The Way of Devotion

    Compassion, reverence and the Bodhisattva path

    Buddha flanked by Monju and Fugen

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    Buddhas and bodhisattvas have been the focus of devotional practices since the dawn of Buddhism. Such practices are designed to evoke love and warmth of heart which are the fruit of the Great Bodhisattva Ideal.

    An Introduction to Devotional Practices

    Western Buddhism places an emphasis on meditation practices, however Eastern Buddhism also has a strong devotional element that can get overlooked in Europe...

    Bodhisattva Vajrapani

    Vajrapani, whose name means ‘He who holds the vajra’ ( a symbolic thunderbolt), is one of the Dharmapalas or Dharma guardians - protectors of those who...

    Maitreya

    Maitreya is the Buddha who is to come prophesied by Shakyamuni Buddha to be the one who follows on from himself. He reminds us that in time all beings will...

    Prajñāpāramitā

    Prajñāpāramitā personifies the great Wisdom-Gone-Beyond, a heart which is free from suffering. We take a look at how this is different from our own heart...

    Akshobhya | The Five Wisdom Buddhas

    The final Meditation Buddha took a vow never to be angry until he reaches full Buddhahood. He is symbolised by the deep blue ocean that remains calm no...

    Vairocana | The Five Wisdom Buddhas

    Not all Buddhas were considered flesh and blood or walked the earth. The Five Wisdom Buddhas are the Wisdom states as persons. The body of Vairocana is the...

    Samantabhadra

    Bodhisattva Samantabhadra is known as Fugen in Japan and is the Bodhisattva of Praxis. He is known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion in Activity.

    Ratnasambhava | The Five Wisdom Buddhas

    The cultivation of equality is the 'jewel' wisdom taught by this Buddha. Associated with vedana skanda Ratnasambhava is neither driven by nor...

    Amitābha Buddha | The Five Wisdom Buddhas

    Amitābha Buddha also known as Amida Buddha heads the most popular of the Chinese schools of Buddhism amongst the laity. His salvation is promised to all...

    Amogasiddhi | The Five Wisdom Buddhas

    Amogasiddhi’s symbol is the moon, our satellite which reflects the sun’s rays even at night onto the earth. His season is Autumn, the season where life...

    Avalokiteśvara

    One of the Great Bodhisattvas, Avalokiteśvara, is the embodiment of the Buddha's compassion. This 'embodiment' is formed of the images,...

    Manjushri

    Manjushri is the bodhisattva that represents clear seeing and wisdom. With his sword in one hand he cuts through delusion, with the The Great-Wisdom Sutra in...

    Kṣitigarbha

    Through the bonds we share with our family, the Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha encourages compassion and duty to to all life, by extending that bond to all living...

    Fudō Myōō (Acala)

    'Wrathful' Deities may seem at odds with Buddhist values but as the saying goes, 'the passions are the Buddha nature; the Buddha nature is the...

    Bodhisattvas of the Earth

    According to the Lotus Sutra we need not look to the heavens for the Bodhisattvas. They are already here on earth and inherent in all things.

    Sitātapatrā

    If protection or general healing is what you need, Sitatapatra is the Boddhisatva to call upon. Born from the top knot of the Buddha she represents the...

    Kokūzō Bosatsu

    This Bodhisattva symbolises the cosmic functioning of the Buddha and represents ‘the great wisdom gone beyond.’

    Zaō Gongen

    This Japanese deity who converted to Buddhism can scare away evil thoughts and negative emotions.
    More from Traditional Stories

    Suffering Injustice

    Bodhidharma's Two Entrances | Part 1

    Bodhidharma talks about facing injustice, not by explaining what to do about it, but instead how to respond to it. A crucial entry point for walking the Way.

    The Buddhas of the Ten Directions

    The Way of Devotion

    The interconnected nature of consciousness means that we can have a more fluid relationship with reality, even calling on it for help if we need it.

    A Handful of Leaves

    Stories from the Tradition
    Martin Goodson
    Martin Goodson

    The Buddha explains why he only teaches a few of the many things he has seen.

    Two Temple Boys Meet at a Crossroads

    Stories from the Tradition

    Two temple boys try to outmatch each other’s skill in Zen.