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The Eight Auspicious Buddhas: Their Significance for the Zodiac Animals

Each Chinese zodiac sign has its own Guardian Buddha, bringing peace and prosperity to those born under its influence. Let's delve into the significance of these eight Guardian Buddhas and their respective zodiacs and discover the unique blessings they bestow upon their followers.

Administrator

23 July, 2024

Each person is born under one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, and each sign has a specific Buddhist deity associated with it. Wearing jewelry or amulets featuring these deities is believed to bring good luck and success. Today, Bach Hoa Xanh will help you understand the significance of these Buddhist deities and how they relate to your zodiac sign.

1 Rat – Thousand-armed, Thousand-eyed Avalokitesvara

Thousand-armed, Thousand-eyed Avalokitesvara is the Buddhist deity for the Rat zodiac sign.

Avalokitesvara, also known as the Goddess of Mercy or Guan Yin, is one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas in traditional beliefs. She is the attendant of Amitabha Buddha and, together with Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, forms the “Western Trinity.” Avalokitesvara is one of the most popular manifestations of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

The symbol of a thousand arms represents her ability to aid and protect all beings, while a thousand eyes symbolize her ability to see and hear the suffering of the world. Those born in the year of the Rat who wear jewelry or amulets featuring Avalokitesvara are believed to be protected and guided by her, especially if they lead a virtuous and compassionate life.

2 Ox and Tiger – Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is the Buddhist deity for the Ox and Tiger zodiac signs.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, also known as the “Earth Treasury,” is revered as the first attendant of the Buddhas of the past, present, and future. He is praised for his infinite merits and wisdom, as well as his unwavering patience and endurance, which are as strong as a diamond.

For those born in the year of the Ox or Tiger, carrying an image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is believed to bring good fortune and enhance their financial prospects. It is also thought to attract helpful people and bring peace and happiness to their lives.

3 Dragon and Snake – Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is the Buddhist deity for the Dragon and Snake zodiac signs.

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is the attendant of Shakyamuni Buddha, along with Manjushri Bodhisattva. They are often referred to as the “Flower Adornment Trinity.” Samantabhadra is usually depicted riding a six-tusked white elephant, symbolizing wisdom and the ability to overcome obstacles. He is known for his boundless actions, merits, and compassion.

For those born in the year of the Dragon or Snake, having an image of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and sincerely praying to him is believed to bring success and good fortune in their endeavors. He is also thought to protect them from harm and ensure a peaceful life.

4 Rabbit – Manjushri Bodhisattva

Manjushri Bodhisattva is the Buddhist deity for the Rabbit zodiac sign.

Manjushri Bodhisattva, also known as “Manjusri,” is depicted with a golden hue and the form of a young boy. He holds a sword of wisdom in his right hand and a blue lotus in his left, symbolizing supreme wisdom. Riding on a lion, he represents the wisdom that dispels darkness and is thus known as the “Great Wisdom.”

For those born in the year of the Rabbit, carrying an image of Manjushri Bodhisattva and cultivating a virtuous mind is believed to bring academic success and a thriving career. It is also thought to enhance creativity, strengthen willpower, and bring continuous progress in their endeavors.

5 Horse – Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva is the Buddhist deity for the Horse zodiac sign.

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, along with Avalokitesvara, is one of the two attendants of Amitabha Buddha, forming the “Western Trinity.” He is known for his radiant light of wisdom, which illuminates the world and helps alleviate suffering. He possesses supreme energy, and his presence is believed to shake the heavens and the earth, protecting beings from the evils of demons.

For those born in the year of the Horse, carrying an image of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva is believed to bestow wisdom and bring success in both studies and career. His eternal light is also thought to bring good fortune and fulfill wishes, guiding people to realize their talents and achieve their highest ideals.

6 Rooster – Acala

Acala is the Buddhist deity for the Rooster zodiac sign.

Acala, also known as Acalanatha in Sanskrit, means “Immovable” or “Unmoving.” He is revered as the messenger of “immovability,” representing unwavering compassion and the light of wisdom.

For those born in the year of the Rooster, carrying an image of Acala is believed to bring silent protection and guidance. He is thought to help distinguish right from wrong and seize opportunities. He also bestows clarity and calmness in the face of adversity, leading to success in one’s endeavors and a happy family life.

7 Goat and Monkey – Vairocana

Vairocana is the Buddhist deity for the Goat and Monkey zodiac signs.

Vairocana is the dharma body of Shakyamuni Buddha and symbolizes the light of wisdom that illuminates all places and dispels darkness. Unlike the sun, which shines only during the day, Vairocana’s light shines everywhere, regardless of day or night.

For those born in the year of the Goat or Monkey, carrying an image of Vairocana is believed to bring mental clarity and protection from evil spirits. It is also thought to help them absorb the essence of all things and draw strength from the universe, leading to a bright, happy, and peaceful life.

8 Dog and Pig – Amitabha Buddha

Amitabha Buddha is the Buddhist deity for the Dog and Pig zodiac signs.

Amitabha Buddha, also known as Amitayus, is one of the most revered Buddhas in Mahayana Buddhism. He symbolizes compassion and wisdom. He is also the leader of the Western Pure Land.

For those born in the year of the Dog or Pig, carrying an image of Amitabha Buddha is believed to bestow supreme wisdom and help alleviate fatigue and troubles in life. It is also thought to bring strength and determination to build a successful and peaceful life.

Frequently asked questions

The Eight Auspicious Buddhas are a group of Buddhist deities, each representing a different aspect of Buddhist teachings. They are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and protection to those who worship them. Each Buddha is associated with one of the twelve animal signs of the Chinese zodiac and is believed to offer particular benefits to those born under that sign.

The eight Buddhas are Samantabhadra, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Maitreya, Dhrtarastra, Chitrapratishthita, Visvapani, and Achala. Samantabhadra is associated with the rat and represents virtue and practice. Manjushri, the lion, symbolizes wisdom and awareness. Vajrapani, associated with the ox, represents power and protection. Maitreya, the future Buddha, is linked to the rabbit and represents kindness and love. Dhrtarastra, the tiger, symbolizes power and authority. Chitrapratishthita, associated with the dragon, represents fortune and prosperity. Visvapani, the snake, symbolizes healing and medicine. Finally, Achala, the horse, represents steadfastness and unwavering commitment to the Buddhist path.

Each of the Eight Auspicious Buddhas is associated with one of the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals, offering specific benefits and blessings to those born under that sign. For example, those born in the Year of the Rat are believed to be blessed by Samantabhadra, the Buddha of Virtue and Practice.

Worshipping the Eight Auspicious Buddhas is believed to bring good fortune, protection, and blessings in various aspects of life. Each Buddha is associated with specific benefits, such as wisdom, power, love, healing, and prosperity. Devotees often pray to these Buddhas for guidance, protection, and to remove obstacles in their lives.

You can incorporate the Eight Auspicious Buddhas into your spiritual practice in several ways. You can learn about their teachings and symbolism, meditate on their qualities, and incorporate their mantras or mudras into your meditation practice. You can also create an altar with their statues or images, make offerings, and recite their mantras to invoke their blessings and protection.