Buddha Groove: About Buddha | Buddha Teachings | Buddha Inspirations | Buddhism

What is significance of Ganesha in Buddhism?

Hindu traders from the 10th century onwards introduced Ganesha to the rest of Asia. Along with other Hindu gods (Brahma, Indra, Shiva and Vishnu), Ganesha was assimilated into Buddhism.

 The Ganesha of Buddhism is quite at variance with the god that Hindus are familiar with. He is the only Hindu god regarded as a bodhisattva a (Buddha-to-be).  Ganesha is an ambivalent figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Some scriptures depict him as Vinayaka, a demon who must be propitiated in order to avoid destruction. He is also shown being trampled upon by a Buddhist deity, Mahakala.  In another form, he is the Destroyer of Obstacles, Nrtta Ganapati, the dancing god who made his way into Tibet through Nepal. As a red, many-limbed and fearfully armed deity, he is an emanation of Avalokiteswara, the Buddhist deity.

The early Buddhists took Ganesha with them to Japan, where he became a minor deity called Kangiten. Several rituals and beliefs practiced by his worshippers in Japan correspond with the Indian cult of Ganapatya. Many prominent temples have been dedicated to Ganesha in Japan. While businessmen propitiate him for success in their enterprises, young lovers pray to him for a fruitful courtship

Why does the Laughing Buddha have a big belly?

The image of the Laughing Buddha is based on a wandering Chinese monk, Budai (Hotei, in Japanese) who lived centuries ago and is believed to be Maitreya, or the Buddha to come. The statue’s plump figure and benign countenance suggest contentment, magnanimity and plenitude. Folklore has it that rubbing his pot belly brings good fortune and wealth.

But he’s more than just a good luck charm favored by Chinese restaurateurs and businessmen. The Laughing Buddha’s big belly is a symbol of tolerance; also, that prosperity and wealth can go hand-in-hand with enlightened awareness.

Why is Buddha shown to have long ears?

A short answer to that would be: nobody knows for sure!

The Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha, in Lumbini, and grew up in Kapilavastu, modern day Nepal.  Going by the recorded cultural practices of that time, might not the Prince have worn the chunky ear ornaments favored then by men?  In time, these heavy jewelry pieces would have resulted in long earlobes. This is perhaps the most prosaic explanation available.

There is also a symbolic significance to the Buddha’s elongated earlobes. In Eastern cultures, large ears are associated with wisdom and revered by others (think Lord Ganesha and in more modern times, Mahatma Gandhi). These are ears that are big enough to listen to all our tales of suffering.  Magnanimity and compassion therefore are also qualities linked to such physical features and the Buddha was certainly the embodiment of these virtues.

Finally, there is perhaps, a message to Buddhists in those ears. Every human is a potential Buddha; as such we should remain open to the suffering of others.

Buddhist Prayer Wheel

A Buddhist Prayer Wheel is a hollow cylinder made of wood, metal, leather or coarse cotton. The mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” is traditionally embossed on the wheel. The mantra is particularly associated with “Shadakshari” form of legendary “Avalokiteshvara”. As Dalai Lama is believed to do the incarnation of Avalokiteshvara so the mantra is specially respected by his devotees. Primarily used by Buddhists of Tibet and Nepal as hand held prayer wheels, it is believed that spinning a prayer wheel is as effective as reciting sacred text aloud.

The idea of spinning mantras originated from various Tantric practices where the mantras are   visualized revolving around the “nadis” and meridian charkas such as brain and heart. The wheel is spinned clockwise with compassion and devotion. The practitioner should keep calm, meditative mind and repeat the mantra as many times as possible while spinning the prayer wheel to develop wisdom, “bodhichitta” (full enlightenment for benefit of all beings) and compassion. As per myth - spinning the wheel by one revolution evokes 50 blessing.

Inside the prayer wheel there is a scroll with the same mantra repeated fifty times. The prayer wheels come in different sizes and types. Some are small, attached to stick and made to spin by hand. Medium sizes are found at monasteries near the gate, devotees spin the wheel before passing gates. There are larger prayer wheels turned by flowing water. The water touched by the wheel is believed to be sacred.

Many Buddhists believe that prayer wheel is “Wheel of Law” that has been set in motion by The Buddha.

You can buy the Buddhist Prayer Wheel pictured about at Buddha Groove.

Buddhist Prayer Flags Spread Good Fortune

When the breeze blows Buddhist prayer flags, harmony, happiness, and good fortune are spread among all living beings. These prayer flags are squares of colored fabric with symbols, mantras, sutras, and prayers that enhance the spirits and lives of anyone nearby. The flags fly anywhere that Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism live.

Prayer flags were first used for healing ceremonies in pre-Buddhist Tibet 1,000s of years ago. As time went on, sacred symbols were painted onto the prayer flags. By the 15th century, wood block prints were being used to printing text and designs on the flags. The wood blocks made it possible to standardize the designs and pass them down from generation to generation.

Prayer flags come in sets of five, with each flag in a different color to represent the elements: yellow for the earth, green for water, red for fire, white for clouds, and blue for sky. The most prevalent symbol on prayer flags is the Wind Horse carrying the Wish Fulfilling Jewel of Enlightenment, which preseents good fortune. Other symbols seen quite often are the Eight Symbols of Good Fortune, the Seven Possessions of a Monarch, and the Union of Opposites.

The text on the flags are mantras, sutras, and prayers written in Tibetan script. Mantras are Sanskrit syllables that are repeated during meditation that controls the energies of existence. A sutra is a short teaching based on the wisdom of Shakyamuni Buddha. Prayers are aspirations and good wishes written by Buddhist masters over history.

There are many types of prayer flags. The Wind Horse (Lung- ta) flags increase the good fortune energy of any beings nearby. The Wind Horse is shown in the center of a flag with the Four Dignities in the corners: the Garuda, the Sky Dragon, the Lion and the Tiger. The Victorious Banner prayer flag protects against enemies, diseases, and other obstacles. The Health and Longevity prayer flag has mantras and prayers for long life and health, as well as a Buddha's sutra on long life. The Wish Fulfilling Prayer flag increases good fortune and protects against famine, natural disasters and war.

Prayer flags may be hung from trees, poles and laundry lines. Our of respect, prayer flags should not touch the ground, and they should be burned when worn out. Buddhist prayer flags are a beautiful way to enhance the harmony and good fortune in our environment.

The Buddhist Experience at The Grand Palace

Arriving in Bangkok after a 14-hour flight can make one weary. Thailand’s oppressive heat can also slow down an excited tourist. But there is one thing that can energize even the sleepiest of travelers: The Grand Palace.

The Grand Palace, or Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang, is a series of buildings in the heart of Bangkok meant for both royal functions and for Buddhist worship. Built in the late 18th century, many Thai kings have lived here.

If you are non-Buddhist visiting a holy Buddhist temple there are many questions that arise and new experiences to be had. But for everyone – Buddhist and non-Buddhist – the sparkling gold domes and the reverence of those worshipping is inspiring. At The Grand Palace everyone is welcome as long as a few rules are followed.

Here are a few things you should know before visiting The Grand Palace or any other Buddhist temple.

• Men and women have equal status within the Buddhist tradition so everyone is welcome in all areas of the temple (unless there are signs that say you can’t, of course)
  Knees and shoulders must be covered.
• When entering a temple structure remove your shoes. Also, sit down on the floor quickly and be sure there is room around you for other visitors.It is okay for a non-Buddhist to light incense, which is an offering. Only do so in designated areas and offer a small donation in exchange for the incense sticks.
• If you wish not to donate money (Thai Bhat), you can also offer food. You may notice that Buddhist monks and nuns collect food for their own eating.
• During prayer a Buddhist may touch his or her forehead to the ground one or more times. You are not required to do this if you don’t feel comfortable. However, do sit quietly and focus your energies on the positive.
• Do not take pictures of a nun or monk praying. It’s also rude to touch a monk or nun or ask to have a photo taken together.

 While the rules are important, it is more important to enjoy the Buddhist experience by relaxing and observing. At The Grand Palace, it’s easy to do just that.

Panchayudha Jataka – Five Kinds of Weapons

How do you deal with a life-threatening situation? The best-armed man, when he confronts a stronger enemy, is likely to cringe. Can weaponry alone help him? What is true courage made up of?

The Bodhisattva was once born as a son to King Brahmadatta. At his naming ceremony, the king’s priests prophesied that the prince would become a good and noble ruler, famous for his five weapons.

At sixteen, Prince Panchayudha (Five Weapons) left home for Taxila to further his education. On completing his studies, his teacher presented him with four weapons – bow and arrows, a sword, a sharp, pointed wheel and a club. While returning home, the prince was accosted by a fearsome, sticky-feathered ogre who assumed a variety of horrific shapes to threaten the prince.

 Panchayudha battled him with the four weapons and his own limbs and head. Alas, to no avail; all of them got stuck to the ogre’s feathers.

But the ogre could not kill him, transfixed as he was by the prince’s expression of calmness.

“Aren’t you afraid of dying?” he grunted.

“Not at all. I have one weapon left – a thunderbolt in my body. Eat me and you too will be destroyed.”

 Hmmm, thought the ogre…. should he take a chance? But this man seemed to be speaking the truth. He set the prince free!

The fifth weapon that the prince alluded to was his wisdom! He then preached to the ogre, convincing him to abandon his murderous ways, which would only lead to more darkness and misery in his forthcoming births. The ogre thereupon agreed to become the guardian of the forest and its nearby villages.

The ogre in this tale is a metaphor for ignorance and stupidity. In crisis-like situations, preached the Buddha, cool detachment and mindfulness will save us when all other options are exhausted.

Buddhist Celebrities

Action star Steven Seagal shocked the Buddhist world when he claimed that he was an incarnation of a lama. But His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, a highly revered Tibetan lama publicly confirmed this. Seagal has a long history of practice in the martial arts, acupuncture, and Zen Buddhism. 

Keanu Reeves played Siddhartha in the film ‘Little Buddha’. To appear as emaciated as Siddhartha in penance, Reeves ate only oranges for a while.

Richard Gere is friends with the Dalai Lama and wholeheartedly supports the human rights of Tibetans. Gere, who meditates daily says, “It helps me set my motivation for the day”. 
Singer Tina Turner is grateful to her practice of Buddhism for giving her the strength to end her relationship with her abusive husband, Ike Turner.   

Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom says: “The philosophy that I’ve embraced isn’t about sitting under a tree and studying my navel, it’s about studying what is going on in my daily life and using that as fuel to go and live a bigger life.”

Jazz giant Herbie Hancock was inspired to become a Buddhist when he saw the effect Buddhist practice had on the performance of his bassist, Buster Williams.