Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha practiced in many lifetimes cultivating the character necessary to become the historical buddha for our world. After his awakening, he shared his wisdom for 45 years. Buddhists of today continue to follow in his footsteps.

Manjushri

Manjushri embodies the transcendent wisdom of Buddhist teachings. He is often depicted holding a sword used to cut through delusion and duality.

Samantabhadra

Samantabhadra embodies practicing the Buddhist path. He is depicted riding a white elephant symbolizing truth and purity and is the patron bodhisattva of the buddhanature teachings in the Lotus Sutra.

Avalokiteshvara

Avalokiteshvara embodies great compassion for all living beings. She tirelessly works to relieve the suffering of living beings in our world. She is often depicted with many heads and arms to see, hear, and take action to relieve distress.

Ksitigarbha

Ksitigarbha embodies responsibility and devotion to the liberation of others. He is a patron saint of travelers, often depicted as a humble wandering monk. His vow is to travel through various hells until all beings have been freed from them.

Maitreya

Maitreya embodies unbounded loving-kindness and is predicted to be Shakyamuni Buddha’s successor as the next buddha of our world. He is often depicted in sutra as asking questions for the benefit of future generations and those afraid to ask.

Vimalakirti

Vimalakirti embodies the human lay practitioner as sage. He symbolizes the potential of householders to reach the same heights of wisdom as monks and celestial bodhisattvas.