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Hello everyone, I am a bookworm from Zhenshui Academy, and I am very happy to share with you the topic of the Three Bodhisattvas. In the minds of many people, Guanyin Bodhisattva is the most perfect Bodhisattva, so many people also worship Guanyin Bodhisattva in their homes to obtain the protection of Guanyin Bodhisattva in their lives and practices. In fact, the definition of the three bodhisattvas in Buddhist scriptures and folklore is different, do you know where this difference lies? You are welcome to share your thoughts about the three bodhisattvas and the stories about the three bodhisattvas, so that more people who love traditional culture can gain wider awareness and help.
One. The Three Great Bodhisattvas of the Western Heavens
The "Three Sages of the West" in Chinese mythology refer to the three main deities of the Western Elysium in Buddhism: Amitabha, Guanyin (Guanyin), and Dashi Zhi. These three Buddhist saints occupy an extremely important place in the Chinese Buddhist faith, especially in the Pure Land sect, where they are regarded as the key deities who guide their followers to the Western Elysium.
Amitabha (Amitābha): Amitabha Buddha is the center of the Pure Land sect of faith and is considered the founder and ruler of the Western Elysium. It is believed that Amitabha Buddha made 48 vows, the most famous of which is the eighteenth vow, which states that any sentient being who sincerely recites his name can be guided by him on his deathbed to be reborn in the world of bliss, thus freeing himself from the sea of suffering and attaining nirvana. As a result, Amitabha Buddha is widely worshipped in the Chinese Buddhist faith, and believers often chant "Nan Wu Amitabha" in order to seek rebirth in the Pure Land.
Avalokite vara: Avalokiteshvara, or simply Avalokiteshvara, is the embodiment of compassion and is seen as the guardian of all living beings. Guanyin Bodhisattva has an extremely important position in the Chinese faith, and is considered to be a bodhisattva who can save suffering and suffering, and can respond to the requests of all beings and save suffering. The image and myth of Guanyin Bodhisattva is extremely popular throughout China, and is often depicted with benevolent eyebrows, holding a net bottle and willow branches, symbolizing the nectar that sheds compassion and wisdom.
Mahāsthāmaprāpta: The Mahāsthāmaprāpta is known as the Three Sages of the West along with Amitabha Buddha and Avalokiteshvara in the Pure Land sect. The Bodhisattva symbolizes the power of wisdom and is said to help sentient beings develop their inner wisdom in order to achieve liberation. In Chinese Buddhist art, the Bodhisattva of the Great Trend is often seen alongside Amitabha Buddha and Avalokiteshvara, guiding the devotees to the Elysian World.
Two. The three bodhisattvas in folk culture
The "Three Great Bodhisattvas" often mentioned in folk culture refer to Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), King Jizo (Jizo Bodhisattva), and Manjushri (Manjushri). These three bodhisattvas are highly revered and worshipped in Chinese Buddhist and folk beliefs, and each represents a different Buddhist virtue and power.
Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin Bodhisattva): Guanyin Bodhisattva is a symbol of compassion and is considered to be a bodhisattva who saves suffering and suffering, and is able to respond to the requests of all beings and save suffering. The image of Guanyin Bodhisattva is extremely popular in China, and is often depicted with benevolent eyebrows and kind eyes, holding a net bottle and willow branches. The belief in Guanyin Bodhisattva crossed the boundaries between Buddhists and non-Buddhists, and became one of the most widely worshipped deities among Chinese folklore.
Jizo King Bodhisattva (Jizo Bodhisattva): Jizo King Bodhisattva is the embodiment of compassion and plays an important role in the salvation of hellish beings. Jizo Bodhisattva vows not to become a Buddha until the Dharma is popularized and sentient beings are saved. He is considered to be the guardian of all beings in the six realms of reincarnation, especially those in hell. The image of Jizo Bodhisattva is usually holding a scepter and stepping on a lotus pedestal, symbolizing his endless compassion and salvation for all beings.
Manjushri (Manjushri): Manjushri represents wisdom and is considered the essence of wisdom for all Buddhas. He is usually depicted riding a lion and holding a sword, symbolizing the use of the sword of wisdom to break through ignorance. Manjushri's beliefs and worship are closely related to knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment, and many students and scholars will pray to Manjushri for wisdom and academic achievement.
Three. How to worship the three bodhisattvas
Offering to the three bodhisattvas – Avalokiteshvara, King Jizo and Manjushri – is a common practice among Chinese Buddhists and many folk believers. The purpose of the offering is to show respect for the Bodhisattva and to ask for the Bodhisattva's blessings, protection, and guidance. Here are some basic offering steps and precautions:
1.Prepare the enshrinement area.
Choosing a location: Choose a quiet, clean offering area for the three bodhisattvas. This can be a corner of the home, a Buddhist hall, or any other place suitable for religious activities.
Clean Environment: Keeping the worship area clean, this shows respect for the Bodhisattva.
2.Set up an idol or portrait of a deity.
Placement of statues: Depending on the individual's situation, a statue or portrait of the Bodhisattva can be chosen. The image of the Bodhisattva is placed on an offering table or cabinet, and generally speaking, Avalokiteshvara is often placed in the middle, with King Jizo and Manjushri on either side.
Height: The statue should be placed higher in the room, at least with its head lower than the statue to show respect.
3.Prepare offerings.
Flowers: Flowers are pure things, symbolizing respect and goodness, and can be used as one of the offerings.
Clear water: The water that is changed every day symbolizes inner purity.
Incense Candles: Incense and candles are lit to symbolize the transmission of light and wisdom, as well as to the heart of piety.
Food: Offering fresh fruit or vegetarian food, representing offerings and respects.
Dharma instruments: such as **, Dharma bells, etc., symbolizing the spread and practice of Buddhism.
4.Chanting and praying.
Recitation**: According to the enshrined bodhisattva, choose the corresponding ** to recite, such as the Heart Sutra, the Jizo Sutra or the Manjushri Sutra, etc.
Chanting mantras: You can recite the corresponding bodhisattva mantras, such as "Nam no Avalokiteshvara", "Nam no Jizo King Bodhisattva", "Nam no Manjushri".
5.Meditation and prayer.
Meditation: Meditate during the offering and imagine the Bodhisattva's power of light and compassion filling the entire space, bringing peace and wisdom to yourself and others.
Prayer: Pray silently in your heart and ask for the blessings and guidance of the Bodhisattva.
6.Precautions.
Respect: The attitude of the offering should be respectful and reverent, expressing respect and gratitude to the Bodhisattva.
Continuity: Clean the offering area regularly, change offerings, and maintain continuity and respect for offerings.
Personal beliefs: The way of offering should be flexibly adjusted according to the individual's beliefs and actual situation, and the important thing is inner admiration and sincerity.
What are your views and suggestions about the three bodhisattvas of the Western Heavens, and you are welcome to share your own perceptions and stories. To help more friends who love traditional folk culture. Follow me, love life, love work, love exploration. Good luck and rise in 2024.