What are the 8 great bodhisattvas?

The 8 Great Bodhisattvas: A Symbolic Guide to Enlightenment

In Mahayana Buddhism, bodhisattvas are beings who have vowed to attain Buddhahood but have chosen to remain in the cycle of samsara to assist others in achieving enlightenment. Among these bodhisattvas, the Eight Great Bodhisattvas hold a prominent place, often revered for their wisdom, compassion, and strength. Here’s a look at these eight revered figures:

1. Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)

Known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara is one of the most widely worshiped bodhisattvas across East Asia. Often depicted with multiple arms, each holding a symbol of compassion, Avalokiteshvara listens to the cries of the suffering and works tirelessly to alleviate them. In Chinese tradition, Avalokiteshvara is known as Guanyin (觀音), and she is often shown as a female figure, embodying the power of mercy.

Fandom Link: Avalokiteshvara's compassionate nature aligns well with the gentle qualities of characters in various fanfiction universes. Check out her inspiring depiction in Journey to the West fandoms, where she’s revered for her boundless kindness.

2. Manjushri

Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, is depicted as holding a sword that cuts through ignorance and a scripture that represents ultimate knowledge. In the Journey to the West (西游记) context, Manjushri’s wisdom is unparalleled, and his ability to discern truth is seen as a vital force in the battle between good and evil.

Fandom Link: Manjushri is known for his intellectual prowess, and many fans of Journey to the West celebrate his divine wisdom. His role as a guide to Sun Wukong in the stories underscores the importance of wisdom in the path to enlightenment.

3. Samantabhadra

Samantabhadra represents the practice of the great vows and is often depicted riding a white elephant. His primary focus is on bringing the teachings of Buddha into action and is a protector of all those who seek enlightenment through action, not just knowledge.

Fandom Link: Samantabhadra is also a figure of righteousness, much like the legendary warriors in fantasy fandoms who champion justice. You can find parallels in the Black Myth: Wukong community, where characters like Wukong seek justice for their actions.

4. Kshitigarbha (Jizo)

Kshitigarbha is known as the Bodhisattva of the Earth, whose primary vow is to aid beings in lower realms and ensure their salvation. He is particularly revered for his dedication to saving all sentient beings, including those in hell realms. Depicted as a monk with a staff and a wish-fulfilling jewel, Kshitigarbha’s compassion knows no bounds.

Fandom Link: Kshitigarbha’s relentless quest to help the suffering mirrors the themes in Journey to the West, where Sun Wukong's struggle to overcome past misdeeds can be seen as a metaphor for the salvation of all beings.

5. Maitreya

Maitreya is the Bodhisattva of the Future, believed to be the next Buddha who will come when the teachings of the current Buddha, Shakyamuni, are forgotten. Depicted as a joyful, portly figure, Maitreya embodies the qualities of loving-kindness, happiness, and compassion.

Fandom Link: Maitreya’s optimistic and joyful nature often inspires comparisons to characters in modern fantasy, especially those in Journey to the West who display a humorous or mischievous side.

6. Vajrapani

Vajrapani is the Bodhisattva of Power, often depicted wielding a vajra (a thunderbolt) as a symbol of both physical and spiritual strength. As the protector of the Buddha and his teachings, Vajrapani represents the power to overcome obstacles and dangers.

Fandom Link: Vajrapani’s fierce strength makes him a character to admire in fandoms, especially in places like the Black Myth: Wukong fanbase, where strength and power are key traits for many of the characters, including Wukong.

7. Akashagarbha

Akashagarbha represents the treasure of limitless space and is often invoked to remove obstacles in the path to enlightenment. This bodhisattva holds a wisdom that transcends ordinary understanding, offering profound insight into the nature of the universe.

Fandom Link: Akashagarbha’s wisdom and power resonate in the Black Myth: Wukong universe, where characters must unlock ancient secrets and transcend limitations to achieve their full potential.

8. Sakyamuni Buddha

While not a bodhisattva in the traditional sense, Sakyamuni is often included in the Eight Great Bodhisattvas as he is revered as the first Buddha who attained enlightenment. His teachings form the foundation for all bodhisattvas to follow.

Fandom Link: Sakyamuni’s foundational role in the universe of Journey to the West has left a lasting impact on Wukong’s journey of self-discovery and redemption, echoing the hero’s transformation in the narrative.

Wukong and the Path to Enlightenment in Fandoms

The legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong, from Journey to the West, is one of the most beloved characters in Chinese mythology. He embodies the paradox of being both immensely powerful and profoundly human—struggling with his ego and pride, but ultimately learning the importance of wisdom and humility.

Much like the bodhisattvas, Wukong’s journey is one of transformation. In Black Myth: Wukong, Wukong’s character draws heavily from this mythical figure, offering fans a chance to experience his path of self-improvement in a modern video game setting.

If you’re a fan of Sun Wukong or interested in the themes of Journey to the West, you can explore more about his story and adventures in the ever-growing fandom surrounding the Black Myth: Wukong game. Follow along as Wukong faces trials, uncovers deep truths, and seeks to change his destiny—all while battling his own inner demons.

Join the Wukong Fandom:

• Dive into Black Myth: Wukong for an immersive experience of the Monkey King’s journey!
• Explore fanfiction, fan art, and fan theories about Wukong’s character and his journey to become a better version of himself.

By understanding the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, we can learn important lessons about compassion, wisdom, and the pursuit of enlightenment—values that are just as relevant in the epic tales of Journey to the West and modern stories like Black Myth: Wukong. Whether you’re exploring these ancient teachings or indulging in your favorite fandom, the journey towards self-discovery is one we all share.