Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated)

(Grace) #1
 

symbols of the Cintamani or “Wish-fulfilling Jewel” and the
“Ringed-Staff”, which is also called the Khakkhara. is ringed
staff is often carried by Buddhist monks in their travels so that
the sounds caused by the jingling rings can warn small animals
and insects of their approach lest they be trod upon and killed.
It is also sometimes called the alarm-staff.


In the above much treasured picture of Ti Tsang P’usa, which
is found in many Buddhist homes and temples, he is seen seated
upon a lotus throne. His hands holds the precious flaming pearl
which has vast magical powers beyond description. He wears
the robe of a Northern Buddhist monk and on his head is the
“five-leave crown, where the representation of a Dhyani-Buddha
can be seen on each of the leaves.”


Whenever you have the urge to pray to this Bodhisattva for any
help, look at this picture intently for a few seconds as you silently
recite, “N T T W P’, N T T W
P’...,’ before closing your eyes to visualise him. Ti Tsang
P’usa is very responsive to sincere prayers of faith and he may
yet grant you your wish, if it is not too unselfish or unreason-
able. All may pray to him with this simple invocation and, who
knows, your past karmic links with him may yet make you into
another ardent Ti Tsang devotee again in this lifetime.

e standing posture of Ti Tsang is particularly popular in Japan
where he is known as Jizo Bosatsu. It represents the readiness of
Jizo to respond immediately to the calls of help made by those
who have faith in his saving powers. Standing upon a lotus, he
Free download pdf