Wisdom, compassion, action and vows are the hallmarks of the four great Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. Manjushri represents wisdom, Guanyin represents compassion, Samantabhadra represents action and Ksitigarbha represents vows . How do we distinguish the four great Bodhisattvas in jade carvings?

1. Manjusri Bodhisattva

The image of Manjushri Bodhisattva is usually holding a Ruyi in the left hand and a sword in the right hand. The Vajra sword can kill all demons, which is a metaphor for great wisdom being like a sharp sword that can cut off all ignorance and worries. He sits on a white lotus platform, which represents purity.

Most jade carvings of Manjushri Bodhisattva are depicted riding a lion , with the lion's bravery and majesty frightening the demons and representing the Bodhisattva's wisdom and power. The boy's form symbolizes innocence and purity.

2. Avalokitesvara

There are many manifestations of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva among the people, so the Dharma instruments he holds are also very many. The Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokitesvara has a Dharma instrument or hand seal on each hand, each of which represents the Bodhisattva's different methods of salvation.

The most common willow branch in the pure bottle is one of the forty objects held by the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara. The pure bottle is for purification, and is filled with willow branch nectar, which can transform the heat and troubles of ordinary people into coolness, constantly comply with the wishes, and save all living beings.

There are many kinds of mounts for Guanyin Bodhisattva, the most common ones are dragon, phoenix, turtle and lion . Among them, the lion is also called Wangtianhou and Chaotianhou. It is said to be the son of the Dragon King and has the habit of watching. The Dilong (also known as Chaotianhou) on the top of the Chinese pillar roars at the sky, which is regarded as conveying the will of heaven and the feelings of the people.

3. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

The statue of Samantabhadra in the Wanshou Temple on Mount Emei is a representative Dharma image. Samantabhadra sits on a lotus platform carried by an elephant, holding a ruyi in his hand. The elephant has a white body, six tusks, and its four legs are standing on the lotus platform.

The white elephant represents a sincere wish and tireless hard work; the six tusks represent the six paramitas - giving, keeping precepts, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. Buddhism claims that the six-tusked white elephant is the incarnation of a bodhisattva to show its majesty and symbolize "great wishes and actions, and perfect merits."

4. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

Most statues of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva are of bald heads or monks wearing a Vairocana crown and robes. They hold a staff in one hand and a lotus in the other, or they hold a banner, a jewel, etc.

The dragon body of Di Ting represents good luck and fortune, its tiger head represents wisdom and courage, and it goes forward bravely in the face of difficulties and never gives in. Its lion tail represents patience and ambition, and persistence is the key to victory in any endeavor. Its unicorn feet represent stability, and it represents being kind to others, living in harmony, and cherishing good deeds.

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