Interpreting Mirror Like Wisdome – Buddha Akshobhya

In Vajrayana Buddhism, Akshobhya is one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas who is known as a product of the Adibuddha, and also represents consciousness as an aspect of reality. By convention, Aksobhya is established in the east of the Diamond Realm and is the lord of the Eastern Pure Land Abhirati although the Pure Land of Akshobhya’s western counterpart Amitabha is far better known. His consort is Locana and he is also normally accompanied by two elephants.

The life of  Akshobhya Buddha

In this portion, we are going to learn about the life of Buddha Aksobhya, after that, we will learn the short etymological description if the word Buddha Akshobhya itself.

Etymology of  Akshobhya Buddha

Akshobhya Buddha is known as mi kyu pa, sang Gye in Tibet.

Earlier, we learn about the life of Akshobhya Buddha. now, we are going to learn about the origin of Aksobhya Buddha.

Origin of the  Akshobhya Buddha

We are going to learn about the origin of Akshobhya Buddha.

Akshobhya buddha appears in the “Scripture of the Buddha-land of Akshobhya”  which dates from 147 AD and is the oldest which is known Pure Land text. According to the scripture, a monk wished to practice the Dharma in the eastern world of delight and made a vow to think no anger or malice towards any being until enlightenment. He has duly proved “immovable” and when he succeeded, he has become the Buddha Akshobhya.

Akshobhya is sometimes merged with Acala whose name also means ‘immovable one’ in Sanskrit. However, Acala is not a buddha, but one of the Five Wisdom Kings of the Womb Realm in Vajrayana. Prior to the advent of Bhaisajyaguru, Akshobhya was the subject of a minor cult in Japan as a healing buddha, though even now both are found within the Shingon school of Buddhism in Japan.

Recently, newly discovered Gandhari texts from Pakistan in the Bajaur Collection has been found to contain fragments of an early Mahayana sutra mentioning Aksobhya. Preliminary dating through paleography suggests a late first century to early second century AD provenance. More conclusive radiocarbon dating is underway. A complete analysis and report of the text are expected in late 2008.

Earlier, we learn about the life of Akshobhya Buddha and the origin of Aksobhya Buddha. Now, we are going to learn about Akshobhya Buddha’s Doctrine.

 Akshobhya Buddha’s Doctrine

We will learn about Akshobhya buddha’s doctrine.

Akshobhya buddha has believed to transform the human failing of anger into clear, mirror-like wisdom. With this wisdom, we see things just as they are, impartially and unaffectedly. A mirror will reflect both a red rose or a bloody dagger just as they are. Akshobhya’s blue color is closely linked to the mirror symbolism. Blue is the color of water, and water has the capacity to act as a clear mirror.

Earlier, we learn about the life of Akshobhya Buddha,  the origin of Aksobhya Buddha, and about Akshobhya Buddha’s Doctrine. Now, we are going to learn about the essential qualities of Akshobhya buddha.

Essential qualities of Akshobhya

We will learn about the essential qualities of Akshobhya buddha.

Touching the earth is a gesture of resolve. A vow to be as steadfast and immutable as the Earth itself. A commitment to find enlightenment and help eliminate the suffering of all beings. Akshobhya’s mount is the elephant.

An elephant places its foot upon the earth with unshakeable certainty. It has the same unalterable quality as the Buddha’s fingers touching the ground and the same determination that carried the Buddha through his tribulations. Akshobhya is the embodiment of mirror knowledge.

A knowledge of what is real, and what is an illusion, or a mere reflection of actual reality. The mirror is mind itself – clear like the sky, empty yet luminous. Holding all the images of space and time, yet untouched by them.

He represents the eternal mind, and the Vajra family is connected with reason and intellect. Its brilliance illuminates the darkness of ignorance, it’s sharpness cuts through the confusion. The Vajra family, to which Akshobhya belongs, is associated with the element of water.

This is why the two colors of the Vajra are blue or white. Bright white like the sun reflecting off the water, and blue, like the depths of the ocean. Even if the surface of the ocean is blown into crashing waves, the depths remain undisturbed, imperturbable.

And though water may seem ethereal and weightless, in truth it is extremely heavy. Water flows into the lowest place and settles there. It carves through solid rock, but calmly, without violence. When frozen, it is hard, sharp, and clear like the intellect, but to reach its full potential, it must also be fluid and adaptable like a flowing river.

These all are the essential qualities of Akshobhya. Many wrathful tantric beings are represented as blue in color because they embody the transmuted energy of hatred and aggression, into wisdom and enlightenment.

Earlier, we learn about the life of Akshobhya Buddha,  the origin of Aksobhya Buddha, and about Akshobhya Buddha’s Doctrine. And Finally, we learn about the essential qualities of Akshobhya buddha.

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Buddha Vairochana is regarded as one of the five Dhyani Buddha in Nepalese-Tibetan Buddhism.

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