Illustrated Guide to the Twelve Bodhisattvas of Perfect Enlightenment: Share for Infinite Merit!

The Twelve Bodhisattvas of Perfect Enlightenment are an important group of deities in Esoteric Buddhism, with their names and practices originating from the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment, translated by Buddhatrata during the Tang Dynasty. This sutra records that twelve bodhisattvas took turns asking the Buddha for teachings, and the Buddha expounded the practice of the "Mahayana Perfect Enlightenment Pure Realm," covering core doctrines such as wisdom, compassion, and vows. The order of the twelve bodhisattvas implies a sequence of practice, progressing from the awakening of wisdom to the perfection of enlightenment. What are the Twelve Bodhisattvas of Perfect Enlightenment? "Perfect Enlightenment" means perfect enlightenment, referring to the inherent pure Buddha-nature of all sentient beings. The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment emphasizes that if one can comprehend the "original source of the mind," one can transcend samsara and attain the state of a Tathagata. The twelve bodhisattvas symbolize twelve methods of practice, serving as both a guide for individual cultivation and a manifestation of the wisdom of the Dharma. The Meaning and Symbolism of the Twelve Bodhisattvas 1. Manjushri Bodhisattva: Symbolizes wisdom, wielding the sword of prajna to cut through ignorance, ranked first, representing the need for wisdom to lead the way in practice. 2. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva: Symbolizes vows, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel or lotus, emphasizing post-enlightenment practice and the broad salvation of sentient beings. 3. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva: Observes sentient beings with compassion, with eyes lowered in compassion, holding a pure vase or willow branch, embodying the combination of compassion and wisdom. 4. Vajragarbha Bodhisattva: Holds a vajra, symbolizing indestructible wisdom and the power to protect the Dharma, dispelling wrong views. 5. Maitreya Bodhisattva: The future Buddha, holding a cloth bag or stupa, symbolizing tolerance and future salvation. 6. Pure Wisdom Bodhisattva: The embodiment of wisdom with pure six senses, often forming a mudra, helping sentient beings to be free from afflictions. 7. Majestic and Free Bodhisattva: Combines majesty and compassion, with a dignified appearance that deters demons and protects practice. 8. Sound Discerning Bodhisattva: Skilled in spreading the Dharma through sound, holding a musical instrument or scripture, symbolizing the diversity of Dharma dissemination. 9. Pure Karma Bodhisattva: Holds a ritual implement or forms a mudra, eliminating karma and paving the way for liberation. 10. Universal Enlightenment Bodhisattva: Insight into the nature of life and death, guiding sentient beings to awaken. 11. Perfect Enlightenment Bodhisattva: The embodiment of perfect enlightenment, often in a meditative posture, symbolizing the ultimate goal of practice. 12. Virtuous and Good Leader Bodhisattva: The leader in doing good deeds and accumulating merit, holding a scripture or jewel, symbolizing the inheritance of good deeds and teachings. The Guanyin Hall of Huiji Temple in Yuanping, Shanxi, preserves twelve Ming Dynasty painted sculptures of the Bodhisattvas of Perfect Enlightenment, arranged along the east and west walls, blending Song and Ming styles, vividly displaying the characteristics of the bodhisattvas' appearances: East Wall Sequence: Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara, Maitreya, Majestic and Free, Pure Karma, Perfect Enlightenment. West Wall Sequence: Samantabhadra, Vajragarbha, Pure Wisdom, Sound Discerning, Universal Enlightenment, Virtuous and Good Leader.