July 27, 2003

The 35 Tathagathas: Shakyamuni

Starting with this post, I'll try and list down the details of the 35 Buddhas who were described for the sake of the first 35 disciples of the Buddha. We start with the Buddha, Shakyamuni.

The one who is characteristic of the fully awakened state of the Shakyamuni, “The subduer from the Shakya clan.” The title Shakyamuni refers to his primordial awareness, ability and excellent qualities. Sa refers to his porimordial awareness that understands all things without exception; kya refers to his insight and muni means that he’s has bound himself to the truth without duality. “Subduer” (thub-pa, muni) carries the additional significance that he has overcome the detriment of having been born into an important position in the royal family of the Sakya. “Sakya” refers to his excellent quality of being above other beings. The special meaning of ‘subduer’ is that he has bound his body, speech and mind to the truth without duality.

While doing the purification practice visualization of the 35 Buddhas, you should prostrate to him through the three gates of your body, speech and mind with sincere faith, imagining his body to be golden in color and seated on the central throne in the posture of bestowing the Dharma.

Posted by Navneet at July 27, 2003 11:24 PM | TrackBack