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Seishi (or Dai-seishi) Bosatsu
Mahasthamaprapta (Skt)
Last Update July 20, 2003
Added 2 Photos
Bodhisattva of Strength & Vigor
He who attained the powers of
Wisdom and Compassion
Origin = India
Seishi Bosatsu, along with the Kannon Bosatsu, is an attendant to Amida Nyorai. In the Lotus Sutra, Seishi Bosatsu is among those who assembled on Eagle Peak (also translated as Vulture Peak) to hear the teachings of the historical Buddha. Eagle/Vulture Peak (Grdhrakuta) is located near the Indian city of Rajagrha, and is the spot where the historical Buddha often preached.
In artwork, Seishi Bosatsu is frequently depicted with hands held together in prayer or holding a lotus flower. In Japan, Seishi appears mostly in paintings and sculptures of the Amida Raigo Triad, where Amida Nyorai is seated in the center, attended by Seishi on the right and Kannon on the left. Belief in Amida and his Pure Land (Jodo sects) became very popular among the court in the late Heian Period, but the three deities had been introduced to Japan already by the 7th and 8th centuries from China and Korea. The Raigo Triad -- meaning "heavenly decent" -- typically depicts the three descending from heaven on clouds to lead the faithful back to the Pure Land. Learn more about the famous triad here.
Japanese Mantra for Seishi Bosatsu
Sanskrit Seed Sound = SAKU
Below Text Courtesy of:
www.jodo.org/about_plb/buddhas.html
Seishi is the bodhisattva of wisdom. Seishi is Amida Buddha's attendant who stands to the right. Literally, the "bodhisattva who attained great strength," Seishi is thought to have attained powers of wisdom and compassion in order to save people. Besides appearing in the Sutra of Immeasurable Life and the Meditation Sutra, the bodhisattva is also mentioned in the Lotus Sutra, as one of those who assembled on Eagle Peak to listen to Shakyamuni's preaching. This bodhisattva applies his great energy, wisdom and compassion to the salvation of beings.
Seishi Bosatsu
Northern and Southern Dynasties, 1336 - 1392
Hase Dera in Kamakura
Seishi Bosatsu - 12th Century, Chusonji
Late Heian, 12th Century
Joshoko-ji Temple, in the mountains north of Kyoto
Photo courtesy Kyoto National Museum
http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/mus_dict/hd34e.htm
Seishi (L) and Kannon (R) Bosatsu
Standing in Tribankha Pose
Hands outstretched in Varada and Vitarka Mudras
http://www.shakris.com/categories/jrelscul.htm
Below Text Courtesy of:
http://www.hikyaku.com/dico/histxtg21.html
Note from Mark - Is Mahasthamaprapta (Seishi)
the same deity as Vajrapani? Still need to confirm this.
Vajrapani represents the power aspect of complete enlightenment. Known as Guhyapati (Tibetan: sang wa'i dag po), he is the "Lord of Secrets," the keeper of all the tantras of Vajrayana Buddhism. As a bodhisattva, like Monju and Kannon, Seishi dwells on the 10th bodhisattva level just prior to attaining complete buddhahood. In actuality all three were completely enlightened aeons ago and only appear, for the sake of training others, in the guise of bodhisattvas.
Vajrapani is common to all Schools of Tibetan Buddhism and has numerous forms and practices which span all sets of tantric classification and levels of complexity from a solitary aspect up to the large and complex mandalas with many deities.
LEARN MORE
- Kyoto National Museum
www.kyohaku.go.jp/mus_dict/hd34e.htm
- Modern Statues, Online eStore
butuzou.com/butuzou/bosatu.htm
- www.webcastmy.com.my/bodhivision/Symb5.htm
- www.shakris.com/categories/jrelscul.htm
- www.zen.art.pl/nyogen_and_ewa/pages_en/
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