The Eight Offering Bodhisattvas, who adorn and make offerings to the world of the Buddhas, are as follows.
At the Shikoku Awa Eight Offering Bodhisattvas Sacred Site, two types of principal images are enshrined as the sacred icons of the pilgrimage: Buddhist paintings created by the artist Keishō Yamaguchi, and sculpted Buddhist statues carved by Mr. Harada, a master of Buddhist sculpture.
We hope that all who visit will appreciate the distinct qualities of each—
the brilliantly colored and radiant painted images that reflect the vivid hues of the mandala, and the wooden sculpted images that convey a sense of serenity and gentle compassion.
(The images of the statues used here are courtesy of Buddhist sculptor Mr. Harada.)
Kongō Joy Bodhisattva
(Kongō Ki Bosatsu)
A Bodhisattva who expresses joy with the entire body and bestows peace and ease upon the world.
Positioned on the inner side of the mandala, in the southeast.
Mantra: On Bazara Rasei Koku
Kongō Garland Bodhisattva
(Kongō Man Bosatsu)
A Bodhisattva who adorns the world with magnificent floral garlands and ornaments.
Positioned on the inner side of the mandala, in the southwest.
Mantra: On Bazara Marei Tarata
Kongō Song Bodhisattva
(Kongō Ka Bosatsu)
A Bodhisattva who holds a kugo—a harp-like musical instrument—and adorns the world of the mandala through song.
Positioned on the inner side of the mandala, in the northwest.
Mantra: On Bazara Gitei Giku
Kongō Dance Bodhisattva
(Kongō Bu Bosatsu)
A Bodhisattva who expresses joy through dance and praises the world of the mandala.
Positioned on the inner side of the mandala, in the northeast.
Mantra: On Bazara Jirite Kirita
Kongō Incense Bodhisattva
(Kongō Kō Bosatsu)
A Bodhisattva who spreads joy universally through the rising smoke of the censer held in the hand.
Positioned on the outer side of the mandala, in the southeast.
Mantra: On Bazara Dobei Aku
Kongō Flower Bodhisattva
(Kongō Ke Bosatsu)
A Bodhisattva who offers flowers to the world of the mandala, bringing healing and comfort.
Positioned on the outer side of the mandala, in the southwest.
Mantra: On Bazara Hoshubei On
Kongō Light Bodhisattva
(Kongō Tō Bosatsu)
A Bodhisattva who illuminates the entire world with radiant light.
Positioned on the outer side of the mandala.
Mantra: On Bazara Rokei Jiku
Kongō Perfume Bodhisattva
(Kongō Zu Bosatsu)
A Bodhisattva who spreads joy universally, carried upon the fragrance of anointing incense.
Positioned on the outer side of the mandala, in the northeast.
Mantra: On Bazara Gendei Gyaku
These Eight Bodhisattvas are divided into two groups within the mandala.
First are the four Bodhisattvas of Joy, Garland, Song, and Dance. These were manifested by Mahāvairocana Buddha (Dainichi Nyorai) in order to make offerings to the Four Buddhas surrounding him. They are known as the Four Inner Offering Bodhisattvas.
In contrast, the four Bodhisattvas of Incense, Flowers, Light, and Perfume were manifested by the Four Buddhas themselves in order to make offerings to Mahāvairocana Buddha. These are known as the Four Outer Offering Bodhisattvas.
This mutual praising and offering is called “Mutual Offering” (Sōgo Kuyō), and through it the entire world of the mandala becomes richly adorned and enlivened.
We believe that if such a spirit of mutual care and offering were present in our own world as well, it would naturally spread throughout society, allowing all people to live with richer hearts and greater harmony.