What are the four Bodhisattvas?

In Mahayana Buddhism, the Four Great Bodhisattvas are revered figures who embody the key principles of compassion, wisdom, and altruistic actions to help all sentient beings attain enlightenment. These four bodhisattvas are central to many Buddhist teachings and are highly venerated across various East Asian and Tibetan traditions.

The Four Great Bodhisattvas

1. Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin / Kannon) – The Bodhisattva of Compassion

   • Role: Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of boundless compassion and mercy. As the most widely revered of the bodhisattvas, Avalokiteshvara is said to listen to the cries of suffering beings and offers aid to alleviate their pain.
   • Depiction: Avalokiteshvara is often depicted with multiple arms and eyes, symbolizing the bodhisattva’s ability to see and reach out to all sentient beings in need. The more arms represent the many ways in which Avalokiteshvara can help, while the eyes represent the bodhisattva’s insight and awareness of the world’s suffering.
   • Significance: Known as Guanyin in Chinese, Kannon in Japanese, and Chenrezig in Tibetan Buddhism, this bodhisattva is particularly associated with healing and protection. In East Asian traditions, Guanyin is often depicted as a female figure, embodying the virtues of nurturing and mercy.

2. Manjushri – The Bodhisattva of Wisdom

   • Role: Manjushri represents the wisdom and enlightenment that guide beings toward liberation from ignorance and suffering. His wisdom is said to be immeasurable and capable of cutting through all delusions.
   • Depiction: Manjushri is usually depicted holding a sword in one hand, symbolizing his ability to cut through ignorance and confusion. In his other hand, he holds a scripture or sutra, representing the profound wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings.
   • Significance: Manjushri is revered for his intellect and deep understanding of the Dharma. He is often called upon to help those who seek knowledge and wisdom on the path to enlightenment.

3. Samantabhadra – The Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue

   • Role: Samantabhadra embodies the practice of virtuous actions, particularly those related to ethical conduct and the application of the Buddha’s teachings in daily life. He represents the ultimate vow to aid all beings and promote the welfare of the world.
   • Depiction: Samantabhadra is often depicted riding an elephant, symbolizing strength and the power of virtue. He is typically shown with both hands raised, signifying his dedication to practicing and upholding the teachings of the Buddha.
   • Significance: Known for his emphasis on action and commitment to fulfilling the vows of the bodhisattva, Samantabhadra is deeply associated with the concept of "bodhisattva vows" — the altruistic promise to work for the benefit of all beings, no matter the personal cost.

4. Vajrapani – The Bodhisattva of Power

   • Role: Vajrapani is the embodiment of strength, power, and protection. As the protector of the Buddha and the teachings of the Dharma, Vajrapani helps overcome obstacles and negative forces in the journey toward enlightenment.
   • Depiction: Vajrapani is often depicted holding a vajra (a thunderbolt-like weapon) in his hand, symbolizing his ability to destroy ignorance and bring about transformation. He is typically shown as a fierce, muscular figure, symbolizing the force and determination necessary to protect the Dharma.
   • Significance: Vajrapani is revered for his ability to protect practitioners from spiritual and physical dangers. He is sometimes seen as a protector of Buddhist monks, nuns, and practitioners who are facing adversity on their spiritual path.

Summary of the Four Great Bodhisattvas

The Four Bodhisattvas in Different Traditions

• In Tibetan Buddhism: These four bodhisattvas are highly revered, with each one representing a specific quality or aspect of the spiritual path. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes the importance of the wisdom (Manjushri), compassion (Avalokiteshvara), and power (Vajrapani) to overcome obstacles in one’s journey to enlightenment.

• In East Asian Buddhism: Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin/Kannon) is the most popular and widespread bodhisattva. In China, Guanyin is often regarded as a protector of women and children and is frequently invoked in times of crisis or danger. Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Vajrapani are also venerated, though not to the same extent.

• In Mahayana Sutras: These bodhisattvas are mentioned frequently in various Mahayana texts, including the Lotus Sutra, which highlights the importance of each bodhisattva’s role in helping sentient beings achieve enlightenment.

Fandom Connections

In modern fandoms, such as Journey to the West and Black Myth: Wukong, themes of compassion, wisdom, strength, and protection are often explored through characters who embody aspects of these bodhisattvas. For instance, Sun Wukong, with his strength and transformation abilities, might be compared to Vajrapani. His struggles with pride and his eventual path toward wisdom also align with Manjushri's teachings. Characters like Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara) have inspired countless stories and interpretations, becoming symbols of maternal care, compassion, and hope, often appearing in fan-created content.

Would you like to dive deeper into how these bodhisattvas are represented in Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong, or other modern adaptations? Let me know if you’d like to explore how these themes influence storytelling!