Buddhist gods are recognized by supporters of this religion as beings of a separate class, who obey the laws of karma. It is noteworthy that at the same time, this religion categorically denies the existence of a supreme creator-master who would create this world and rule it. Everyone who finds himself in a Buddhist temple is simply amazed at the number of images of various deities. Surprisingly, their total number remains unknown. There are at least three thousand of them, and the catalogs with their images take up several volumes.
Essence
For the adherents of this faith, the Buddhist gods are a reflection of their own mind, which corresponds to various aspects of their thinking and perception of the outside world. They do not actually have any particular form, existing independently of each other.
At the same time, behind each image of a Buddhist god there is a symbolism developed to the smallest detail. Every detail is endowed with meaning - color, shape of deities, hand gestures, posture, availableattributes and decorations.
Interestingly, there is simply no generally accepted classification of the pantheon of Buddhist gods. At the same time, most of the images are conditionally divided into three Bodies of the Buddha.
Features of Buddhism
The peculiarities of this religion include the fact that the concept of God, in the usual sense, does not exist here. Therefore, Buddhists, as a rule, do not pray - they do not have an omnipotent person from whom you can ask for something, as in most other religions. Many recall that even the Buddha himself emphasized this and taught him not to worship or deify him.
There are references to this in ancient texts that date back to about the first century AD. The whole essence of this religion is contained in these Buddhist scrolls. God, i.e. I - these concepts are largely identified. Man himself is compared to the seed and the core of all that exists, as well as the cause, the basis and the trunk. Buddhists believe that the offshoot of any incident or event stems from a specific individual.
Namsaray
A common symbol in this religion is the Buddhist god of we alth - Namsarei. He is traditionally depicted sitting on a snow-white lion. He has a yellow-gold body and an angry expression. In his right hand, he holds a banner of victory, and in his left hand, a mongoose, which is associated with we alth and prosperity.
He is often depicted on the outer walls of temples and monasteries as a protector from negative forces. It is believed that this Buddhist god is one of the most popular amongbelievers.
Symbols of God
The symbols with which Namsaray is depicted are of great importance, like any other Buddhist deity.
Namsaray is usually accompanied by:
- Two goldfish, which symbolize liberation from samsara;
- White shell (while its spiral is wrapped to the right side, symbolizing the sound of Buddha's enlightenment).
- A precious vase from which rains a long and he althy life, prosperity and he alth.
- Lotus flower as a symbol of spiritual purity and impeccable body.
- Golden wheel with eight spokes, which symbolize the eightfold path of any Buddhist. It consists of right thinking, vision, action, right speech, ways to achieve livelihood, effort, mind training and concentration.
- The banner of victory, set on top of the sacred Mount Meru, located in the center of the universe.
- The umbrella is a symbol of the power of the king, protecting from the evil influence that is bestowed on all compassionate Buddhas.
- The Eternal Knot (or Lucky Knot), one of its meanings is the complex connection between compassion and wisdom, as well as harmony and endless love.
Symbols in Buddhism are of great importance, so it is so important to know them and understand them.
Kurukulla
Kurukulla is the Buddhist goddess of love. She is considered one of the incarnations of Red Tara, one of the main bodhisattvas of this religion.
It is believed that Kurukulla patronizes love, magic,witchcraft and healing (her counterparts in other religions are Rati in Hinduism, she also has many similarities with Kali).
Her main attribute is an arrow and a stretched bow made of flowers. In traditional iconography, the goddess's body is depicted in red, she wears a crown made up of human skulls, and her hair is always stretched upwards. A tiger skin is draped around the waist, and a garland of severed human heads descends from the shoulders. Kurukulla four-armed.
Buddhism describes its four activities. White - able to pacify, soothe and heal. Yellow - helps to increase we alth, abundance, prosperity and wisdom. Red - is able to subordinate people to its power, to bewitch and charm them. Black - impedes the spiritual path, destroys evil, promotes angry manifestations.
In some areas where Buddhism is widespread, Kurukulla is considered the main patroness of sex and love. This distinguishes the Buddhist goddess from the background of other so-called creatures (there are only some of their names and photos in the article). This status also makes her related to the Greek Aphrodite. In this case, the images with the patroness of love are quite frank - she is depicted as a naked 16-year-old girl, seductive and sensual. Tibetans especially revere this deity. In particular, for her magical ability to bewitch people, gaining power over them.
Manjushri
In the list of Buddhist gods, such a symbol as Manjushri finds its place, which cannot be ignored. This is one ofthe oldest Buddhist images, he is called the closest associate and companion of the Buddha Gautama.
The first mentions of him are found in the earliest texts of the Mahayana, that is, in sources dating back to BC. It is believed that he personifies the will, reason and wisdom. His cult is especially popular in Tibet and China.
In fact, Manjushri is a teacher and guide, considered one of the few who has the highest degree of wisdom. It is for this reason that prayers addressed to him help to achieve true enlightenment. Those who worship him have a highly developed intuition, as well as clairvoyance and all sorts of other mystical abilities.
In Tibet and China, the mention of Manjushri can be found in various legends and sources. The Chinese emperor Nurkhatsi, the founder of the Manchurian empire, who ruled at the turn of the 16th-17th centuries, considered himself one of the incarnations of this deity.
Shakyamuni Buddha
Among the names of Buddhist gods, you will definitely meet Shakyamuni Buddha. It is believed that this is the same Gautama, known to most of us. It was he who became the first person, according to his fans, who achieved enlightenment. But for this he had to overcome several hundred lives in the wheel of Samsara. Only then did he manage to get out and break this cycle of rebirths.
Buddha is a wise and strong ruler, it is believed that, first of all, he patronizes scientists, philosophers, people of creative and intellectual professions. He helps them all find their way totrue enlightenment.
Medicine Buddha
The Medicine Buddha is on the list of Buddhist gods. Interestingly, he appears in seven guises at once. It is believed that if you regularly refer to it, it will help get rid of most existing diseases. And not only physically, but also spiritually.
To his wards, whom he protects, the Medicine Buddha gives vitality and powerful energy, helping to achieve success in healing and other areas.
Especially for him, there is a special Mantra of Medicine, which true Buddhists say exactly 108 times daily.
Traditionally, he is depicted in the lotus position and in monastic robes. In his left hand he has a begging bowl in which medicinal plants grow, and in his right hand a stalk of miroblan. At the same time, he sits on a lotus flower or a lion throne.
Among the attributes and symbols of the Medicine Buddha, you can often find boxes with medicines, as well as an earthenware jug.
Vajrapani
The image of the Buddhist god Vajrapani can often be found in the iconography of this religion. He is considered one of the three protectors of Gautama, symbolizing the power of the true teaching. He personifies both angry and benevolent traits, for this reason he can patronize even the most ordinary people who are fighting among themselves for a bright and dark beginning.
It is worth noting that this is an extremely determined deity who has the ability to endow other people with the same trait. It is also believed that it can push a person to perform good deeds and deeds. Therefore, those who are born under his patronage often turn to him for help in extremely difficult situations.
In the earliest images in iconography, Vajrapani is associated with the god of thunder. When the influence of Greek culture began to spread in Central Asia, which led to the emergence of Greco-Buddhism, they began to personify it with Hercules.
As a rule, God is depicted as a muscular and majestic athlete who holds a diamond club in his hands.
Vajrasattva
This deity is also called Buddha Samantabhadra or the Enlightened One. It is a symbol of transcendental wisdom that exists beyond the comprehension of an ordinary person.
It is believed that turning to him for protection can bring purification to the one who asks, drive away dark thoughts and even purify karma. It is worth emphasizing that it is this deity that has a special meaning in Buddhism.
A special mantra is addressed to him, which is said during traditional preparatory practices. People who are born under the sign of this patron have the ability to heal. Buddhists believe that in the future they become doctors, receiving a unique gift - to heal the mental and physical wounds of a person exclusively with a word.
The name Vajrasattva surfaced after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Then it was proposed to organize a worldwide project, within the framework of which to start reciting a six-syllable mantra all over the world,dedicated to this deity. Thus, it was proposed to accumulate a billion recitations in order to restore peace and order to the planet.
In the images, the deity holds a bell in his left hand, and a vajra in his right hand. This is a mythological and ritual weapon, which, according to legend, was created from the bones of the Indian sage Dadhichi. It combines the properties of a mace, sword, and spear.
Avalokitesvara
Avalokitesvara embodies compassion, and even love, for all human beings. Buddhists believe that it is his incarnation that is the Dalai Lama. At the same time, he can appear in 108 different guises, trying to help everyone, without exception, who is trying to find enlightenment and escape from the wheel of Samsara.
Believers believe that this deity is closely watching everything that happens on Earth, noticing any injustice. It immediately directs all its energy and strength to its correction. A special mantra, revered in Buddhism, helps not only to reach out to this patron, but also to subdue one's own anger, to find ways to peace in oneself.
According to legend, Avalokitesvara once took a monastic vow, promising to save all living beings on the planet from the fetters of samsara. Realizing that he would never be able to complete this overwhelming mission, his head was torn into 11 pieces. Then the Buddha restored his body, giving it a new shape, with 11 heads and a thousand arms.
