The Buddhist Protectors of the Chinese Zodiac
When the Chinese Zodiac reached Japan, it met with a very strong and positive response and became very popular among the Japanese. As Buddhism is also very strong in Japan, the Chinese Zodiac soon became linked to their religion, where 8 Buddhist Protectors became associated with each of the 12 animals of the horoscope.
It is believed that people born under each sign receive the blessings and protection of the associated Protector. As to why there are 8 Protectors and not 12, there is no definitive answer. Sources often conjecture that it must be aligned to Chinese Taoism and Feng Shui which is based upon 8 specifically connected cosmic symbols (used in divinations etc.).
It is believed if you solicit the protector related to your birth during times of obstacles, you can clear your problems faster. If pujas, prayers and mantras are done to them, then it will benefit your obstacle periods.
The relationship with the 8 respective Buddhist Protectors are as follows:
1. 1000-armed Chenrezig
2. Akasagarbha
3. Manjushri
4. Samantabhadra
5. Mahasthamaprapta
6. Vairocana
7. Acala Vidyaraja
8. Amitabha
|
Animal |
Year of Birth |
Buddhist Protector (Japanese Name) |
|
Rat |
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 |
Senju Kannon / Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara |
|
Ox |
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 |
Kokuzo / Namkai Nyingpo / Akasagarbha |
|
Tiger |
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 |
Kokuzo / Namkai Nyingpo / Akasagarbha |
|
Rabbit |
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 |
Monju / Jampel Yang / Manjushri |
|
Dragon |
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 |
Fugen / Kuntu Zangpo / Samantabhadra |
|
Snake |
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 |
Fugen / Kuntu Zangpo / Samantabhadra |
|
Horse |
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 |
Seishi / Mahasthamapranta |
|
Sheep |
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 |
Dainichi / Nangpa Nangdze / Vairocana |
|
Monkey |
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 |
Dainichi / Nangpa Nangdze / Vairocana |
|
Rooster |
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 |
Fudo / Acala Vidyaraja |
|
Dog |
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 |
Amida / Opakme / Amitabha |
|
Pig |
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 |
Senju Kannon / Kuan Yin / Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara
The 1000-armed Buddha of Compassion
Kannon is the embodiment of all the Buddhas’ compassion, appearing in a female form in the Chinese / Japanese Mahayana Buddhist traditions, and as a male in the Indian / Tibetan traditions. Kannon is more commonly known as Kuan Yin in Chinese, Chenrezig in Tibetan and Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit. Kannon’s practice is among the most popular in all Buddhist countries and she/he is often propitiated for blessings and protection. The 1000-armed form of Kannon is depicted with 1000 eyes on every hand, which are all-seeing, gazing upon all sentient beings and coming to their aid to relieve their sufferings. It is believed that in doing Kannon’s practice sincerely, we can develop great patience, peace and compassion..
Kokuzo / Namkai Nyingpo / Akasagarbha
One of the eight great Bodhisattvas, Kokuzo represents the immense vastness of Buddha’s wisdom. It was widely believed in both Japan and Chinese that this Buddha’s blessings are so powerful that merely reciting his name and mantra would bestow great wisdom, intelligence and creative powers. Because of this, he is sometimes regarded as the Patron Deity of art. His practice is not as commonly practiced now except in the Japanese Shingon lineage. However, historically, he was very widely revered and worshipped for he is able to remove obstacles, help people to recognize and overcome their weaknesses and encourage the practice of the 6 Paramitas / Perfections: Generosity, Ethics, Patience, Perseverance, Concentration and Wisdom. .
Monju / Jampel Yang / Manjushri
Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom, is the perfect and complete representation of enlightened Wisdom; he represents all the wisdom of all the Buddhas. He is known for bestowing great intelligence, sharpness in studying and assimilating knowledge, sharp memory, and excellent communication skills – whether written or spoken. Many students, or people who are in the industries of learning and communication – such as teachers, academics, journalists, counselors, artists, public speakers – would benefit from relying on Manjushri’s practice. Spiritual practitioners often pray to Manjushri to help them in their study and meditations, and to grant them the ultimate wisdom they need to achieve full Enlightenment. .
Fugen / Kuntu Zangpo / Samantabhadra
In our mind is the potential to reach the awakened (Buddha) mind, the attainment of primordial reality where there is no suffering. This source potential is what is called Adi-Buddha. Fugen – more commonly known as Samantabhadra – is an Adi-Buddha representing the pure, unsullied mind that arises out of practice and pure conduct. He emphasizes the importance of sincere practice and moral conduct (which would involve the holding of precepts and vows).
Seishi / Mahasthamaprapta
Seishi is mentioned in three very important Buddhist texts: the Immeasurable Life Sutra, the Meditation Sutra, and the Lotus Sutra. Seishi is an attendant to Amitabha and a guardian of Wisdom. He also represents great strength. In Japan, he is depicted in part of a trio, together with Amitabha and Chenrezig, and is part of a very strong Pure Land tradition. It is believed that this trio helps to lead the deceased to Sukhavati, Amitabha’s Pure Land.
Dainichi / Nangpa Nangdze / Vairocana
Dainichi is more commonly known by his Sanskrit name, Vairocana, worshipped as a part of the 5 Dhayani Buddhas or 5 Buddha families. He is sometimes also referred to as the “primordial Buddha” and regarded as the embodiment of “Dharmakaya”, the ultimate, formless truth body of the Buddha. He also represents Emptiness (Shunyata) and is often depicted performing the Dharmacakra (teaching) mudra, symbolizing that he can teach us the way to achieve Emptiness and Enlightenment. As the realization of Emptiness is the direct counter to ignorance, our prayers to this Buddha can help us to cut away ignorance, gain wisdom and help us to realise the ultimate truth and nature of all things. This is very powerful and one of the two aspects we need to attain full Enlightenment (the other being Bodhicitta, Great Compassion).
Fudo / Acala Vidyaraja
This Protector is known for being very swift at removing obstacles, particularly to Dharma practice. He is also able to clear very heavy, serious negative energies. As part of a group called the “Five Great Kings” or the “Five Knowledge Kings”, Fudo / Acala Vidyaraja is characterized by a wrathful expression, used to “scare” away interferences and evil beings. Anyone who prayers to this Protector Buddha can be assured of protection.
Amida / Opakme / Amitabha
Many Chinese and Japanese would have an especially strong affinity with Amitabha, having relied on his practice for many generations. Known to be the Buddha of Infinite Light or Infinite Life, Amitabha’s peaceful practice helps people to create the cause to be reborn in his pure realm of Sukhavati. Amitabha, in the form of Amitayus, is also a long-life deity and is known for bestowing blessings of longevity and good health. Many very large Buddhist schools around the world – both East and West – are based upon Amitabha’s practice.
More links for Avalokiteshvara
7 FEET-1000-armed Avalokiteshvara arrived!!
Avaloketishvara, Turkey Swamp and Me.
1000-armed Kuan Yin-Foo Hai Ch’an Monastery
Visiting the Huge Kuan Yin in Pinang
Deaf, Blind and Mute transforms into 1,000 arm Chenrezig
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Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this. A very interesting read. I never knew there is a Buddhist Protector for each chinese zodiac.
vairocana or five buddhist families is the sign of enlightenment..good to know.
The meaning of night for me is the time to have the strength, to relax and to stop the time to think so to be ready to face the new trials ahead after I wake up in the morning. The scar on my knees is a proof that I am rising more robust to be the bravest, a real warrior.
Thank you Rinpoche.
thank you la…i could know more la..
Thank you for this information.
Now I never heard about my Buddhist Protector. ^.^ I like it!
Thank you for the sharing Rinpoche.I do agree that the buddhist protector that was assign for my zodiac should be true.As I do agree that I have many inner demons to subdue and overcome in terms of bad habits and wrong views.
im curious I always want to learn more bout Buddha but it always stop half way..my life miserable past few years till I met someone & he lead me bring me to chanting then I felt better n peace in mind..till todate I always advise my frens whatever I know bout Buddhist..now I chant setrap om maha yakcha tsa soha but I cnt feel anything
[…] The Buddhist Protectors of Chinese Zodiac […]
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you!
OmManiPedmeHung!!!
I am a Horse and my Buddhist protector is Mahasthamapranta. I have never heard of him before, so now I know.
Seishi / Mahasthamaprapta
Seishi is mentioned in three very important Buddhist texts: the Immeasurable Life Sutra, the Meditation Sutra, and the Lotus Sutra. Seishi is an attendant to Amitabha and a guardian of Wisdom. He also represents great strength. In Japan, he is depicted in part of a trio, together with Amitabha and Chenrezig, and is part of a very strong Pure Land tradition. It is believed that this trio helps to lead the deceased to Sukhavati, Amitabha’s Pure Land.
[…] The Buddhist Protectors of Chinese Zodiac […]
[…] The Buddhist Protectors of Chinese Zodiac […]
[…] The Buddhist Protectors of Chinese Zodiac […]
My Dharma Protector is Amitabha! No wonder I like Setrap, hehe, I have connection with Amitabha.
Thanks Rinpoche 🙂
i m a rabbit. i am wearing samandhabadra pendant & not manjushri. Is it ok?
thanks
Thank you Rinpoche, these infos are AWESOME!! I have learn so much 🙂 Mekmek..
In Singapore’s Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, they have this concept and section of matching Buddhas with Chinese zodiac. Basically, they displayed the Buddhas with write-up at the bottom. I thought it was such a great idea which we could somehow implement in future for KWPC as it’s the kind of thing people are most interested in. Maybe because it helps people to identify which protector they can propitiate if they dont have a yidam, etc as there are so many to choose from. Or maybe people like it that certain protectors can help us faster than another.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for this interesting and informative post. I will refer people who are interested in reading Chinese Zodiac signs to this.
Thank you! Now I know my protector is Samantabhadra!
dear Rinpoche,
thank you for sharing such wonderful insights with us, now I know and will not be lazy and skip the majushri practice during my daily saddhna. So luckly to be a wood rabbit with such a powerful natural protector. 🙂
Have always been making guesses about the third Buddha who is part of the trio. Managed to figure out Amitabha and Avalokiteshvara but didn’t know anything about Seishi, now the puzzle is complete!
Lucky to be a rabbit. Tsem Rinpoche and Manjushri for the win! Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these interesting infos.
i am amazed at this information from Rinpoche, never knew we have Buddhist protector for each zodiac, this would be great to share with frens.hehe.. thank Rinpoche.
I am checking all the Protectors for my family, esp my parents. Thank you thank you very much Rinpoche, i can now share this with them and help them to start doing more to help themselves. Much prayers.
Thank you Rinpoche.
I didnt know that we have Buddhist protectors until I read it here…Rinpoche and team always full of exciting information…
Even though I am a Chinese, if i not read through this write up posted by Rinpoche, I really don’t know that each of the Chinese Zodiac have different Buddhist Protectors. I like it!