Yakushi Nyorai, also known as Bhaisajyaguru, is a significant figure in Japanese Buddhism. Revered as the Buddha of healing and medicine, Yakushi Nyorai extends his grace to those suffering from ailments of the mind and body. With his medicine container held in his left hand, this powerful deity demonstrates a commitment to curing both mental …
Gong De Tian, often referred to as the Chinese Goddess of Good Fortune, is a significant figure in Buddhist mythology. She is believed to be a Chinese manifestation of the Hindu deity Lakshmi, demonstrating the incredible power in Buddhist adaptation. As a symbol of luck and prosperity, Gong De Tian is honored and celebrated in …
Aizen Myo’o, also known as Rāgarāja, is a significant figure in Buddhist mythology. Recognized as one of the Wisdom Kings, this wrathful deity is particularly worshipped in Esoteric Buddhism. With a Sanskrit name and unique attributes, Aizen Myo’o is not seen in traditional Indian Buddhist sutras, which sets it apart from other Buddhist figures. The …
Kichijoten is a revered Japanese goddess known for her associations with beauty, happiness, and fortune. Her origins can be traced back to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, as she is considered a Buddhist adaptation of the Indian goddess Lakshmi. This connection highlights the intermingling of diverse cultural influences in her mythology. In Japan, Kichijoten is …
Emma-O is a prominent figure in Japanese Buddhist mythology, serving as the overlord of the underworld, Jigoku. This deity is comparable to Yama, the Indian god responsible for judging souls. In Japanese tradition, Emma-O oversees the judgment of men’s souls, while his sister performs the same duty for women. As ruler of the Ten Ju-o …
Kannon is a significant figure in Buddhism, known as the bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. This revered being is worshiped throughout Eastern and Southern Asia, with a particularly strong following in Japan. In Japanese mythology, Kannon takes on divine characteristics and is considered one of the most widely venerated bodhisattvas in the country. Also known …
Buddhism is often regarded as a non-theistic religion, however, it does encompass a wide array of divine beings that are venerated in various ritual and popular contexts. These beings, sometimes referred to as gods or deities, hold different levels of importance and significance within Buddhist practices. Some of the most significant figures in Buddhism are …
Guanyin is a widely revered figure in Buddhism, known as the Bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. Often depicted as a goddess, she is believed to possess miraculous powers that help those who pray to her. Her name signifies “One who listens to the cries of the world,” highlighting her role as a source of comfort …
Giltine is a prominent figure in Baltic mythology, specifically the Lithuanian pantheon, known as the goddess of death. She is commonly associated with her sister Laima, the goddess of fate and pregnant women. Dressed in white, Giltine has a unique ability to lick poisonous substances from the deceased bodies in graveyards. Often referred to as …
Yhi, a significant figure in Aboriginal Australian mythology, is often associated with light and creation. As a solar deity, Yhi’s presence is said to have brought life to the world, awakening plants and animals from their slumber. This divine being plays an essential role in the cultural heritage of Australia, symbolizing spiritual power, wisdom, and …