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The Devotion to Vajrapani: A Guardian of the Dharma and His Role in Buddhism
By Martin Goodson, Editor of The Zen Gateway website and practitioner of Zen Buddhism.
Bodhisattva Vajrapani
Vajrapani, a symbol of 'the one who holds the vajra,' is one of the Dharmapalas or Dharma guardians - protectors of those who preach and practice the Buddha’s teachings. His role emphasizes the power supporting compassion and wisdom.
Bodhisattva Vajrapani. Sculpture from late 1100s to early 1200s, Tibet.
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Vajrapani complements Avalokitesvara the观音 or Guanyin and Manjushri the Wisdom Bodhisattva. While these two embody the Buddha’s compassion and wisdom, Vajrapani represents his power.
This figure was initially associated with a deva responsible for bringing rns from Indian mythology. This connection is seen in statues at Gandhara and implies he facilitated rn-bearing winds during the Buddha's lifetime.
Vajrapani as depicted in cave 1 Aurangabad in Eastern India
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He appears wrathfully often with multiple heads and limbs, a depiction found early on in Pali Canon. He is revered not only in Theravadin Buddhism but also throughout Mahayana Buddhism across Southeast Asia.
Buddhaghosa identified Vajrapani as an elemental being akin to Zeus from Greek mythology via the influence of Gandhara art which may be why he is depicted with muscular, hry features. Indra, equivalent to Zeus, and a class of elemental devas called yakshas are also associated with him.
Vajrapani's depiction as a Greek hero or an aspect of Indra underscores how 'evil' or violent trts can be seen as misaligned rather than inherently malevolent - a principle rectified through wisdom.
In Buddhism, Vajrapani is the patron bodhisattva of Shaolin monastery. Leg has it that monk Sengchou enhanced his martial arts skills by praying to him. The Shaolin monks view Vajrapani as an emanation of Avalokitesvara in her Guanyin form, emphasizing that such prowess serves the principle of compassion.
Vajrapani is frequently portrayed defing the Buddha from heretics or potential adversaries, thus guarding the mission agnst threats. Anyone who takes on the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows can seek his protection.
His mantra: o? vajrapa?i hu? pha?, calls to his wisdom and strength in safeguarding spiritual journeys.
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From The Way of Devotion Series Martin Goodson
Explore other articles on Buddhism, including explanations about the Four Noble Truths, which address our dissatisfaction and suffering, as well as various stories from the Dhammapada and other texts that provide insights into achieving mental clarity and spiritual growth.
In addition to scholarly dives by Dr. Alan Sidi, explore verses that reflect on overcoming personal obstacles through meditation practice, emphasizing the transformative journey beyond individual desires towards a state of Nirvana.
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The improved version mntns a cohesive about Vajrapani within the context provided by Martin Goodson's article. It has been edited for , coherence and structure while ensuring the core content remns intact and relevant to both casual readers seeking an introduction to this figure in Buddhist mythology and students of Buddhism looking for deeper insights.
This enhanced version provide a more polished resource the original intent of educating about Vajrapani's role as a Dharmapala, emphasizing his power supporting compassion and wisdom alongside Avalokitesvara and Manjushri. It also underscores the interplay between different cultural influences on his depiction and the broader themes of spiritual protection within Buddhist teachings.
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