Significance of Buddhas of the ten directions
The concept of Buddhas of the ten directions in Mahayana Buddhism encompasses enlightened beings present across all realms and dimensions. These Buddhas embody enlightenment, demonstrating their omnipresence and unity despite differences in appearance. They serve as sources of knowledge and support for practitioners, guiding them through teachings and paths to enlightenment. This inclusive understanding emphasizes the vastness of Buddhist teachings and the universal compassion of these enlightened beings, who assist living beings and promote spiritual growth across the universe.
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Buddhist concept of 'Buddhas of the ten directions'
The "Buddhas of the ten directions" symbolizes the collective presence of enlightened beings across various realms, emphasizing the universality of compassion, teachings, and spiritual guidance in Buddhism, encompassing all manifestations of enlightenment throughout the cosmos.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Buddhas who exist in various realms, showing compassion and practicing perfections for the benefit of all beings.[1] (2) The concept of multiple Buddhas appearing in different realms or directions, signifying the vastness of the Buddha's presence and teachings.[2] (3) Refers to the Buddhas representing all cardinal and intermediate directions in Buddhist cosmology, hinting at their pervasive nature in different realms.[3] (4) The various Buddhas acknowledged in Buddhist tradition, to whom the bodhisattva can pay homage through dhyanaparamita.[4] (5) Refers to the enlightened beings across all realms and areas, unified in their praise of the bodhisattva.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An expression referring to all Buddhas who exist in various realms and dimensions, embodying teachings and enlightened realities.[6] (2) The enlightened beings who exist in all directions, signifying a broad spiritual presence and support for practitioners seeking rebirth in pure lands.[7] (3) A reference to the enlightened beings from various realms and paths, symbolizing universal wisdom and virtue.[8] (4) Refers to the enlightened beings who use the mantra-heart to attain knowledge and enlightenment while subduing adversaries and helping living beings.[9] (5) A collective term referring to the various manifestations of Buddhas across different realms and dimensions in the Buddhist belief system.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) All the enlightened beings across time and space, demonstrating the unity of their realization and purpose despite differences in appearance.[11]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The collective Buddhas that exist in various realms, acknowledging the remarkable deeds and virtues of Earth Store Bodhisattva.[12]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) All Buddhas existing in the various realms who are called upon for support in Bright Eyes' vow.[13]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) Buddhas that are believed to exist in all areas of existence, past and present.[14]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The manifestations of enlightened beings in various realms, invoked during meditation to assist in the process of transformation.[15] (2) The enlightened beings honored in prostration practices, recognized as having attained a supreme level of realization across all directions of existence.[16]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) These buddhas are enlightened beings that exist in various spatial directions, signifying a vast or universal nature of enlightenment.[17] (2) The enlightened beings that exist throughout the infinite orientations in which the mandala is present.[18]