What is the guardian deity of the Year of the Dragon and Snake, "Samantabhadra Bodhisattva"? A thorough explanation of its meaning and benefits

Have you ever wondered, "What kind of Buddha is Fugen Bodhisattva?" "What is a guardian deity? What is its relationship to the zodiac?" This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the meaning of the guardian deity, its relationship to the zodiac, and the benefits of Fugen Bodhisattva, the guardian deity of this year's zodiac sign, the Year of the Snake.

This article will cover the following three points:

• What is a guardian deity? Relationship with the zodiac sign
• What kind of deity is Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, the guardian deity of the Year of the Snake?
• The benefits and effects bestowed by Bodhisattva Samantabhadra

After reading this article, you will have a deeper knowledge of guardian deities and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and you will enjoy visiting temples and collecting goshuin stamps even more.

1. What does "guardian deity" mean? Explaining the relationship with the zodiac sign

A guardian deity is a Buddha statue that is determined according to the zodiac sign of the year in which one was born. There are eight guardian deities in total, and they have long been worshipped as beings that protect us . The term "guardian deity" plays an important role in Buddhist faith.

The characteristics of the guardian deity are as follows:

1. This Buddha protects us from birth to death.
   
2. It has long been worshipped as a guardian deity that wards off evil and brings good fortune , and it is said that many people find peace of mind by worshiping this guardian deity.
   
3. They are depicted in Buddhist statues and paintings, and chanting their mantras is said to grant wishes and bring blessings . The belief in "guardian deities" is rooted in people's desire for peace of mind.
   

Many people are probably curious about which Buddha is their guardian deity. Below we have summarized the guardian deities for each zodiac sign and their unique benefits. It is believed that by praying to your guardian deity, you will receive the guardian deity's blessings. Please use this as a reference when visiting temples. Learning the meanings of guardian deities other than your own will make your visit to the temple even more fulfilling.

2. What kind of Buddha is the guardian deity of the Year of the Snake, "Samantabhadra Bodhisattva"? About his blessings, elephants, and salvation for women

2-1. What is Samantabhadra Bodhisattva?

From here, we will explain about Fugen Bodhisattva, the guardian deity of this year's zodiac sign, the Year of the Snake. Fugen Bodhisattva is the guardian deity of the Year of the Snake and the Year of the Dragon. Fugen Bodhisattva is one of the important bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. Along with Manjusri Bodhisattva, he is often enshrined as one of the attendants of Shakyamuni Buddha, and is known as one of the Shaka Trinity. While Manjusri Bodhisattva represents "wisdom," Fugen Bodhisattva represents "compassion."

2-2. What are the benefits of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra?

So, let's take a look at the benefits and effects of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is said to bring benefits for physical health and longevity. It is believed that the power of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva's compassion not only protects against illness, but also has the effect of reducing stress and anxiety in everyday life. It is believed that by praying to Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, one can maintain physical and mental health and live a better life.

Samantabhadra is also believed to bring economic prosperity and peace in the home. By following his teachings, one can maintain harmony within the home and achieve financial stability.

2-3. The relationship between Bodhisattva Samantabhadra and the salvation of women

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is also known as the Bodhisattva of "Women's Salvation." Many of you may have heard the phrase "women's salvation." Samantabhadra Bodhisattva became a figure of worship, especially among women, because he preached in the Lotus Sutra that women can also attain enlightenment. This teaching has played an important role since the Heian period, encouraging women's spiritual growth and opening the way for women to progress to Buddhism. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva's compassionate teachings have made him a symbol of hope for women, and he has established himself as an object of their faith.

2-4. Why is Samantabhadra often depicted riding an elephant?

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is often depicted riding a white elephant, but have you ever wondered why? The reason why Samantabhadra Bodhisattva rides a white elephant comes from the white elephant being considered a symbol of enlightenment. Legend has it that Buddha's mother, Lady Maya, dreamed of a small white elephant entering her body, and that Buddha was born into her. The Lotus Sutra also teaches that Samantabhadra Bodhisattva appears riding an elephant with six white tusks, and the white elephant of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is not just a vehicle, but an important element that symbolically expresses the bodhisattva's characteristics and role.

3. How to connect with Fugen Bodhisattva? We also introduce the Fugen Bodhisattva Goshuin.

So far, we have explained about Fugen Bodhisattva, the guardian deity of the Year of the Snake. Some people may understand who Fugen Bodhisattva is, but not know what to do specifically to connect with him. Also, some people may be worried that the temple dedicated to Fugen Bodhisattva is far from their home and it is difficult to visit. Here, we will introduce the goshuin stamp of Fugen Bodhisattva.

Jorakuji Temple in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, where the principal deity is Fugen Bodhisattva, also sends out Fugen Bodhisattva goshuin stamps by mail. Jorakuji Temple writes each and every goshuin with care so that even those who find it difficult to visit due to health reasons or who live far away can still feel the blessings of Fugen Bodhisattva. In addition to beautiful designs that change with the seasons, each goshuin is characterized by the inscription of a wish written in gold lettering. In addition to the characters for Fugen Bodhisattva, the Sanskrit character "an" is also stamped on each goshuin, making it feel even more special.

This month's special goshuin stamp from Jorakuji Temple

4. Summary

Through this article, we hope you have learned about the Bodhisattva Fugen, the guardian deity of the Year of the Snake, as well as the benefits and symbolic meanings it brings. We have also explained that goshuin stamps are a way to connect with Bodhisattva Fugen. By receiving a goshuin stamp, you can feel the mercy of Bodhisattva Fugen even from afar. It is very important to find time to pray quietly in the midst of your busy days. Why not take this opportunity to pick up a goshuin stamp of Bodhisattva Fugen and deepen your connection with him?

For those who want to learn more about Bodhisattva Samantabhadra

Click here for the column by the head priest of Jorakuji Temple

The benefits of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra

Mantra of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra

Bodhisattva Samantabhadra and the teachings of salvation for women

The benefits of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra and the salvation of women