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Buddha Families

Posted on July 28, 2007

Buddha Families, also known as the Five Families is a system of classification according to which the Buddhas and their associated symbols and implements for rituals are arranged. This is done in accordance with their respective colors, directions and elements.

The mandala of the five Buddha Families traditionally represents five aspects of the enlightened mind. And to a learned Buddhist, only one associated keyword is necessary to mentally evoke all the other associations.

The following are the representations of the Buddha Families with their associations:

Buddha Family:

• Buddha Family, Vairochana
• Form: The snow lions, which represents the complete realization of wisdom that clears away all confusion to unveil the true nature of ignorance.
• Symbol(s): Lotus and full-moon disk representing wisdom that conquer confusion
• Color: White, un-sustained by confusion.
• Buddhafield: Akanishtha
• Activity: Wisdom
• Affliction: Ignorance
• Direction: Center
• Seed Syllable: OM

Vajra Family:

• Vajra Family, Akshobhya
• Color: Blue
• Symbol: Vajra, symbol of freedom
• Activity: Mirror-like wisdom
• Direction: East
• Affliction: Anger
• Form: Elephant
• Buddhafield: Locana
• Seed Syllable: HUM

Ratna Family:

• Ratna Family, Ratnasambhava
• Color: Yellow
• Symbol: Wish-fulfilling gem
• Activity: Enrichment
• Direction: South
• Affliction: Pride/arrogance
• Aggregate form: Horse
• Buddhafield: Mamaki
• Seed Syllable: TRAM

Karma Family:

• Karma Family, Amogadasiddhi
• Karma family and symbolises wisdom that accomplishes all actions.
• Color: Green
• Activity: Wisdom that accomplishes all actions
• Animal: Buffalo
• Afflictions: Jealousy
• Direction: North
• Buddhafield: Samayatara
• Symbol: Double
• Seed Syllable: A

Lotus Family (Padma Family):

• Lotus Family, Amitabha
• Form: Peacock
• Symbol: Lotus
• Realm: Sukhavati
• Color: Red
• Activity: Vitality and realization
• Affliction: Passion/attachment
• Direction: West
• Buddhafield: Pandaravasini
• Seed Syllable: HRI