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Avalokiteshwara Bodhisattva (Sanskrit: pronounced "A-va-lo-kee-tesh-vara") "The Regarder of the Cries of the World". Avalokiteshwara is the symbol of the Great Compassion that exists within and around us, the compassion we find through the bright, non-judgmental all-acceptance of meditation and mindfulness. Uncovering this compassion and manifesting it in one's daily life is essential to spiritual growth, and is called "finding the Heart of Kanzeon".

Although in India Avalokiteshwara is regarded as male, the personification of the Compassion of the Buddha Nature appears in China in both female and male forms and is know as Kuan-yin. In Japan Avalokiteshwara also appears in both male and female form and is called Kanzeon. Avalokiteshwara's vow is to appear in whatever form is necessary in order to lead beings out of suffering. Therefore, Avalokiteshwara is sometimes depicted in female mode and sometimes in male mode, but the true nature of compassion transcends these opposites. Meditation can help us to see the compassion always being offered no mater what form it may take.

Avalokiteshwara is often shown holding a vase for pouring out the water of compasion and a willow twig with which to asperge this spiritual water in blessing.

 

Avalokiteshwara

Avalokiteshwara painting from the
Buddha Hall at Shasta Abbey.

Samantabhadra (C. P’u-hsien; J: Fugen) “He Who is All-Pervading Good” or “He Whose Beneficence is Everywhere.” The Bodhisattva of active love and patient, diligent effort. With his hands in gassho, he is seated on an elephant representing his great strength born of gentleness and patience.

  Samantabhadra
     

Manjusri (C: Wen-shu-shih-li; J: Monju)“He Who is Noble and Gentle,” the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. He sits serenely upon the beast of self, taming it with firm compassion and mindful awareness. He often holds a delusion-cutting sword, a lotus containing the Scripture of Great Wisdom (Prajnaparamita), or a ceremonial Lotus Sceptre. A statue of Manjusri is often placed on the altar of the Monks Meditation Hall.

  Manjusri
     

Kshtigarbha (C: Ti-ts’ang; J: Jizo) “He Who is the Earth’s Treasure House.” The embodiment of benevolence and kindness and a special protector of children, animals, travelers and pregnant women. Having taken a vow to live in the hells until all are free of them, he holds a staff with which to force open the gates of the hells we are putting ourselves through, and a radiant jewel with which to dispel the darkness of delusion within.

  Kshitigarbha

Kshtigarbha Shrine at Shasta Abbey.

     

Hotei (The Japanese name for C: Pu-tai) “He Who is the Cloth Bag of a Monk,” also known as “The Laughing Buddha.” Hotei was a wandering Chinese monk of the T’ang Dynasty, known for carrying a hemp sack on his back, roaming the countryside, spreading joy and goodwill, especially to children. The sack contained endless treasures which he gave freely, characterizing his virtue of selfless giving. He is revered in China as a manifestation of the future Buddha, Maitreya.

  Hotei

Hotei statue at Shasta Abbey.
     

Achalanatha (C: Bu-dong; J: Fudo) “The Immovable One.” Achalanatha demonstrates the dynamic resolve needed in order to realize enlightenment by sitting still amidst the flames of our own suffering. Like Manjustri, he holds a delusion-cutting sword as well as the rope of the Precepts with which to bind all evil. Without force or coercion, Achalanatha offers these tools for Buddhist trainees to use. “By our own wills and vigilance, may we our fetters cut away.”

  Achalanatha