Mahāsthāmaprāpta (“He Who Has Obtained Great Power”) is part of the Western Pure Land Trinity with Amitābha and Avalokiteśvara, guiding beings to liberation.
Iconography:
Jar-Crowned Head: Holds radiant light (universal wisdom).
Lotus/Vajra: Purity & unshakable power.
Purple-Gold Aura: Contrasts Avalokiteśvara’s white light (compassion-wisdom duality).
Mañjuśrī, one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas, embodies wisdom and enlightenment, revered as “Bodhisattva of Supreme Wisdom.” Typically depicted:
Holding a flaming sword (cuts ignorance) & Prajnaparamita sutra (ultimate truth).
Riding a blue lion (wisdom’s ferocity).
Sacred site: Wutai Mountain (China), his earthly abode.
Green Tara is one of the incarnations of Guanyin Bodhisattva. In Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, Guanyin Bodhisattva, out of compassion for the suffering of sentient beings, sheds a tear from her eyes and transforms into Green Tara to save them from suffering.
Yellow Jambhala is one of the Five Wealth-Deities commonly venerated by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He has one face and two arms, adorned with a Five-Buddha Crown. His figure is short and stout with a large belly and powerful arms. In his right hand he holds a Bijapuraka jewel (wish-fulfilling gem), while his left hand grasps a mongoose (wealth-vomiting creature). He wears heavenly garments, decorated with blue lotuses and jewel ornaments, with a rosary hanging across his chest. His left leg is bent while his right foot treads upon a conch shell treasure, seated in royal ease upon a lotus and moon disc.”
Acala, the “Immovable Wisdom King,” is chief of the Five Wisdom Kings in Esoteric Buddhism. As the wrathful manifestation of Mahavairocana Buddha, he embodies “compassionate ferocity.” His iconic form features:
Right hand: Wields a flaming sword (cuts delusions).
Left hand: Holds a lasso (binds evil).
Posture: Seated on a rock amid flames, representing unshakable protection of Dharma.
Amitabha , also known as the “Buddha of Infinite Light” or “Buddha of Infinite Life”, presides over the Western Pure Land . Central to Pure Land Buddhism, his Forty-Eight Vows promise to guide beings to rebirth in his paradise, free from the cycle of suffering.
Rebirth Through Faith: Pure Land teachings hold that sincere recitation ensures rebirth in his land, transcending samsara.
Universal Salvation: Open to all—regardless of karma—embodying the “Path of Easy Practice”.
Akashagarbha is a Mahayana bodhisattva embodying memory, wisdom, and merit. His name reflects the profound concept of “emptiness containing all phenomena”, complementing Ksitigarbha’s “earth-womb” symbolism.
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