Ratnasambhava, the Buddha of the South, is one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas in Vajrayana Buddhism.
Ratnasambhava, also known as the Southern Buddha of Accumulated Merit, the Jewel Banner Buddha, or the Jewel Form Buddha, is an important figure in Buddhist cosmology.
Ratnasambhava’s iconography features his left hand holding the corner of his robe in his palm and his right hand in a gesture of giving, symbolizing his vow to “fulfill the desires of all beings.”
The Significance of Ratnasambhava in Buddhist Practice
In the Vajrayana Mandala, specifically in the Assembly of the Accomplishment Body, Ratnasambhava is positioned in the center of the southern moon disc of the Five Wheels of Liberation. He embodies the merit and virtue of the wish-fulfilling jewel, enabling him to grant the wishes of all beings. He is also believed to bestow empowerment upon practitioners who have ascended to the level of a Dharma King. Ratnasambhava is associated with the Jewel family, one of the five Buddha families.
According to esoteric Buddhism, Ratnasambhava represents the third of the five wisdoms of the Great Sun Buddha, known as the Wisdom of Equality.
Understanding the Wisdom of Equality
The concept of “Wisdom of Equality” is rooted in the “Eight Consciousnesses”. The “Eight Consciousnesses” refer to the eight ways of perceiving reality. The seventh consciousness is called Manas, which means “intention”. It is important to note that “intention” here is different from the sixth consciousness, “consciousness”. The sixth consciousness is intermittent, but the Manas consciousness continuously contemplates. Through the spiritual elements within this consciousness, and through rigorous practice, one can transform the seeds of afflictive obstructions to achieve Nirvana. One can also transform the seeds of cognitive obstructions caused by misconception to attain Bodhi. The wisdom gained from this seventh consciousness, Manas, is the Wisdom of Equality. This wisdom allows one to perceive the world and realize that all phenomena are fundamentally equal, without discrimination.
The Iconography and Attributes of Ratnasambhava
Ratnasambhava resides in the Joyful World of the South. According to Buddhist scriptures, he is depicted with a golden body, sitting upright in the lotus position. His left hand holds the corners of his robe, and his right hand is in the boon-granting gesture. This mudra is said to fulfill all the wishes of sentient beings. Therefore, he is revered as a compassionate Buddha who fulfills the desires of all.
Ratnasambhava as a Divine Bestower of Wealth
Because of his ability to fulfill wishes, Ratnasambhava embodies the principle of increase, and is often considered to be a divine figure of wealth and prosperity within Buddhism.
The Entourage of Ratnasambhava
Ratnasambhava is attended by four close bodhisattvas, each positioned in one of the four cardinal directions. They are Vajraratna Bodhisattva (East), Vajraketu Bodhisattva (South), Vajradharma Bodhisattva (West), and Vajrahāsa Bodhisattva (North).
The Significance of Ratnasambhava’s Mount
The mount of Ratnasambhava is a horse. In Buddhism, the horse is considered one of the most auspicious and noble animals because it can travel on both land and through the air. The earth symbolizes reason, and the sky symbolizes wisdom. The south is the place where reason and wisdom come together, hence the horse is the throne of Ratnasambhava. Furthermore, the horse is associated with swiftness and speed, which parallels the concept of the Three Mysteries practice in esoteric Buddhism. Through this practice, one is said to achieve enlightenment rapidly. The swiftness of the horse is symbolic of the speed in which one can achieve Buddhahood through devotion to Ratnasambhava.
The Symbolic Objects of Ratnasambhava
Ratnasambhava holds a wish-fulfilling jewel (cintamani) in his right hand and a bell in his left hand.
The wish-fulfilling jewel symbolizes that Ratnasambhava is responsive to all requests. Those who seek his help and guidance receive immediate fulfillment of their wishes. The jewel also implies that the fulfillment is effortless. The bell held in his left hand represents that Ratnasambhava fulfills desires not through harsh methods, but through gentle, compassionate, and amiable means.
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