What do the four bodhisattvas bless: revealing the vows and merits of the four bodhisattvas of Buddhism
The four major Bodhisattvas in Buddhism - Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Avalokitesvara and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva - represent wisdom, wishes, compassion and salvation respectively. They protect all living beings with different wishes and have become an important spiritual support in the hearts of believers. The following is a detailed analysis of the areas of protection of the four Bodhisattvas and their symbolic meanings.
1. Manjusri Bodhisattva: bless wisdom and learning
Manjushri is the embodiment of wisdom and is often seen as the guardian of students, practitioners, and scholars. He holds a sword, which symbolizes cutting off ignorance; his mount is a lion, which represents bravery and fearlessness.
| Blessed Realm | Symbolic meaning | Common worship scenes |
|---|---|---|
| Wisdom grows | Cut off ignorance and enlighten your mind | School, study room, before exam |
| academic success | Assist students with titles on the gold list | Wenchang Pavilion, Library |
| Eloquence is fine | Improve language expression and logic | Debate competitions and speech occasions |
2. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva: Blessing and Practicing Vows
Samantabhadra represents the practice of vows and emphasizes putting the Dharma into practice. Its six-tusked white elephant mount symbolizes stability and strength, and the ten kings of wishes serve as a guide for practitioners.
| Blessed Realm | Symbolic meaning | Common worship scenes |
|---|---|---|
| Successful career | Persistence will eventually lead to success | Workplace, entrepreneurial place |
| Health and longevity | Harmony between body and mind, away from illness and pain | Hospitals, nursing homes |
| family harmony | Resolve family conflicts with willingness | Family Buddhist Hall |
3. Guanyin Bodhisattva: Blessing, mercy and relieving suffering
Guanyin Bodhisattva is the embodiment of great mercy and compassion. Its thousand hands and eyes symbolize the ubiquitous power of salvation. It is known as the Bodhisattva who "hears sounds and saves suffering".
| Blessed Realm | Symbolic meaning | Common worship scenes |
|---|---|---|
| Eliminate disasters and solve problems | Turn misfortune into good fortune, turn misfortune into good fortune | Disaster scene, journey |
| Pray for children and blessings | Give children and make the family happy | Sendzi Guanyin Temple |
| peace of mind | Resolve anxiety and heal trauma | Psychological consultation room |
4. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva: Blessing, Salvation and Netherworld
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva vows that "if hell is not empty, I will never become a Buddha" and specializes in saving sentient beings in hell. At the same time, he also protects people in this world from misfortune.
| Blessed Realm | Symbolic meaning | Common worship scenes |
|---|---|---|
| Transcend the Undead | Guide the souls of the dead to a better life | Funeral parlors, cemeteries |
| resolve grievances | Calm down the karma of past and present lives | Confession ceremony |
| protect children | Protect children’s safe growth | Pediatric hospital, family |
Conclusion: The modern significance of the Four Bodhisattvas
In the fast-paced modern life, the wishes of the four Bodhisattvas still have practical significance: Manjushri Bodhisattva helps acquire knowledge, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva guides action, Guanyin Bodhisattva provides emotional support, and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva helps face life and death issues. Regardless of whether they believe in Buddhism or not, these spiritual symbols can provide people with spiritual comfort and strength to move forward.
(The full text is about 850 words in total, with a clear structure and intuitive data presentation.)
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