The Five Dhyani Buddhas, also known as the Five Wisdom Tathagatas, are a group of important deities in Tibetan Buddhism. They are often depicted in thangka paintings, which are traditional Tibetan Buddhist artworks that depict deities, deities, and important teachings.
The Five Dhyani Buddhas represent the five qualities of the Buddha nature, and each one is associated with a different element, color, and attribute. The Five Dhyani Buddhas are:
- Vairocana: Associated with the element of space, Vairocana is depicted as white in color and is associated with the quality of all-pervading wisdom. He is often depicted holding a wheel, which represents the teachings of the Buddha.
- Aksobhya: Associated with the element of earth, Aksobhya is depicted as blue in color and is associated with the quality of mirror-like wisdom. He is often depicted holding a vajra, which represents the indestructibility of the Buddha's teachings.
- Ratnasambhava: Associated with the element of water, Ratnasambhava is depicted as yellow in color and is associated with the quality of equalizing wisdom. He is often depicted holding a jewel, which represents the preciousness of the Buddha's teachings.
- Amitabha: Associated with the element of fire, Amitabha is depicted as red in color and is associated with the quality of discriminating wisdom. He is often depicted holding a lotus flower, which represents the purity and enlightenment of the Buddha's teachings.
- Amoghasiddhi: Associated with the element of air, Amoghasiddhi is depicted as green in color and is associated with the quality of all-accomplishing wisdom. He is often depicted holding a sword, which represents the cutting through of ignorance and delusion.
In Tibetan Buddhism, the Five Dhyani Buddhas are revered as important deities who represent the various aspects of the Buddha nature. They are often invoked for guidance and protection on the path to enlightenment. Thangka paintings featuring the Five Dhyani Buddhas are often used as aids in meditation and as objects of devotion.
