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The Trikaya: Transcendant and Earthly Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
In Mahayana literature, there is an elaborate schema of transcendent and earthly Buddhas and Bodhisattvas that correspond to each other and represent different aspects of the teachings.
What's a Bodhisattva?
Bodhisattvas are are idealized in Mahayana art and literature, and they are also ordinary people. They exemplify compassion and wisdom, and they vow to help all beings realize enlightenment and enter Nirvana.
Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva
Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is beloved to Mahayana Buddhists as the embodiment of infinite compassion.
The Five Dhyani Buddhas
The Five Dhyani Buddhas are transcendent Buddhas visualized in tantric meditation. The five Buddhas are Aksobhya, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, Ratnasa?bhava and Vairocana. Each represents a different aspect of enlightened consciousness to aid in spiritual transformation. Often in Vajrayana art they are arranged in a mandala, with Vairocana in the center.
Buddhas, Deities, & and Others
A quick survey of some major earthly and transcendent Buddhas and Bodisattvas, plus some deities, dharma protectors and other divine beings.