The Akasagarbha Bodhisattva is said to be the “guardian Buddha” of the Tiger and Ox. Therefore, many people of this age often worship, wear pendants or chant Akasagarbha mantra to develop wisdom, merit, and wealth. In this article, we will learn about Akasagarbha Bodhisattva as well as the powerful mantra chanted by many East Asian Buddhists!
Who is Akasagarbha Bodhisattva?
Akasagarbha Bodhisattva (Japanese: Kokuzo) is one of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas in Buddhism. His name represents the infinite space-like wisdom of the universe.
Akasagarbha Bodhisattva was very important in the life of Kukai (Kobo-Daishi), a Vajrayana master and founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism in Japan in the early 9th century. When he was young, he met a monk. Buddhist monk and was shown the mantra of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva known as Gumonji-ho in Japanese, or Morning Star Mantra.
He repeated this mantra millions of times, after which he had a number of decisive spiritual experiences, including powerful visions of Akasagarbha. As Kukai chanted the mantra, he experienced a vision in which Akasagarbha Bodhisattva told him to go to China to learn about the Mahavairocana Sutra.
Akasagarbha Bodhisattva symbolizes boundless wisdom. In Japan, Buddhists pray to him for wisdom on the path to enlightenment. They also prayed for the bodhisattva to improve their memory, skills, and artistic talents.
Akasagarbha Bodhisattva was introduced to Japan in the late Nara period as part of an esoteric ritual to improve memory. The esoteric rituals, called Gumonjiho, come from a sutra known in Japan as “the Kokuzo bosatsu no man shogan saishō shin darani gumonji hō”.
Symbolic meaning
In Japan, sculptures of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva are commonly found in Shingon temples and some Tendai temples, where special ceremonies (most of them are secret) to ensure good memory, peace and blessings.
Akasagarbha Bodhisattva can appear in many different forms. In the sculpture, his role is to fulfill desires, so he often holds the precious jewel (cintamani). In another variation, he holds a lotus connected to this sacred jewel.
In another popular symbolism, Akasagarbha holds a sword symbolizing wisdom that cuts through the veil of ignorance to attain perfect understanding. He is also sometimes depicted with a “fearless” mudra, a symbolic gesture of protection for worshiping Buddhists.
Akasagarbha Bodhisattva is no longer widely revered in Asia or Japan, except in the Shingon school. On the island of Honshu, children still follow the custom of paying homage to him in the hope of becoming more intelligent.
Akasagarbha Bodhisattva was originally associated with Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, to represent the blessings of space and earth respectively. This pairing is almost completely forgotten. Today, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is one of Japan’s most popular Bodhisattvas, independently worshiped, and an important member of the schools of Amitabha Buddha reverence.
The Benefits of chanting Akasagarbha Bodhisattva mantra
The mantra of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva is widely used by Shingon Buddhist followers. It is said to have the ability to develop wisdom, creativity, and cut through ignorance.
- Mantra Japanese version: On bazara aratano on taraku – Nōbō akyasha kyarabaya on arikya mari bori sowaka.
- Mantra Sanskrit version: Om Vajra ratna om trah svaha – Namo ākāsagarbhaya oṃārya kamari mauli svāhā.
- Or simply recite his name: Namo Akasagarbha Bodhisattva.
Some people believe that, by chanting the mantra millions of times according to esoteric rituals, within a certain period of time, one can memorize and deeply understand any Buddhist text. If one seeks wisdom, love and respect of all, a beautiful voice, wealth or fame, a perfect and happy family.
Then after performing positive actions, one must regularly recite the Akasagarbha Bodhisattva mantra so that all his wishes will soon be fulfilled. Good karma is the seeds and these mantras are like water, earth and other conditions that help the seed to grow.
The above article is all information related to Akasagarbha Bodhisattva mantra for your reference. Because of the meaning and benefits of the mantra, more and more people recite and carry his image by their side for bless. Lotus Buddhas hopes that the useful information shared in this article can help you better understand Akasagarbha and his extremely powerful mantra.
