Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
About Mahayana
Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
Sravasti Abbey - US
Shravasti Varsa Begins in India
13
Aug
2023
Avalokitesvara Mahayana Pantheon
Who is Avalokitesvara?
Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, is one of the most important and popular Buddhist deities.
Avalokitesvara first appears in Indian Buddhism. He is originally mentioned as one of a number of bodhisattvas.
Avalokitesvara is famous in the Mahayana Pantheon as a Bodhisattva emanating from the Dhyani Buddha, Amitabha, and his Akti, Pandara.
Who is Pandara?
Pandara, Buddhist goddess, is the Shakti of Amitabha, and a feminine bodhisattva. She originated from the Tantric syllable PAM. Her color .
Bhāviveka – The founder of the Svātantrika tradition of the Mādhyamaka school
Bhāviveka, also known as Bhavya or Bhāvaviveka, was a 6th century Madhyamaka Buddhist. In Tibetan Buddhism, Bhāviveka is considered the founder of the Svātantrika tradition of the Mādhyamaka school, which is considered to be an antagonist of the Prāsaṅgika Madhyamaka.
The Madhyamaka school
The Madhyamaka school, also known as the "Middle Way" school, is a major tradition within Indian Mahayana Buddhism.
The Madhyamaka philosophy, as propounded by the Indian master Nāgārjuna in the 2nd century, asserts .
Muktinath and the Muktikshetra in Mustang
The holy water from Gandaki river gushing out of the 108 water spouts are said to cleanse the devotees of their sins and set them on a path to salvation. The waters are sacred to Buddhists as well and it’s called 'Chumig Gyatsa' in Tibetan language meaning "a hundred springs".
The Muktinath pilgrimage
The Himalayas are believed to be terrestrial dwelling place of saints and the home of the gods. The Muktinath temple situated at an .
Worldly Protector Tsangpa Karpo
Tsangpa Karpo is a wrathful worldly protector of Tibet. Tsangpa Karpo was a dynasty that dominated large parts of Tibet from 1565 to 1642. It was the last Tibetan royal dynasty to rule in its own name.
The regime of Tsangpa Karpo was founded by Karma Tseten, a low-born retainer of the prince of the Rinpungpa Dynasty and governor of Shigatse in Tsang (West-Central Tibet) since 1548.
Tsangpa is known as gTsang pa in Tibet.
Iconography of .
Peaceful and Wrathful Vajrapani in Arts
ne of Mahayana Buddhism's first bodhisattvas. He is the Buddha's defender and adviser, and he rose to represent the Buddha's might. .
Akshobhya and Shakyamuni Buddha Comparisons
Shakyamuni Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha are both important figures in Buddhism. Both are considered to be enlightened Buddhas who have achieved enlightenment and are revered as teachers of the Dharma.
The main similarity between Shakyamuni Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha is that they both represent the same core teachings of Buddhism. They both emphasize the importance of meditation, mindfulness, and compassion in achieving enlightenment.
Upon initial inspection, Shakyamuni Buddha and Akshobhya Buddha may appear to be alike; .
Appearances and Identifications of Vajrapani
Vajrapani is one of the earliest and most recognizable characters of Buddhist art. He is known for carrying a vajra scepter and being a close attendant to the historical Buddha according to the Mahayana Sutras. In Vajrayana, Buddhism Vajrapani is entrusted to safeguard all of the Tantra literature and in this regard, he is known as Guhyapati - the Lord of Secrets.
Different Forms of Vajrapani
Vajrapani manifests in a variety of forms and looks, ranging from placid .
Samantabhadra Mantra Banner
Samantabhadra (Sanskrit: ; lit. "Universal Worthy", "All Good") is a Buddhist bodhisattva who is linked to practice and meditation.
In Mahayana Buddhism, he forms the Shakyamuni Triad with Gautama Buddha and the bodhisattva Majur.
He is the patron of the Lotus Sutra and is said to have taken the 10 great vows that form the foundation of a bodhisattva, according to the Avatamsaka Sutra.
Who is Samantabadra?
In Mahayana Buddhism, Samantabhadra is a bodhisattva (buddha-to-be) who .
The Amitabha Buddha Mantra Banner
In Pure Land Buddhism, a form of East Asian Buddhism, Amitabha is the most important buddha. Amitabha is distinguished in Vajrayana Buddhism for his longevity, which attracts Western characteristics such as discernment, pure perception, and purification of the aggregates, as well as a deep awareness of the emptiness of all occurrences.
Who is Amitabha Buddha?
Amitabha Buddha is also known as Amitayus Buddha. According to Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, Amitabha Buddha is a celestial buddha.
Amitabha Buddha Mantra
The .
Sitatapatra – Goddess of the White Parasol
Sitatapatra is known as a protector against supernatural danger in Buddhism. She is venerated in both the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. She is also known as Usnisa Sitatapatra.
Sitatapatra is a powerful independent deity emanated by Gautama Buddha from his Usnisa.
Sitatapatra is known as Sanskrit Dug Kar mo in Tibet. and Sitatapatra is also known as The White Parasol, Crown Ornament of the Buddha in English.
Iconography of Sitatapatra
Sitatapatra is white in color with 1000 faces, .