Mahayana and Vajrayana Sect Figures

Amitabha Buddha

Contribution: Established Pure Land sect (Mahayana)

Manjushri

Contribution: Bodhisattva of Wisdom

Avalokiteshvara

Other names/manifestations

Pure Land (Mahayana): A manifestation of Amidha Buddha (sits at his right hand)

China (Mahayana): Kuan Yin - Goddess of Compassion

Tibet (Vajrayana)

§ Chenrezig (Main form)- Male of couple that gave birth to Tibetan people

§ Tara (manifestation)- Female form of Chenrezig

§ King Songtsen Gampo (manifestation)- Brought Buddhism to Tibet

§ Dalai Lama (manifestation)- Chief spiritual and political leader of Tibet.

Contribution: Bodhisattva of Compassion

Four Noble Truths

1. Life is suffering - dukkha
• Birth trauma
• Illness
• Old age
• Fear of approaching death
• Separation from what one loves
• Stuck with what one hates
2. The cause of suffering is desire - tanha
3. The cure for suffering is to remove desire
4. To remove desire, follow the Eight-fold path