Talk:Ākāśagarbha - Misplaced Pages

This article is rated Stub-class on Misplaced Pages's content assessment scale.
It is of interest to the following WikiProjects:

Buddhism Mid‑importance

	This article falls within the scope of WikiProject Buddhism, an attempt to promote better coordination, content distribution, and cross-referencing between pages dealing with Buddhism. If you would like to participate, please visit the project page for more details on the projects.BuddhismWikipedia:WikiProject BuddhismTemplate:WikiProject BuddhismBuddhism
Mid	This article has been rated as Mid-importance on the project's importance scale.

China Mid‑importance

	China portal This article is within the scope of WikiProject China, a collaborative effort to improve the coverage of China related articles on Misplaced Pages. If you would like to participate, please visit the project page, where you can join the discussion and see a list of open tasks.ChinaWikipedia:WikiProject ChinaTemplate:WikiProject ChinaChina-related
Mid	This article has been rated as Mid-importance on the project's importance scale.

Japan: Mythology Mid‑importance

This article is within the scope of WikiProject Japan, a collaborative effort to improve the coverage of Japan-related articles on Misplaced Pages. If you would like to participate, please visit the project page, where you can join the project, participate in relevant discussions, and see lists of open tasks. Current time in Japan: 02:44, January 19, 2025 (JST, Reiwa 7) (Refresh)JapanWikipedia:WikiProject JapanTemplate:WikiProject JapanJapan-related

Mid

This article has been rated as Mid-importance on the project's importance scale.

This article is supported by the Mythology task force.

WikiProject Japan to do list:

Peer review: None
A-class review: None

Featured content candidates –

Articles: None
Pictures: None
Lists: None

Good article nominations: Vinland Saga (TV series), Godzilla Minus One
Add requested images to articles that need them.
Pages for Deletion: Participate in Japan-related deletion discussions.
Improve and expand Japan-related stubs.
Create some requested articles.
Help translate an article from the Japanese Misplaced Pages into English.
Assess unassessed articles

Untitled

Historical Notes. Akasagarbha (Japanese - Bodhisattva Kokuzo) is described in the Kokuzo Sutra (Jp. = Kokuzo Bosatsu Kyo) as one who removes obstacles, one who helps people recognize and overcome their errors, and one who encourages the practice of the Six Perfections (Sanskrit = Paramita). Kokuzo's central role in the esoteric rite to improve one's memory is described in the Gumonjihou (Jp.). The Six Perfections are:

charity morality forbearance effort meditation wisdom

Kokuzo was introduced to Japan in the late Nara period (645-794 AD) as part of a special rite to improve one's memory -- hence, Kokuzo's reputation even today is that of a deity who bestows intelligence on devotees.

Kokuzo can appear in many different forms. In sculpture, Kokuzo's role as bestower of wishes means that Kokuzo is shown frequently holding the wish-granting jewel. In another variant, Kokuzo holds a lotus stem surmounted with the sacred wish-giving gem. In another popular representation, Kokuzo holds a sword to symbolize wisdom cutting through ignorance. Kokuzo is sometimes depicted with a hand gesture known as the Wish-Granting Mudra (Jp. = Yoganin; Skt. = Varada). This mudra represents the granting of wishes to those who welcome the Buddhist teachings. At other times, Kokuzo is portrayed with the "Fear Not" Mudra, a gesture that symbolizes the granting of protection to Buddhist followers.

Kokuzo symbolizes the "vast and boundless" Buddha wisdom that permeates the universe. Believers pray to Kokuzo to grant them wisdom on their quest toward enlightenment. In Japan, Kokuzo is also venerated for the ability to fulfill wishes. In particular, people pray to Kokuzo to improve their memory, technical skills, and artistic talents, for Kokuzo is revered not only as the wisdom-bestowing Bodhisattva, but as the protector of craftspeople and artisans.

Mantra

Does Thich Nhat Hanh really comment on the use of the mantra in Shingon? This reference looks bogus to me. No page reference I note. mahaabaala (talk) 07:29, 15 September 2009 (UTC)

Categories: