in The Shurangama Mantra revealed in The Shurangama Sutra.
They each are often depicted with consorts, and preside over their own Pure Lands.
In East Asia, the aspiration to be reborn in a Pure land is the central point of Pure Land Buddhism.
Although all five Buddhas have pure lands, it appears that only Sukhāvatī of Amitabha, and to a much lesser extent Abhirati of Akshobhya (where great masters like Vimalakirti and Milarepa are said to dwell) attracted aspirants.