Friday, 13. May 2005
Japanese Buddhist Deities and Gods

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Located at Todai-ji Temple in Nara, this statue embodies the Birushana Nyorai. At 15 meters, it is the largest gilt-bronze statue in the world.

In some sects, Birushana is considered to be the reward-body of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Historical Buddha. In others, Birushana represents the true Buddha entity. Vairocana, Birushana's Sanskrit name, means "belonging to, or coming from, the sunlight." Birushana is also the main object of worship in the Kegon-Kyo (the Flower Garland Sutra, also called the Avatamsaka Sutra in Skt.), which is the scriptural authority of the Kegon sect in Japan. Among Japanese sects of Esoteric Buddhism, especially the Shingon sect, Birushana is known as Dainichi Nyorai.


Japanese Buddhist deities are traditionally classified into four categories, and the same scheme is used at this web site. There are other deities that don't fit easily into any category. These latter deities are listed below in a fifth category called "Others." Nearly all listed deities originated in India. The majority of Buddhist sculpture in Japan belongs to the Mahayana tradition. Although sculpture belonging to the Theravada (Hinayana) and Vajrayana (Esoteric) traditions is less prominent, it is nonetheless plentiful. Sects from all three schools are still active in Japan.

Japanese Buddhist Deities and Gods by Mark Schumacher - The Buddhist Corner

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An excellent Website!

Check also Footprints of Historical Buddha --- Common Mudras (Hands) in Japan --- Mandara (Japanese) Mandala (Sanskrit)
Category: Gods & Goddesses |




An orderly visit of Extraterrestrial Federation in 2012

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The world is getting ready for something spectacular in 2012. According to researchers, the Federation of the Universe representing all the 88 star constellations will officially visit earth in 2012 and reveal themselves. It will bring an end to all UFO cover-ups in various countries.

The world is getting ready for the most spectacular event by IndiaDaily.

Category: News & Stories |


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