|
|
Handbook on Viewing Buddhist Statues
A totally wonderful
book by Ishii Ayako.
Some images
at this site were
scanned from this
book; Japanese
language only;
192 pages;
80+ color photos
Click here to
buy book at Amazon
|
|
Taishakuten, Taishaku (Skt: Indra)
Rules Trayastrimasha (Skt.) = Heaven of 33 Gods
Mask of Taishakuten
Kyoto National Museum, Heian Period
ORIGIN:
Hindu deity incorporated into Buddhism
Member of the TENBU, JUNITEN, DEVA
Also Lord of the Center & Commander of the Shitenno
Shitennon = Four Deva Kings, Four Heavenly Kings
Buddhist Guardians of East, West, North, South
Governed by Taishakuten (Skt. Indra), Lord of the Center
Links to All the Shitenno
Jikokuten | Zōchōten | Kōmokuten | Tamonten | Taishakuten
Taishakuten, Clay with gold leaf
Houryu-ji Temple, Nara Era, 8th C.
Taishakuten (Jp.) is known in Sanskrit as Indra, Sakradevanam Indra, or Shakra Devanam Indra. Positioned in Center. Buddhists in Tibet, China, and Japan have adopted Taishakuten as their guardian deity. In India, Indra was the ruler of the gods of the Veda. Not only was he the mightiest of gods, but also the god of storms, thunder, and war.
Once incorporated into Buddhism, Taishakuten becomes one of its greatest protectors. Said to live in the Palace of Correct Views (Zenkenjo in Japanese) located in the Trayastrimsha Heaven on the peak of Mt. Shumisen (Mt. Sumeru or Mt. Meru, the mythical home of the Historical Buddha, the center of the Buddhist universe). There he governs the other 32 gods of that heaven, and is served in particular by the Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings). He is also known as a god of wealth in Japan.
Taishakuten defends both deities and humans against all that is evil. Able to revive those slain in battle, Taishakuten has attributes of both a creator and a sun god. In the Rig Veda are found more hymns to Indra's dedication than any other. In his home, he let no suffering or sorrow pass. At his court the Gandharva (Kendabba) entertained. Taishaku is, in some ways, similar to Zeus in Greek mythology.
In Japanese artwork, Taishakuten is often depicted riding an elephant. This reflects his Hindu origin, for in India an elephant serves as the mount of Indra. In India, Indra often rides an elephant with 33 heads and 33 tusks named Erawan (Airavata). In Buddhist traditions, this symbolizes the 33 gods of the Trayastrimsha Heaven. Erawan, however, is often depicted as a three-headed elephant in artwork. The elephant is also closely associated with Shaka Nyorai (the Historical Buddha). According to Buddhist mythology, when Shaka was 72 years old, his cousin and brother-in-law, the malevolent Devadatta, hoped to displace the Buddha and take over leadership of the Sangha (Buddhist community). Devadatta released an elephant maddened with alcohol upon the Buddha, but the elephant was struck by Shaka's spiritual power and fell prostrate before him. Some art historians claim this is the origin of the Semui-in Mudra (the "Fear Not" hand gesture) found commonly throughout Asia on statues of the Buddha. In other lore, Queen Maya, the mother of the Historical Buddha, dreamt of an elephant before giving birth to the Buddha. In his prior lives, it is said, the Buddha was once an elephant. Elephant symbolism is also found in Japanese artwork of Fugen Bosatsu, who is commonly depicted riding an elephant as described in the Lotus Sutra. See Fugen page for more.
 
Left: Modern stone statue of Taishakuten, Hase Dera, Kamakura
Right: Taishakuten, 9th Century, Toji Temple
Japanese Mantra for Taishakuten
ii
Sanskrit Seed Syllable for Taishakuten
Taishakuten, Wood with gold leaf, Heian Era 10th C., Houryuu-ji
More About Taishaku
Below text courtesy Sokka Gakkai USA
www.sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/Buddhism/defn.htm#T
Taishakuten is one of the two main tutelary gods of Buddhism, together with Bonten (Skt. = Brahman or Sikhin). He is also one of the Juniten, or Twelve Devas, said to protect the world. Originally the god of thunder in Indian mythology, he was later incorporated into Buddhism as a protective deity. He lives in a palace called Correct Views (Jap. Zenkenjo) or Joyful to See (Kikenjo) in the Trayastrimsha Heaven on the peak of Mt. Sumeru and, served by the Four Heavenly Kings, governs the other thirty-two gods of that heaven. While Shakyamuni was engaged in bodhisattva practice, Taishaku is said to have assumed various forms to test his resolve. According to the Jo (first) chapter of the Lotus Sutra, he joined the assembly on Eagle Peak, accompanied by twenty thousand retainers, to hear the Historical Buddha speak.
More on Elephant Symbolism. In India, the Hindu god Ganesh (also Ganesha; in Japan called Kankiten) is portrayed with the head of an elephant, and assists believers in overcoming all obstacles -- akin to the force of an elephant crashing through the jungle. The son of Parvati, Ganesh removes every difficulty and is invoked at the start of any new enterprise. The elephant may also symbolize unrestrained passion. In Japan, the elephant is also closely associated with Fugen Bodhisattva, who is often portraying sitting atop the beast, which symbolizes the overcoming of obstacles. In Japanese artwork, the Buddhist deity Taishakuten (Sanskrit = Indra) is likewise depicted frequently riding an elephant.
LEARN MORE
- Shitenno, Four Heavenly Kings. Four Deva Kings. Guardians of East, West, North, South (the four cardinal directions). The Shitenno are also associated with four legendary creatures of Chinese mythology (dragon, red bird, tiger, turtle). See Shijin (Four Celestial Emblems) for more on these four creatures.
- 4 Heavenly Kings, Great Mandala Study Group (outside link)
- Four Heavenly Kings, Nichiren Tradition (outside link)
"They appear in the ceremony of the Lotus Sutra with their 10,000 retainer gods in the "Dharani" (26th chapter). Therein, Jikokuten and Bishamonten pledge on behalf of all four to protect those who embrace the Lotus Sutra.
- Four Heavenly Kings (J-site; excellent; outside link)
- In the Japanese Mandala, the Shitenno (Guardians of the Four Directions) are typically shown, from the top, starting with the eastern guardian. Thus, the typical order is Jikokuten (East), Zouchoten (South), Komokuten (West), and Tamonten (North).
- Sanskrit Characters (J-site; outside link)
- 28 Constellations, 28 Moon Lodges, 28 Moon Stations
Learn more about each of the four quarters (north, south, east, west) and the seven constellations in each group. All 28 represent points in the moon's monthly path, and each was deified.
|
|
