Page 29 - Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated) and Symbols

elephant. She also represents active love, virtue, diligent training

and patience.

T-T W P’ or Ksitigarbha, the embodiment of

Benevolence, the only Bodhisattva depicted in a monk’s attire,

is seated just below Kuan Yin P’usa. His two disciples, a father

and son combination, are M K and monk T M.

M-L F or Maitreya Buddha, or the Buddha-to-come and

often referred to as the Laughing Buddha, sits below Ti-tsang

P’usa. He is flanked by K T, the Protector of the Buddhist

religion, on his right, and W-T, the Protector of Buddhist

Dharma, on his left.

e rest of the magnificent figures, all clad in complete armour,

are the famous S-T-T-W, or the Four Great Kings of

Devas. ese Four Guardian Kings of the four directions rep-

resent the protection of the Buddhas and the Patriarchs and are

actively involved with the affairs of the world. M-L C,

the Guardian of the East, holds a magical mandolin or p’i-pa,

while M-L H, the Guardian of the West, has with him the

magic dragon. On the other side, M-L S, the Guardian of

the North, is seen holding an umbrella, at the elevation of which

darkness envelopes the world or a violent and thunderous storm

commences. M-L H, the Guardian of the South, who

possesses a black countenance and ferocious expression, has in

his hand a precious sword.

 