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 Ī Ñ Ś Ū Ö Ō
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0


Symbolism of the five Dhyani Buddhas

From Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Myth2-13-4.JPG

The five Dhyani Buddhas are mentioned in most of the tantric systems and represent various physical and mental aspects. Here are given only some of the most common explanations and representations of these so-called 'Heads of the five Buddha-families'.

It should be noted though that many different forms of each deity exist, and different tantras can have slightly different explanations (for example, in the Kalachakra tantra, six Dhyani-Buddhas are mentioned, and most have different colors and shapes).

The five Dhyani-Buddhas are also often found on the crown on the head of tantric Buddhas, like this:


Mental symbolism of the five Dhyani Buddhas:
Deity Delusion Enlightened Mind
Vairochana ignorance, delusion All-encompassing Dharmadatu Wisdom
Akshobhya anger, hatred Mirror-like Wisdom
Ratnasambhava pride, miserliness Wisdom of Equality
Amitabha desire, lust Discriminating Wisdom
Amogasiddhi jealousy, fear All-accomplishing Wisdom
Physical symbolism of the five Dhyani Buddhas:
03-jina-budha.JPG
Deity Element Sense Medical/physical Organ
Vairochana space sight energy channels heart
Akshobhya water sound blood flow kidneys
Ratnasambhava earth smell flesh spleen
Amitabha fire taste body heat liver
Amogasiddhi air touch inner winds lungs
Names and relation to other Buddhas & Bodhisattvas:
Deity (Sanskrit) English name Consort Bodhisattva Wheel-turning Buddhas
Vairochana Illuminating White Tara
(Vajradhatvisvari)
Samantabhadra Krakucchanda
Akshobhya Unshakable Locana Vajrapani Kanakamuni
Ratnasambhava Jewel-born Mamaki Ratnapani Kashyapa
Amitabha Infinite Light Pandara Avalokiteshvara Shakyamuni
Amogasiddhi Conqueror Green Tara Vishvapani Maitreya
Imagery symbolism of the five Dhyani Buddhas:
Deity Color Direction Gesture (mudra)
Vairochana White Center Dharmachakra
Turning the
Dharma-wheel
(teaching)
Vairochana1table.gif
Akshobhya Blue East Bhumisparsa
Earth-touching
Akshobhya-1table.gif
Ratnasambhava Yellow South Varada
Bestowing, giving
Ratnasambhava1table.gif
Amitabha Red West Dhyana
Meditation
Amitabha1table.gif
Amogasiddhi Green North Abhaya
Fearlessness
Amoghasiddhi1table.gif
Im147.jpg
More symbolism of the five Dhyani Buddhas:
Deity Family symbol
and family
Syllable Vehicle Aggregate
Vairochana Wheel
Tathagata
OM dragon form
(Skt. rupa)
Akshobhya Vajra
Vajra
HUM elephant consciousness
(Skt. vijnana)
Ratnasambhava Jewel
Ratna
TRAM horse or lion sensation
(Skt. vendana)
Amitabha Lotus
Padma
HRIH peacock perception
(Skt. sanjna)
Amogasiddhi Double Vajra
Karma
AH Garuda impulses
(Skt. Samskara)

Source

Article from A View on Buddhism-Symbolism of the five Dhyani Buddhas