Meet The 8 Buddhist Guardian Deities Who Will Protect You

In Tibetan Buddhism, there are eight Buddhist guardian deities who safeguard individuals from harm and assist them in accomplishing their life goals. These deities, also known as the Bodhisattvas or Buddhas, are each associated with a specific zodiac sign. 

Let's delve into each of the eight Bodhisattvas, their powers, symbolism, and how they can aid in achieving success in life.

 

 

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva

Zodiac Animal: Rat

Epithet: The Buddha of Compassion

Guardian Chinese Name: Thousand Hands Guānyīn

Attributes: Associated with healing diseases and warding off evil spirits.

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva,also known as Thousand Hands Guānyīn, is one of the six forms of Guanyin Bodhisattva in Buddhism. It is believed that for those born in the Year of the Rat, wearing or revering an image of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva as their patron deity can bring about auspiciousness and fulfillment of wishes, ensuring that everything goes smoothly in life.

 

Akasagarbha Bodhisattva

Zodiac Animal: Ox and Tiger

Epithet: The Buddha of Boundless Space

Guardian Chinese Name: Xūkōng zàng

Attributes: Wisdom likened to boundless space, granting wishes, and fulfilling desires.

Akasagarbha Bodhisattva,also known as Xūkōng zàng，is one of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism. Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha specializes in wisdom, merit, and wealth among the countless bodhisattvas. Due to the boundless wisdom, merit, and wealth, and the ability to fulfill the virtuous wishes of all beings seeking refuge, Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha brings endless benefits to sentient beings, hence bestowed with this exalted holy name.

Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha is the patron Bodhisattva of those born in the Ox or Tiger years. For those born in the Year of the Ox or Tiger, if they can devoutly wear or worship the patron Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha's image, they will surely obtain wealth and talent, and ascend in their careers.

 

Manjushri Bodhisattva

Zodiac Animal: Rabbit

Epithet: The Buddha of Wisdom

Guardian Chinese Name: Wén shū

Attributes: Embodiment of Buddha's wisdom and knowledge, granting wisdom and understanding.

Manjushri Bodhisattva, also known as Manjusri Bodhisattva or Bodhisattva of Wonderful Auspiciousness, is one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas in Buddhism and serves as the attendant Bodhisattva on the left side of Shakyamuni Buddha, symbolizing wisdom and intelligence. Renowned for his exceptional virtues and talents, he holds the foremost position among the Bodhisattvas and is therefore referred to as the Prince of the Dharma. The name Manjushri translates to "wonderful auspiciousness" or "charming beauty," signifying qualities of beauty, elegance, lovability, auspiciousness, magnificence, and solemnity. Manjushri Bodhisattva is among the most revered Bodhisattvas, second only to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

Manjushri Bodhisattva is the patron Bodhisattva for those born in the Year of the Rabbit. Devoutly wearing or venerating the image of Manjushri Bodhisattva will undoubtedly enhance one's intelligence, charm, and academic progress.

 

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

Zodiac Animal: Dragon and Snake

Epithet: The Lord of Truth

Guardian Chinese Name: Pǔxián

Attributes: Representing action, truth, and justice.

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism, symbolizes the virtues of wisdom and virtue. He corresponds to Manjushri Bodhisattva, who symbolizes wisdom and righteousness, and both serve as attendants to Shakyamuni Buddha on his left and right sides. Together with Vairocana Buddha and Manjushri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is revered as the "Three Saints of the Avatamsaka Sutra."

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is the patron Bodhisattva for those born in the Year of the Dragon or Snake. Devoutly wearing or venerating the image of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva can help fulfill one's greatest wishes, ward off negative influences, enhance leadership authority, and lead to a fulfilling and happy life.

 

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva

Zodiac Animal: Horse

Epithet: The Buddha of Great Strength

Guardian Chinese Name: Shìzhì

Attributes: Overcoming obstacles and attaining success.

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, also known as Great Strength Bodhisattva, is the attendant to Amitabha Buddha, the Supreme Buddha of the Western Pure Land, on his right side. He is also revered as Great Endeavor Bodhisattva. Alongside Amitabha Buddha and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (the attendant on Amitabha Buddha's left side), they are collectively honored as the "Three Saints of the Western Pure Land."

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva is the patron Bodhisattva for those born in the Year of the Horse. Devoutly wearing or venerating Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva can lead to smooth sailing in life and success in endeavors.

 

Acala Bodhisattva

Zodiac Animal: Rooster

Epithet: The Great Protector

Guardian Chinese Name: Bù Dòng

Attributes: Protecting from harm and danger.

Acala Bodhisattva, known in Sanskrit as Acalanatha, translates to "Immovable One" or "Unmoving One." In the realm of teachings, he is referred to as the "Immovable King" or the "Agent of Immutability." "Immovable" signifies an unwavering compassion, impervious to disturbance, while "King" denotes mastery over all phenomena. According to the categorization of the three bodies in Esoteric Buddhism, Acala Bodhisattva is the Sovereign Body commanding all Buddhas, hence also known as the king among all kings, the principal deity among the Five Great Kings.

Acala Bodhisattva is the patron Bodhisattva for those born in the Year of the Rooster. He symbolizes rationality, silently safeguarding individuals and guiding them to recognize mistakes, seize opportunities in life, and utilize their wisdom to overcome challenges. With his assistance, one can achieve success in their career, enjoy familial happiness, and experience auspiciousness and fulfillment.

 

Amitabha Bodhisattva

Zodiac Animal: Dog and Pig

Epithet: The Buddha of Infinite Light

Guardian Chinese Name: Āmítuó Fó

Attributes: Granting longevity and good fortune.

Amida Buddha, also known as Amitabha Buddha, is referred to as the Buddha of Infinite Light, Boundless Light, Unhindered Light, Incomparable Light, as well as the Light of Wisdom, Eternal Light, Tranquil Light, Joyful Light, Liberation Light, Concealed Light, Surpassing Sun and Moon Light, and Inconceivable Light. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is called the Buddha of Infinite Light or the Moon-like Buddha. In Mahayana Buddhism, he is believed to reside in the Western Pure Land. While various Mahayana Buddhist sects generally accept Amida Buddha, the Pure Land school focuses primarily on devotion to him. Some Japanese Tendai and Shingon masters consider Amida Buddha to be an incarnation of Vairocana Buddha (Vairocana Buddha being the Dharma Body of Shakyamuni Buddha), a view shared by the Pure Land Master Lianchi of the Ming Dynasty. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Panchen Lama is regarded as an incarnation of Amida Buddha.

Amida Buddha is the patron Buddha for those born in the Year of the Dog or Pig. He symbolizes protection and, with devout worship or devotion to him, he is believed to bless individuals, helping them overcome adversity, rid themselves of afflictions, and embark on the path to enlightenment.

 

Vairocana Bodhisattva

Zodiac Animal: Sheep and Monkey

Epithet: The Great Illuminator

Guardian Chinese Name: Dàrì Rúlái

Attributes: Dispelling ignorance and enlightening.

Dainichi Nyorai, also known as Mahavairocana Buddha, is one of the three bodies of Shakyamuni Buddha, representing the absolute truth of Buddhahood. In Chinese translations, he is also referred to as Mahavairocana, Vairocana, Universal Illumination, and Illuminator of All. He is the fundamental principal deity in Esoteric Buddhism, considered the embodiment of Dharmakaya, the ultimate reality of the universe, and the fundamental Buddha revealed in the phenomenal world.

Dainichi Nyorai is the patron Buddha for those born in the Year of the Monkey. He symbolizes the light of wisdom and intellect. With devout worship or devotion to Dainichi Nyorai, it is believed that he can bring enlightenment in times of difficulty, instill confidence, courage to start anew, and the radiance of Buddha's light.

 

How to Gain the Blessing of Your Natal Guardian Buddha:

To receive the blessings of your guardian Buddha, consider these methods: 

Worship: Offer prayers, light candles, incense, and flowers at dedicated shrines or temples.

Wear a bracelet or pendant: Keep their energy close to you to ward off negativity.

Place a statue or painting: Establish a constant connection with their energy by displaying it in your home.

 

Final Thoughts:

By connecting with the eight Buddhist guardian deities through worship, wearing symbolic jewelry, or displaying representations in your home, you invite their blessings of luck, health, wealth, success, happiness, and protection into your life. Trust in their assistance, and you'll receive their blessings abundantly.