Figures | Ancient Buddhist Academy Virtual Temple

Amitabha Buddha

Amitābha Buddha阿彌陀佛

The Buddha of Infinite Light, who presides over the Pure Land of Sukhavati, a realm of peace where conditions for awakening are ideal.

Symbolism

Infinite light and infinite life; the vow to receive all beings who sincerely call upon his name.

Mantra

Om Amitabha Hrih

Associated Sutra

The Amitabha Sutra; The Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life

Traditional Practice

Nianfo / Nembutsu — the mindful recitation of Amitabha's name, cultivating faith and the aspiration to be reborn in the Pure Land.

"If, with a sincere heart, one calls the name of Amitabha even ten times, that one shall not be turned away. The light of Amitabha illuminates all who turn toward it."

Shakyamuni Buddha

Śākyamuni Buddha釋迦牟尼佛

The historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, who attained awakening beneath the Bodhi tree and taught the path to liberation for all beings.

Symbolism

Represents the awakened mind, the possibility of enlightenment within human reach, and the turning of the wheel of the Dharma.

Mantra

Om Muni Muni Maha Muni Shakyamuniye Svaha

Associated Sutra

The Dhammapada; The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching

Traditional Practice

Contemplation of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path; sitting meditation in the posture of awakening.

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."

Medicine Buddha

Bhaiṣajyaguru藥師佛

The Master of Healing, who made twelve great vows to relieve the physical and mental suffering of all beings and to guide them toward awakening.

Symbolism

The medicine bowl and the healing blue light of lapis lazuli; compassion that heals body and mind.

Mantra

Namo Bhagavate Bhaishajya-guru-vaidurya-prabha-rajaya Tathagataya Arhate Samyak-sambuddhaya Tadyatha Om Bhaishajye Bhaishajye Maha-bhaishajye Bhaishajya-raje Samudgate Svaha

Associated Sutra

The Medicine Buddha Sutra (Bhaiṣajyaguruvaiḍūrya Prabha Rāja Sūtra)

Traditional Practice

Recitation of the Medicine Buddha mantra and contemplation of healing light, dedicated to the relief of suffering for oneself and all beings.

"Where there is suffering, there is the possibility of healing. The Medicine Buddha's vow is to ease the illness of body and mind for all who turn toward the light of compassion."

Manjushri Bodhisattva

Mañjuśrī文殊菩薩

The Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom, who wields the sword of insight to cut through ignorance and delusion.

Symbolism

The flaming sword of wisdom and the lotus bearing the Prajnaparamita sutra; radiant golden-orange light.

Mantra

Om Ah Ra Pa Ca Na Dhi

Associated Sutra

The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras

Traditional Practice

Contemplation of wisdom and the recitation of Manjushri's mantra to clarify the mind and cut through confusion.

"With the sword of wisdom, cut through the roots of ignorance. True insight is not the gathering of knowledge but the clearing away of all that obscures the mind's true nature."

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

Samantabhadra普賢菩薩

The Bodhisattva of Great Conduct, who embodies the practice of all vows and the universal extension of merit to every being.

Symbolism

The six-tusked white elephant; the practice of the ten great vows; the union of wisdom and compassionate action.

Mantra

Om Samantabhadra Hum

Associated Sutra

The Avatamsaka (Flower Garland) Sutra

Traditional Practice

The cultivation of the Ten Great Vows and the dedication of all merit to the awakening of all beings.

"Every act, however small, when offered for the benefit of all beings, becomes a path of awakening. Practice is not separate from daily life."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

Kṣitigarbha地藏菩薩

The Bodhisattva of the Great Vow, who vowed to remain in the world until all the hells are emptied, guiding beings through the darkest realms.

Symbolism

The monk's staff and the wish-fulfilling jewel; unwavering commitment to the most suffering beings.

Mantra

Om Ksitigarbha Dharani

Associated Sutra

The Sutra of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Fundamental Vows

Traditional Practice

Recitation of Ksitigarbha's name and dedication of merit for the benefit of the deceased and all beings in suffering.

"I will not rest until the darkest realms are emptied of suffering. No being is beyond the reach of compassion; no vow is too great to keep."

Maitreya Buddha

Maitreya彌勒佛

The future Buddha, the loving one, who will appear in a future age to teach the Dharma anew. Often depicted with a joyful, welcoming presence.

Symbolism

The smile of loving-kindness and the promise of a future age of peace and Dharma.

Mantra

Om Maitreya Svaha

Associated Sutra

The Maitreya Vyakarana

Traditional Practice

Cultivation of loving-kindness (maitri) and the aspiration for a future of peace and awakening.

"The future holds the promise of awakening. Cultivate loving-kindness now, so that when the time comes, the heart is already open."

Vajrapani Bodhisattva

Vajrapāṇi執金剛菩薩

The Bodhisattva of Spiritual Power and guardian of the Dharma, who wields the vajra — the indestructible thunderbolt of wisdom. Together with Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri, he is one of the three great Bodhisattvas of the Mahayana, embodying the power of all the Buddhas.

Symbolism

The vajra (thunderbolt), symbolizing the indestructible, diamond-like power of wisdom and the protection of the teachings.

Mantra

Om Vajrapani Hum

Associated Sutra

The Vajrapani Paritta; The Mahayana teachings on the Protectors of the Dharma

Traditional Practice

Recitation of Vajrapani's mantra and contemplation of the indestructible power of wisdom to dispel obstacles and protect the Dharma.

"The power of the Dharma is not force but the indestructible clarity of wisdom. Where wisdom stands firm, no obstacle can remain."