The Thirteen Buddhas (十三仏, Jūsanbutsu?) is a Japanese grouping of Buddhist deities, particularly in the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The deities are, in fact, not only Buddhas, but include bodhisattvas and Wisdom Kings. In Shingon services, lay followers recite a devotional mantra to each figure, though in Shingon practice, disciples will typically devote themselves to only one, depending on what the teacher assigns. Thus the chanting of the mantras of the Thirteen Buddhas are merely the basic practice of laypeople.
The Thirteen Buddhas are also an important part of a traditional Japanese Buddhist funeral service, with each deity having a corresponding memorial service for the deceased. The thirteen in Japanese and Sanskrit and the corresponding date of their service after the death are:
- Fudo (Acala), 7th day
- Shaka (Sakyamuni), 14th day
- Monju (Manjushri), 21st day
- Fugen (Samantabhadra), 28th day
- Jizo (Ksitigarbha), 35th day
- Miroku (Maitreya), 42nd day
- Yakushi (Bhaisajyaguru), 49th day
- Kannon (Avalokitesvara), 100th day
- Seishi (Mahasthamaprapta), 1st anniversary
- Amida (Amitabha), 2nd anniversary
- Ashuku (Akshobhya), 6th anniversary
- Dainichi (Vairocana), 12th anniversary
- Kokuzo (Akasagarbha), 32nd anniversary
Famous quotes containing the words thirteen and/or buddhas:
“Yesterday morning had gone to bed very early, and had done it once: thirteen in all. Was really affectionate to her.”
—James Boswell (1740–1795)
“Just as Buddhas are covered with gold, so people want fine clothing.”
—Chinese proverb.