Bishamonten is a celestial being, guardian of the North, and general of the four heavenly kings who protect the cardinal directions. He is associated with the winter season, the color black, and is a god of treasure and good luck.
Usually shown in armor holding a trident or sword, the primary identification for Bishamonten is the treasure stupa. This contains the treasury of the Dharma, sacred relics, and limitless wealth. Usually held easily in one hand, he is shown here holding an enormous treasure stupa in representation of the Lotus Sutra; the sutra of equanimity, gentle patience, compassion, and an encouragement to help others in their liberation from suffering.
Bishamonten is pacifying a yaksa demon who will light the road for those on the path of the Dharma.
Benzaiten is a water deity and patron of artists, music, and poetry. She is associated with serpents and the sacred wish-granting jewel that can bring wealth and the relief of suffering through the elimination of desires.
She is sometimes depicted playing a type of lute or holding a white lotus flower; a symbol of mental clarity and pacification of greed, anger, and ignorance.
Benzaiten can be seen employing a hand gesture called Varada mudra that is used for identification and to invoke the deity's manifestation. The Varada mudra represents compassion, giving, and welcoming.
Sometimes shown sitting on a lotus flower, she is here depicted on a lotus leaf as one who is in the realm of Bodhisattva; one who delays their own ultimate liberation to help other suffering beings.
Shakyamuni Buddha stands on a lotus flower, the symbol of the Dharma, with hands in the Vitarka mudra. This mudra is made by combining the postures of the Abhaya and Varada mudras together symbolizing the preaching of the Dharma and leading sentient beings to bodhisattva hood.
The Abhaya mudra of the right hand is a gesture of reassurance, peace, and courage.
The Varada mudra of the left hand is a gesture of compassion, giving, and welcoming.
Fugen Bodhisattva Practice Animation, 2023
Block print, ink on paper, Adobe After Effects