When the Chinese Zodiac reached Japan, it met with a very strong and positive response and became very popular among the Japanese. As Buddhism is also very strong in Japan, the Chinese Zodiac soon became linked to their religion, where 8 Buddhist Protectors became associated with each of the 12 animals of the horoscope.
It is believed that people born under each sign receive the blessings and protection of the associated Protector. As to why there are 8 Protectors and not 12, there is no definitive answer. Sources often conjecture that it must be aligned to Chinese Taoism and Feng Shui which is based upon 8 specifically connected cosmic symbols (used in divinations etc.).
It is believed if you solicit the protector related to your birth during times of obstacles, you can clear your problems faster. If pujas, prayers and mantras are done to them, then it will benefit your obstacle periods.
The relationship with the 8 respective Buddhist Protectors are as follows:
1. 1000-armed Chenrezig
2. Akasagarbha
3. Manjushri
4. Samantabhadra
5. Mahasthamaprapta
6. Vairocana
7. Acala Vidyaraja
8. Amitabha
| Animal | Year of Birth | Buddhist Protector (Japanese Name) |
| Rat | 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 | Senju Kannon / Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara |
| Ox | 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 | Kokuzo / Namkai Nyingpo / Akasagarbha |
| Tiger | 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 | Kokuzo / Namkai Nyingpo / Akasagarbha |
| Rabbit | 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 | Monju / Jampel Yang / Manjushri |
| Dragon | 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 | Fugen / Kuntu Zangpo / Samantabhadra |
| Snake | 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 | Fugen / Kuntu Zangpo / Samantabhadra |
| Horse | 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 | Seishi / Mahasthamapranta |
| Sheep | 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 | Dainichi / Nangpa Nangdze / Vairocana |
| Monkey | 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 | Dainichi / Nangpa Nangdze / Vairocana |
| Rooster | 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 | Fudo / Acala Vidyaraja |
| Dog | 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 | Amida / Opakme / Amitabha |
| Pig | 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 |
Senju Kannon / Kuan Yin / Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara
Kannon is the embodiment of all the Buddhas’ compassion, appearing in a female form in the Chinese / Japanese Mahayana Buddhist traditions, and as a male in the Indian / Tibetan traditions.
Kannon is more commonly known as Kuan Yin in Chinese, Chenrezig in Tibetan and Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit. Kannon’s practice is among the most popular in all Buddhist countries and she/he is often propitiated for blessings and protection.
The 1000-armed form of Kannon is depicted with 1000 eyes on every hand, which are all-seeing, gazing upon all sentient beings and coming to their aid to relieve their sufferings. It is believed that in doing Kannon’s practice sincerely, we can develop great patience, peace and compassion.
One of the eight great Bodhisattvas, Kokuzo represents the immense vastness of Buddha’s wisdom. It was widely believed in both Japan and Chinese that this Buddha’s blessings are so powerful that merely reciting his name and mantra would bestow great wisdom, intelligence and creative powers.
Because of this, he is sometimes regarded as the Patron Deity of art. His practice is not as commonly practiced now except in the Japanese Shingon lineage. However, historically, he was very widely revered and worshipped for he is able to remove obstacles, help people to recognize and overcome their weaknesses and encourage the practice of the 6 Paramitas / Perfections:
Generosity, Ethics, Patience, Perseverance, Concentration and Wisdom.
Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom, is the perfect and complete representation of enlightened Wisdom; he represents all the wisdom of all the Buddhas. He is known for bestowing great intelligence, sharpness in studying and assimilating knowledge, sharp memory, and excellent communication skills – whether written or spoken.
Many students, or people who are in the industries of learning and communication – such as teachers, academics, journalists, counselors, artists, public speakers – would benefit from relying on Manjushri’s practice.
Spiritual practitioners often pray to Manjushri to help them in their study and meditations, and to grant them the ultimate wisdom they need to achieve full Enlightenment.
In our mind is the potential to reach the awakened (Buddha) mind, the attainment of primordial reality where there is no suffering. This source potential is what is called Adi-Buddha.
Fugen – more commonly known as Samantabhadra – is an Adi-Buddha representing the pure, unsullied mind that arises out of practice and pure conduct. He emphasizes the importance of sincere practice and moral conduct (which would involve the holding of precepts and vows).
Seishi is mentioned in three very important Buddhist texts: the Immeasurable Life Sutra, the Meditation Sutra, and the Lotus Sutra. Seishi is an attendant to Amitabha and a guardian of Wisdom.
He also represents great strength. In Japan, he is depicted in part of a trio, together with Amitabha and Chenrezig, and is part of a very strong Pure Land tradition. It is believed that this trio helps to lead the deceased to Sukhavati, Amitabha’s Pure Land.
Dainichi / Nangpa Nangdze / Vairocana
He also represents Emptiness (Shunyata) and is often depicted performing the Dharmacakra (teaching) mudra, symbolizing that he can teach us the way to achieve Emptiness and Enlightenment.
As the realization of Emptiness is the direct counter to ignorance, our prayers to this Buddha can help us to cut away ignorance, gain wisdom and help us to realise the ultimate truth and nature of all things.
This is very powerful and one of the two aspects we need to attain full Enlightenment (the other being Bodhicitta, Great Compassion).
This Protector is known for being very swift at removing obstacles, particularly to Dharma practice. He is also able to clear very heavy, serious negative energies. As part of a group called the “Five Great Kings” or the “Five Knowledge Kings”, Fudo / Acala Vidyaraja is characterized by a wrathful expression, used to “scare” away interferences and evil beings. Anyone who prayers to this Protector Buddha can be assured of protection.
Amida / Opakme / Amitabha
Amitabha, in the form of Amitayus, is also a long-life deity and is known for bestowing blessings of longevity and good health. Many very large Buddhist schools around the world – both East and West – are based upon Amitabha’s practice.
source tsemtulku
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