Understanding Buddhist figures, comprehending the wisdom of the Buddha.
How did Buddhism, a faith that has influenced billions of people worldwide, originate? It all began more than 2,500 years ago with a prince born in the ancient Indian kingdom of Kapilavastu. He was Siddhārtha Gautama, later revered as "Shakyamuni Buddha," the enlightened one.
Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, with boundless compassion and wisdom, perceives the sounds of the world and saves those who suffer. As one of the most important bodhisattvas in East Asian Buddhism, his image varies from male to female, holding a vase with a willow branch, symbolizing purity and compassion. This article explores the origins, symbolism, and significance of Avalokiteshvara in modern society.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is renowned for his profound vow, "As long as Hell is not empty, I vow not to become a Buddha." He is the bodhisattva in charge of the netherworld, dedicated to saving beings in hell. His spirit of filial piety and his image as a rescuer from suffering hold an irreplaceable position in folk beliefs. This article delves into Ksitigarbha's original vow, his iconography, and his deep connection to filial piety.
Venerable Ānanda, one of the Buddha's ten great disciples, was known as "Foremost in Hearing." He was the Buddha's attendant in his later years and a key figure in the compilation of the sutras. Ānanda's story demonstrates the importance of hearing, contemplating, and practicing the Dharma, and the journey of transformation from an ordinary being to a sage.
Venerable Rāhula, the son of the Buddha, was known as "Foremost in Esoteric Practices." This article presents the extraordinary journey of Venerable Rāhula from a prince to an Arhat, exploring his unique style of silent and diligent practice and his important position in the Buddhist Sangha.
Venerable Upāli, one of the Buddha's ten great disciples, was known as "Foremost in Upholding the Precepts." This article tells the legendary story of his journey from a low-caste barber to a Buddhist authority on monastic discipline, exploring his strict adherence to the precepts, his spirit of equality, and his outstanding contributions to the First Buddhist Council.
Venerable Pūrṇa, one of the Buddha's ten great disciples, was known as "Foremost in Preaching." This article tells the legendary story of his journey from a wealthy merchant to a propagator of the Dharma, exploring his outstanding eloquence, skillful means in teaching, and his fearless spirit of devotion in spreading the Dharma in remote areas.
Venerable Subhūti, one of the Buddha's ten great disciples, was known as "Foremost in Understanding Emptiness." This article, guided by the Diamond Sutra, explores how Venerable Subhūti practiced the wisdom of emptiness in daily life, cultivated the samādhi of non-contention, and integrated his understanding of emptiness into practices like giving and patience, ultimately achieving a state of liberated ease.
Venerable Mahākāśyapa, one of the Buddha's ten great disciples, was known as "Foremost in Ascetic Practices." This article tells the legendary story of his journey from a wealthy son to an ascetic practitioner and then to the first patriarch of Zen, exploring his strict asceticism, profound understanding of the Dharma, and his important role in the Buddhist tradition.
Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva, with his supreme Prajñā wisdom, is hailed as "First in Wisdom" and symbolizes great intelligence in Buddhism. He holds a wisdom sword and rides a lion, representing the cutting of afflictions with wisdom and the fearless preaching of the Dharma. This article explores the origins, iconography, and important inspirations of Mañjuśrī in spiritual practice.
Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, with his vast vows and boundless spirit of practice, symbolizes "Great Practice" in Buddhism. His Ten Great Vows serve as a model for all bodhisattvas' cultivation, guiding practitioners on how to implement the Dharma in daily life. This article delves into Samantabhadra's Ten Great Vows, his iconography, and his profound influence on Mahayana Buddhism.
Venerable Śāriputra, one of the Buddha\'s ten great disciples, was renowned as "Foremost in Wisdom." This article explores his life, his intellectual qualities, his contributions to the Dharma, and his path to liberation, showcasing his extraordinary life as the Buddha\'s right-hand disciple.
Venerable Maudgalyāyana was a legendary figure among the Buddha's ten great disciples, known as "Foremost in Psychic Powers." This article tells the story of his journey from a young seeker of truth, to taking refuge in the Buddha, manifesting psychic powers, saving his mother, and finally, demonstrating impermanence.
Venerable Mahākātyāyana, one of the Buddha's ten great disciples, was renowned as "Foremost in Debate." This article presents his legendary life from a Brahmin scholar to a master of Buddhist discourse, exploring his eloquence, profound understanding of the Dharma, and his outstanding contributions to refuting wrong views and propagating the true Dharma.
Venerable Aniruddha, one of the Buddha\'s ten great disciples, was known as "Foremost in Heavenly Vision." This article focuses on his inner transformation, telling the story of how he awakened from drowsiness and sloth, overcame blindness, and finally attained the divine eye, illuminating the path to liberation for himself and all beings.