Diving deep into Buddhist symbolism and cosmology, one encounters the awe-inspiring concept of the Five Cosmic Buddhas, or the Five Dhyani Buddhas or the Five Wisdom Buddhas, whichever you prefer. These celestial Buddhas, each associated with a different color, direction, and spiritual transformation, are more than just divine figures – they are profound embodiments of Buddhist teachings.
Not mere deities to be worshipped, the Five Cosmic Buddhas are symbols of the potential for enlightenment within us all. They represent the journey of transforming our baser emotions like ignorance, anger, and desire into higher wisdoms, leading us towards a more enlightened state of being.
As we dive deeper into the understanding of each Cosmic Buddha – Amitabha, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Vairocana, and Amoghasiddhi – we’ll explore their unique attributes, uncover their profound symbolism, and discover how these celestial figures can illuminate our path towards spiritual growth and understanding.
What is a Cosmic Buddha?
Cosmic Buddhas, now that’s a term that can spark curiosity, right? I know it did for me the first time I heard of the concept.
These are not your average Buddhas. When we say “Cosmic”, we’re referring to something that extends beyond our everyday life, beyond our individual existence, reaching out to the vast universe.
So, a Cosmic Buddha is considered a celestial Buddha who is seen as a spiritual embodiment of the enlightened state beyond our human understanding.
Like the ultimate goalposts in the path of enlightenment, representing the universal and eternal aspects of Buddha’s teachings. But don’t get the idea that they’re unreachable entities. They are very much part of the world, working tirelessly for the liberation of all sentient beings.
The significance of the Cosmic Buddhas in Buddhism is immense. They’re considered to be the epitome of specific universal truths. They represent various aspects of enlightenment and are often associated with specific spiritual qualities that Buddhists strive to cultivate.
Each Cosmic Buddha heads a “family” of similar enlightened beings and presides over a specific direction of the universe.
What is the Difference Between a Buddha and a Cosmic Buddha?
- A Buddha, in the most general sense, refers to any individual who has attained full enlightenment and experienced Nirvana, thus escaping the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth known as Samsara. This is most famously represented by Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, but also includes anyone else who achieves this state of enlightenment.
- A Cosmic Buddha, on the other hand, isn’t a historical entity but a representation of ultimate, profound wisdom. Cosmic Buddhas are celestial, transcendent beings associated with different directions, colors, wisdoms, and more. They serve as an aid in meditation and other spiritual practices, helping us tap into deep spiritual truths.
The Mandala of the Five Buddhas
The concept of a mandala in Buddhism is a fascinating one. At its most basic level, a mandala is a spiritual symbol that represents the universe.
It’s a microcosm of the cosmos, a visual aid designed to help us focus our minds and guide us on our spiritual journey.
Now, the Mandala of the Five Buddhas is a specific type of mandala that’s central to Vajrayana Buddhism.
This mandala is a sacred geometric figure that represents the Five Dhyani or Cosmic Buddhas. Each of these Buddhas is associated with a cardinal direction (including the center), a color, a wisdom, an earthly element, and much more. The Five Buddha Mandala is often used in meditation, where practitioners visualize the Buddhas and their realms to connect with their wisdoms.
In the Mandala of the Five Buddhas, each Buddha symbolizes a particular aspect of enlightened consciousness and offers a pathway to overcome specific hindrances. For example, Amoghasiddhi, the Buddha of the North, represents the all-accomplishing wisdom and helps overcome envy.
So you could say, the Mandala of the Five Buddhas is like a map guiding us toward enlightenment!
Who are the Five Cosmic Buddhas?
We will be talking about each Buddha more specifically further down below, but here is a table in the meantime for a more digestible experience:
|
Buddha
|
Direction
|
Symbol
|
Color
|
Wisdom
|
Mudra
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amitabha
|
West
|
Lotus
|
Red
|
Observation
|
Dhyana
|
|
Akshobhya
|
East
|
Vajra
|
Blue
|
Reflection
|
Bhumisparsha
|
|
Ratnasambhava
|
South
|
Jewel
|
Yellow
|
Equanimity
|
Varada
|
|
Vairocana
|
Center
|
Wheel
|
White
|
Dharmadhatu
|
Dharmachakra
|
|
Amoghasiddhi
|
North
|
Double Vajra
|
Double Vajra
|
Accomplishment
|
Abhaya
|
1. Amitabha Buddha
Amitabha, also known as Amitayus or the Buddha of Infinite Light, is perhaps one of the most beloved and revered figures in Mahayana Buddhism, especially in Pure Land Buddhism. He is particularly known for his boundless compassion and his vow to save all sentient beings.
Amitabha Buddha is the embodiment of infinite light and life, symbolizing boundless compassion. He is said to possess immeasurable merit resulting from good deeds over countless past lives as a bodhisattva named Dharmakara.
The picture taken above was from Kamakura, Japan where the Great Buddha stands which is actually Amitabha Buddha, or Amida Butsu in Japanese. In China, he is known as Amituofo instead.
Amitabha Buddha is well-known due to the story of his vows. As Dharmakara Bodhisattva, he supposedly made 48 great vows, promising to create a Pure Land where beings can practice the Dharma without the distractions. His 18th vow is particularly famous, pledging to not attain enlightenment unless any being who aspires to be reborn in his realm and calls upon his name could do so.
This has given birth to the Pure Land practice of Nianfo or Nembutsu, reciting “Namo Amitabha Buddha“.
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Direction: West. His western Pure Land, called Sukhavati or the Pure Land of Bliss, is a realm free of suffering where beings can strive towards enlightenment.
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Symbol: Lotus, a symbol of enlightenment
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Color: Red, representing love and compassion
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Wisdom: Wisdom of Observation. This wisdom allows us to see things as they are, without distortions caused by personal desires and fears.
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Mudra: Dhyana Mudra. This mudra symbolizes meditation.
2. Akshobhya Buddha
Known as the “Unshakeable”, Akshobhya Buddha is seen as a figure of absolute consciousness. In contrast to our often chaotic and turbulent mental states, Akshobhya stands as a symbol of unwavering, focused mind, embodying the steadfast power of a deep concentration.
His journey towards Buddhahood began many aeons ago when he was a monk. He made a great vow never to harbour anger or ill will towards any being until he achieved enlightenment.
His practice is particularly useful for transforming the delusion of anger into the wisdom of mirror-like clarity.
Direction: East. This orientation has a symbolic connection with the rising sun, offering a sense of enlightenment, awakening, and fresh starts.
Symbol: Vajra. This instrument represents indestructible truth and, in Akshobhya’s context, it signifies his immovable nature and the power of compassion to pierce through ignorance and delusion.
Color: Blue. In Buddhist symbolism represents wisdom.
Wisdom: Wisdom of Reflection. This type of wisdom is a state of perfect clarity, reflecting things as they are, just like a flawless mirror. It is the antidote to the poison of anger and hatred.
Mudra: Bhumisparsha Mudra. This is the gesture of touching the earth with the right hand, palm inward.
3. Ratnasambhava Buddha
Ratnasambhava Buddha, whose name means “Jewel-Born” in Sanskrit, is associated with abundance and the virtues of generosity.
In various Buddhist texts, Ratnasambhava is often depicted seated on a horse, symbolizing steadfastness.
Ratnasambhava’s association with richness has led to his veneration as a buddha of wealth, helping to overcome material and spiritual poverty. His teachings offering a path to transform worldly desires into spiritual wealth.
Direction: South. The south is traditionally associated with the summer season and midday.
Symbol: Ratna. Specifically the wish-fulfilling jewel, which signifies fulfillment of desires and abundance.
Color: Yellow. Associated with richness and fertility.
Wisdom: Wisdom of Equanimity. This wisdom transforms pride into the realization that all phenomena are empty of independent existence, allowing us to view all experiences without discrimination, and acknowledging the fundamental equality of all beings.
Mudra: Varada Mudra. The gesture of generosity. The palm faces outward, fingers extended downwards.
4. Vairocana Buddha
Vairocana Buddha, the “Radiant One”, holds a paramount position in many schools of Buddhism, including Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.
Often regarded as a primordial Buddha, the embodiment of emptiness and the luminosity of the true nature of mind, Vairocana represents a central principle of Buddhist thought – the realization that all phenomena are void of intrinsic identity.
In the Avatamsaka Sutra (also known as the Flower Garland Sutra), Vairocana is depicted as a Buddha who is infinite, a being beyond space and time, in whom all things are unified, contained and interconnected, endlessly propagating in all directions.
Direction: Center. As the supreme Buddha who integrates the virtues and wisdom of all the other Buddhas.
Symbol: Dharmacakra (Wheel), which represents the teachings of the Buddha. The wheel’s endless circle symbolizes the cyclic nature of existence and the teachings that lead to enlightenment.
Color: White, symbolizing purity, completeness, and the integration of all colors of light (all forms of wisdom).
Wisdom: Wisdom of the Dharmadhatu – the wisdom of the sphere of reality, or the ultimate truth of all things beyond conceptual understanding.
Mudra: Dharmachakra mudra, also known as the “turning the wheel of Dharma” mudra.
5. Amoghasiddhi Buddha
Amoghasiddhi Buddha’s name in Sanskrit translates to “Infallible Success,” a nod to his power to overcome negative emotions and adversities.
His consort is actually Tara, a renowned female Bodhisattva.
Amoghasiddhi is believed to represent the transformation of jealousy and envy into the wisdom of accomplishment. He is associated with the realization of enlightenment through actions, emphasizing the significance of practice in the Buddhist path.
Direction: North. Embodying the strength of a mountain.
Symbol: Vishvavajra (Double Vajra), a spiritual tool in Buddhism representing firmness of spirit.
Color: Green. In Buddhist tradition, green signifies accomplishment.
Wisdom: Wisdom of Perfect Accomplishment, which is the wisdom that leads to enlightenment through action.
Mudra: Abhaya Mudra. Also known as the “Gesture of Fearlessness.” It symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear.
