In Buddhism, the devoted practitioner develops the Bodhi Mind on hearing the Dharma.
The Bodhi Mind consist of the determination to achieve Buddhahood and the aspiration to rescue all sentient beings.
Arising from the aspiration to rescue all sentient beings is the concept of the bodhisattva.
According to certain schools of Buddhism, the four most popular bodhisattvas are Avalokiteshvara, the Taras, Manjusri, and Ksitigarbha.
Avalokiteshvara is the most popular bodhisattva, being the symbol of compassion. In his female form, popular in China, she is called Kuan-yin; and in Japan, as Kwannon or Kannon. She is known as the spiritual mother of all sentient beings.
In Tibetan Buddha, Avalokiteshvara is the essence of the speech of all the buddhas and the incarnation of their compassion.
The Taras are most popular in Tibet. They range from two (the white Tara, which is represented by the white lotus symbolizing day, and the green Tara, which is represented by the blue lotus symbolizing night) to as many as 21 Taras.
In all of her many forms, Tara represents compassion and enlightened activity.
One form of White Tara in Tibetan Buddha is White Tara Wishfulfilling Wheel. She is associated with longevity and one of the three deities of long life.
Green Tara is the popular form of Tara in Tibetan Buddhism. She represents protection of the disciple by the Buddhas.
Overall, Tara presents prosperity.
Today, Tara practice has been introduced to the New Age religions in the West.
It is said that in ancient Tibet that every virtuous and pious woman is the incarnation of Tara.
Manjusri is another popular bodhisattva in Buddhism. He represents wisdom, intelligence and willpower. In Buddhism, Manjusri is the spiritual father and mother of bodhisattvas.
Known as the King of all tantras in Tibetan Buddhism, Chanting the Names of Manjushri is a famous praise of the bodhisattva.
Adoration of Manjusri empowers his devotee with divine wisdom, mastery of the Dharma, an infallible memory, mental perfection, and eloquence.
Ksitigarbha is known as the bodhisattva of hell. He consoles the beings in hell.
Motivated by compassion, he delayed becoming a buddha so that he could help the beings destined through their karma to rebirth in hell.
References:
Bodhisattvas of Compassion: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_fbodi.htm
Avalokiteshvara: http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Avalokiteshvara
White Tara Wishfulfilling Wheel: http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=White_Tara_Wishfulfilling_Wheel
Tara: http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Tara
Chanting the Names of Manjusri: http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Chanting_the_Names_of_Manjushri
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