August 07, 2005
Five Dhyani Buddhas & Families
On the Three-Fold Training
A Glance at Mikkyo
There are 5 classes of Divinities, each represented by a Dhyani Buddha. There are some variations in different traditions. For example, there is variance in the skandhas and Bodhisattvas associated with each. This is not surprizing, since these are secret traditions. The five families and accociated Dhyani Buddhas are:
Tathagata {Nyorai} Family:
Buddha: Vairochana {Dainichi){Sun-like One or the Radiating One}, Bodhisattva: Manjushri, Color: White, Direction: Center, Symbol: Wheel, Mudra: Dharmachakra, Skandha: Consciousness, Vehicle: Lion or Dragon, Element: Ether, Klesha: Delusion/Stupidity {Moha}, Virtue:Wisdom {Prajna} .
Cintamani {Jewel} Family
Buddha: Ratnasambhava {Jewel-born One} {Hosho Nyorai}, Bodhisattva: Akashagarbha {Kokuzo}{Space Womb/Matrix}, Color: Yellow/Gold, Direction: South, Symbol: Gemstone, Mudra: Varada, Skandha: Sensation, Vehicle: Horse or Lion, Element: Earth, Klesha: Pride {Mana}, Virtue: Impartiality, Equanamity.
Padma {Lotus} Family:
Buddha: Amithba {Amida}, Bodhisattva: Shou Kanzeon {Arya Avalokiteshvara}, Color: Red, Direction: West, Symbol: Lotus, Mudra: Dhyana/Samadhi, Skandha: Perception, Vehicle: Peacock, Element: Fire , Klesha: Avarice {Lobha}, Virtue: Grace, Discrimination.
Karma or Dharma Family:
Buddha: Amoghasiddhi {Fukujoju Nyorai}{Almighty Conqueror}, Bodhisattva: Visvapani, Shakti:Arya Tara, Color: Green, Direction: North, Symbol: Double Vajra/Sword, Mudra: Abhaya, Skandha: Volition,
Vehicle: Garuda, Element: Air, Klesha: Envy/Jealousy {Irsya}, Virtue: Perseverance, Accomplishment
Vajra {Thunderbolt, Diamond Scepter [Cutter]} Family:
Buddha: Akshobhya {Ashuku Nyorai} {Unshakable}, Bodhisattva: Samantabhadra, Color: Blue, Direction: East, Symbol: Vajra, Mudra: Bhumisparsha; Skandha: Form; Vehicle: Elephant, Element: Water, Klesha: Hatred/Anger {Dvesa}, Virtue:Self Reflection {Mirror}.
Posted by rbeck at August 6, 2005 10:46 PM