Hierarchy of Divine Beings
Chinese Buddhism has a substantial pantheon based on several tiers of divine beings. At the highest level are Buddhas, who have achieved perfection and dwell in Nirvana. The chief Buddha is Sakyamuni, who is usually depicted sitting in meditation or sometimes in a recumbent position signifying his entrance into Nirvana. He is often shown as the central figure in one of several trinities. One is the trinity of the three ages: the Buddha of the Present is Sakyamumi; the Buddha of the Past is Kasyapa (Chinese: Jiayefo); and the Buddha of the Future is Maitreya (Chinese: Milofo). Another trinity often found in Chan temples is formed with Sakyamuni , Amitabha (Emitofo) and Bhaisajyaguru (Yaoshifo, the God of Medicine). A third trinity has Sakyamuni flanked by Vairochana (Piluzhena) representing the law (fa) or doctrine and Lochana (Lushena) representing the priesthood (seng).
On the second level are the bodhisattvas, beings who have achieved perfection but who remain in this world to relieve suffering and lead others to salvation. Maitreya, the Bodhisattva of the Future, is a particularly popular figure in this world. Known to the West as the “Laughing Buddha”, he is usually depicted smiling broadly and with his ample chest and belly exposed. Another extremely popular bodhisattva is Avalokitesvara, know to the Chinese as Guanyin, who is usually depicted in its female incarnation and known as the Goddess of Mercy. Three other bodhisattvas commonly found are Manjusri (Wenshu), the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who rides a lion; Samantabhadra (Puxian), the Bodhisattva of Universal Kindness, who rides a white elephant; and Ksitigarbha (Dizang), the Bodhisattva of the Earth.
The third level: the arhats (luohan), who have been commanded to stay in this world and preach the doctrines of the Buddha. They are usually shown in a group of ten (the first ten disciples of Buddha) or of 18. In addition to the three levels, there are also various tutelary gods, guardian spirits and the patriarchs of different Buddhist sects.
