Kokuzo Bosatsu

Kokuzo Bosatsu - Japanese spelling
Kokuzo Bosatsu (Skt. = Akasagarbha)
Name literally means "Vast & Boundless Vessel"


Origin India
Deity of Wisdom and Memory
Protector of Craftspeople and Artisans
One of the first Buddhist deities to arrive in Japan

Guardian of People Born in the
Zodiac Year of the Ox and Tiger



Kokuzo (also written Kokuuzou, Kokuuzoo) symbolizes the "vast and boundless" Buddha wisdom that permeates the universe. Believers pray to Kokuzo to grant them wisdom on their quest toward enlightenment. People also pray to Kokuzo to improve their memory, technical skills, and artistic talents, for Kokuzo is revered not only as the deity of wisdom, but as a protector of craftspeople and artisans.

Kokuzo was introduced to Japan in the late Nara period (645-794 AD) as part of a special rite to improve one's memory -- hence, Kokuzo's reputation even today is that of a deity who bestows intelligence on devotees. In Japan today, sculptures of Kokuzo are generally found only among Shingon temples and some Tendai temples, where special esoteric rites are still performed (mostly in secret) to ensure good memory, the granting of wishes, and the bestowal of Kokuzo's "vast and boundless" blessings.

Sanskrit, Chinese, and Japanese Spellings
Kokuzo: Sanskrit, Chinese, & Japanese Spellings; Akasagarbha, Khagarbha, Xu Long Zang, Kokuzo, Kokuuzou, Kokuuzoo, Kokuyo, Kokuuyou

English Translations for Kokuzo Bodhisattva

* Space/Sky Repository (also Space/Sky Treasury)
* All-Encompassing Wisdom
* Vast and Boundless Vessel
* Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Memory
* Protector of Craftspeople and Artisans
* Guardian of the Treasury of All Wisdom & Achievement

Kokuzo Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) -- This amulet can be purchased at www.buddhist-artwork.comKokuzo can appear in many different forms. In sculpture, Kokuzo's role as bestower of wishes means that Kokuzo is shown frequently holding the wish-granting jewel. In another variant, Kokuzo holds a lotus stem surmounted with the sacred wish-giving gem. In another popular representation, Kokuzo holds a sword to symbolize wisdom cutting through ignorance. Kokuzo is sometimes portrayed with the "Fear Not" Mudra, a gesture that symbolizes the granting of protection to Buddhist followers. NOTE: Photo at right shows Kokuzo forming the Fear Not Mudra while holding a lotus spear surmounted by the wish-granting jewel. At other times, Kokuzo is depicted with a hand gesture known as the Wish-Granting Mudra (aka the Charity, Welcome, or Blessing mudra). This latter mudra is associated closely with the Historical Buddha, and represents the granting of wishes to those who welcome the teachings of Buddhism. For a detailed review of hand gestures, please see the Mudra page.

Kokuzo is no longer venerated widely in Asia or Japan, with the exception of Japan's Shingon Sect of Esoteric Buddhism, where Kokuzo serves as the last of the Thirteen Deities of the Shingon School (consisting of Five Buddha, Seven Bodhisattva, and Fudo Myoo). As a group, these 13 represent the chief deities of the Womb World and Diamond World mandalas. As one of the thirteen, Kokuzo presides over the memorial service held on the 32nd anniversary after one's death. On the Japanese island of Honshu, children who are 13 years of age still follow the custom of paying homage to Kokuzo in the hopes of becoming more intelligent. In Japan's esoteric traditions, Kokuzo is also counted among the 16 Deities of the Auspicious Aeon, and as one of the 16 Great Bodhisattva.

Kokuzo Bodhisattva (lit. Space Repository) was originally paired with Jizo Bodhisattva (lit. Earth Repository), with the two representing the blessings of space and earth respectively. This pairing is now almost completely forgotten. Today Jizo is one of Japan's most popular deities among the common folk, and is worshipped both independently and as an important member of Amida Buddha's retinue. In contrast, Kokuzo is a relatively neglected deity whose devotees come largely from the Shingon tradition.

Kokuzo's central role in the esoteric rite to improve one's memory is described in the Gumonjihou (Jp.). Kokuzo is described in the Kokuzo Sutra (Jp. = Kokuzo Bosatsu Kyo) as one who removes obstacles, one who helps people recognize and overcome their errors, and one who encourages the practice of the Six Perfections (Sanskrit = Paramita). In addition to the central virtue of compassion, there are Six Perfections that a Bodhisattva must cultivate in order to attain Buddhahood.
1. charity
2. morality
3. forbearance
4. effort
5. meditation
6. wisdom
The Six Perfections can also be written as shown below, to which four more perfections were added in later times:
1. Generosity (Skt. Dana-paramita); selfless and impartial generosity
2. Discipline (Skt. Shila-paramita); observance of the ethical regimen
3. Patience (Skt. Kshanti-paramita); patient endurance of difficulties
4. Energy (Skt. Virya-paramita); zealous energy in perseverance
5. Meditation (Skt. Dhyana-paramita); mindful absorption in meditation
6. Wisdom (Skt. Prajna-paramita); wisdom of transcendent insight
Four more perfections were added in later times:
7. Right method (or means)
8. Vows
9. Manifestation of 10 powers
10. True understanding of all dharmas (laws) The Six Perfections are:

The Six Perfections = Paramita (Sanskrit)

Kokuzo Bosatsu Sanskrit Seed Sound - Tarakku
Tarakku (Japanese pronunciation)
Kokuzo's Sanskrit Seed Syllable
Kokuzo Bosatsu Mantra in Japan
Japanese Mantra for Kokuzo Bodhisattva
Kobo Daishi, the founder of Japan's Shingon sect,
said people who chant this mantra one million times
will gain a full understanding of all Buddhist teachings