What are the different Buddhas?
The historical Buddha
The term “Buddha” is often associated with Siddhartha Gautama, the Historical Buddha who lived in the 6th century BCE in India. Siddhartha Gautama was a prince who gave up his life of luxury to seek spiritual enlightenment. After many years of meditation and practice, he attained the state of Buddhahood and became the Buddha, which means “the Enlightened One.” THE Historical Buddha is considered the founder of the Buddhist religion and the first Buddha of our era.
The teachings of Historical Buddha are based on the Four Noble Truths, namely suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering and the path to ending suffering. THE Historical Buddha also taught the concepts of karma, reincarnation and compassion towards all living beings.
Contemporary Buddhas
Besides the Historical Buddhathere are also other buddhas which are revered in different Buddhist traditions. These buddhas are considered to be emanations of Historical Buddha and represent different qualities and aspects of enlightenment. From buddhas the best known are:
- Amitābha : the Buddha of infinite light and eternal life.
- Avalokiteśvara : the Buddha of compassion.
- Manjushri : the Buddha of wisdom.
Each of these buddhas is revered for its specific teachings and is considered a source of inspiration and protection in Buddhist practice.
Buddhas in Buddhist art
THE buddhas are often depicted in Buddhist art, whether in the form of statues, paintings, or other forms of artistic expression. These representations are considered to support meditation and contemplation in order to cultivate the qualities and teachings of the buddhas.
The statues of buddhas are usually adorned with symbols and mudrās, symbolic hand gestures that represent different qualities and aspects of enlightenment. For example, the right hand raised in the blessing position represents protection, while the left hand resting in the gesture of meditation symbolizes concentration.
Buddhist art thus offers practitioners a visual representation of buddhas and their teachings, thus helping them in their spiritual journey.
The celestial Buddhas
Besides the buddhas contemporaries and the Historical Buddhathere are also celestial buddhas which are revered in some Buddhist traditions. These celestial buddhas reside in celestial realms or paradises and are considered supreme, enlightened beings.
THE celestial buddhas The most famous are :
- Bhaisajyaguru : the Buddha of medicine and healing.
- Akshobhya : the Buddha of the transformation of anger into wisdom.
- Vairocana : the Buddha of purity and emptiness.
Veneration of the celestial Buddhas
The veneration of celestial buddhas is a widespread practice in certain Buddhist traditions. The faithful pray and make offerings to celestial buddhas to obtain their blessing and protection. They believe that the veneration of celestial buddhas can help them reach the celestial realms after death.
Meditation on the celestial buddhas is also a common practice. Practitioners use the image of celestial buddhas as an object of meditation in order to cultivate the qualities and teachings represented by these buddhas.
The veneration of celestial buddhas and meditation on their image are ways of connecting with these buddhas and to draw inspiration from their teachings in Buddhist practice.
Celestial Buddhas in Buddhist art
THE celestial buddhas are also depicted in Buddhist art, often surrounded by other deities and sacred symbols. Their representation in Buddhist art allows practitioners to visually connect with these buddhas and to be inspired by their qualities and their teachings.
Artistic representations of celestial buddhas are generally rich in details and symbols, and bring an aesthetic and spiritual dimension to Buddhist practice.
The Buddhas to Come
Besides the buddhas contemporaries, the Historical Buddha and the celestial buddhasit is also said that there will be Buddhas to come in Buddhism. These Buddhas to come are considered as future emanations which will continue the work of Historical Buddha.
The most well-known upcoming Buddha is Maitreya, also called the Buddha of the Future. According to Buddhist tradition, Maitreya will come to Earth in the distant future to teach the teachings of Historical Buddha and guide beings towards enlightenment.
Teachings of the Buddhas to Come
THE Buddhas to come are considered bearers of the future teachings of Buddhism. They are worshiped in the hope of benefiting from their teachings and spiritual guidance.
The belief in the coming of Buddhas to come reminds practitioners of the importance of Buddhist practice in the present and the hope for a better future through the enlightened teachings of these buddhas.
By cultivating the qualities and teachings of Buddhas to comepractitioners can get closer to enlightenment and the path traced by the Historical Buddha.
The representation of the Buddhas to come
THE Buddhas to come are also represented in Buddhist art, although their representation is less frequent than that of others buddhas. When represented, the Buddhas to come are often depicted seated in the lotus position, a symbol of enlightenment, and surrounded by symbols of prosperity and happiness.
The representation of Buddhas to come in Buddhist art reminds practitioners to aspire to enlightenment and wisdom, and to follow the teachings of Historical Buddha and contemporary buddhas in their spiritual practice.
In conclusion, the buddhas represent different aspects of enlightenment and are revered in Buddhism for their teachings and spiritual guidance. Of Historical Buddha to contemporary buddhaspassing through the celestial buddhas and the Buddhas to comeeach Buddha embodies specific qualities and teachings that guide practitioners on the path to enlightenment. Whether through Buddhist art, prayer, meditation or contemplation, the presence of buddhas is a source of inspiration and connection in Buddhist practice.
