Illustration: Buddha teaching the bodhisattvas, green Samantabhadra, blue Vajrapani, yellow Maitreya, yellow Manjusri, and white Avalokitesvara. On the right is a wrathful Jambhala holding a mongoose with two birds above.
The definition of a bodhisattva encompasses a detachment from the hindrances, poisons, and likely bad company; wrong views and ignorance as well as a controlling passion. The bodhisattva is protected by the armour of the Mahayana so is never timid.
Subhuti, a ‘bodhi-sattva’ (enlightenment being), a great being, is called that because his purpose is enlightenment.
The Perfection of Wisdom by R.C. Jamieson (pg. 16)
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Reblogged this on MindMindful and commented:
Thank you, Genju, for the exposition on the iconography of this image.
Reblogged this on MindMindful and commented:
Thank you, Genju, for the exposition on the iconography of this image.
Welcome, MindMindful and thank you for reblogging!
I love this ancient worn look of the piece. yes, thanks for identifying all these Buddhas. I need to go look a few of them up!
Makes me want to reach out and touch it. I’m wondering about the colours – the Five Buddha Families have colours associated with them but it doesn’t coincide with these. Love the red though!
I love the crows!
Blue crows! Yes.