Difference between revisions of "Guardian"

Revision as of 16:28, 3 July 2012

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Description

In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four guardian gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world. They reside in the C?turmah?r?jika heaven on the lower slopes of Mount Sumeru, which is the lowest of the six worlds of the devas of the K?madh?tu. They are the protectors of the world and fighters of evil, each able to command a legion of supernatural creatures to protect the Dharma.

Zouchouten

Main article: Zouchoten

Zouchouten is one of the Four Heavenly Kings featured in Buddhist teachings. His name means "He who enlarges" and he is the guardian of the South. He is also associated with the colour blue and the sword. His attendants are the misshapen Kumbhanda.

Koumokuten

Main article: Koumokuten

Koumokuten is one of the Four Heavenly Kings featured in Buddhist teachings. His name means "He who sees all" and his is the guardian of the West. He is also associated with the colour red, serpents, and the stupa of pearls. His attendants are the serpentine Naga.

Jikokuten

Main article: Jikokuten

As a Defender of the Law, Jikokuten is considered one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism. He holds a sword and a Mani stone, and has been assigned by Lord Sakra with protecting the eastern domains of Mount Meru.

Jikokuten is also sometimes known as a Nation-Ruling God. When he governs a nation, he does so as King of the Gandharvas.

Bishamonten

Main article: Bishamonten

Bishamonten, also known as Tamonten, is one of the Four Heavenly Kings featured in Buddhist teachings. His name means "He who hears everything" and he is the guardian of the North. He is also associated with the colour yellow, the mongoose and the umbrella. His attendants are the natural spirits, the Yaksha. Bishamonten is often considered to be a god of justice and war. He originated from the Hindu god of the north, Kubera, and the two are sometimes considered one-in-the-same.