The Five Dhyana Buddhas By Upasika Lhamo Drisa The five Dhyana Buddhas (or five Buddha Families) are a representation of the purified qualities of the five disturbing emotions. When the five disturbing emotions are purified, the qualities of the five Dhyana Buddhas shine forth purely. The Dhyana Buddhas are of the five main colors blue, red, yellow, green, and white. Buddha Vairocana Buddha Vairocana is this Buddha’s Sanskrit name and Sangay Namparnazad is the Tibetan name. It means “perfect knowledge of all things as they manifest”. Buddha Vairocana is realized when the disturbing emotion of ignorance is removed. When Buddha Vairocana is realized then one can then see all things as they really are. He is white in color, which represents being without fault. Both hands are placed in the mudra called “enlightenment” and holds a dharma wheel. This wheel symbolizes the Buddha’s teachings, thus brings us from ignorance to wisdom. He rests in the center of a mandala and is on a lion’s throne. Buddha Akshobhya Akshobhya is this Buddha’s Sanskrit name and in Tibetan it is Sangay Mikyodpa or the “immovable, stable, and changeless Buddha.” The disturbing emotion of anger is transformed into the Buddha Akshobhya’s wisdom at enlightenment. When the disturbing emotion of anger is purified, everything is peaceful and stable, which is the realization of the meaning of the changes, stable, and permanent Buddha. The Buddha Akshobhya is blue in color. Blue symbolizes permanence that is changeless. He sits in a full lotus posture to symbolize his indestructible and changeless nature. He holds a vajra in his lap and his right hand touches the earth, which is also a gesture of changelessness. In a mandala he resides in the east on an elephant throne. Buddha Ratnasambhava Ratnasambhava is this Buddha’s Sanskrit name and in Tibetan it is Sangay Rinchenjungdan. Sangay meaning “Buddha” and Rinchen meaning “precious”, referring to all precious, good, and immaculate things. Jungdan means “the source”, therefore Buddha Ratnasambhava is the source of all good qualities. When pride and ego have been removed, one is then open enough to actually receive all knowledge and qualities of the Buddha Ratnasambhava. The Buddha Ratnasambhava is yellow or gold in color. Yellow or gold symbolizes wealth. He sits in a full lotus posture. In his left hand he holds a wish-fulfilling jewel at his heart and his right hand is in the mudra of giving supreme generosity. In a mandala he resides in the south on a horse’s throne representing the four bases of miraculous powers that enables unobstructed passage everywhere. Buddha Amitabha Amitabha is this Buddha’s Sanskrit name and in Tibetan it is Sangay Odpamed, which means “boundless light.” He fully understands things as they are and as they appear. When attachment and desire have been purified the realization of Buddha Amitabha is then attained. One is then completely free from confusion. Purification of the disturbing emotions of attachment and ego is a state of immaculate and pure peace. The Buddha Amitabha is red in color. He is seated in a full lotus posture and both hands are resting in a meditative posture of mental clarity. He resides in the buddha realm of Dewachen. Buddha Amogasiddha Amogasiddha is this Buddha’s Sanskrit name and in Tibetan it is Sangay Donyodtrubpa. Donyod means “meaningful” and Trubpa means “accomplishment.” Therefore Buddha Amogasiddha means “whatever is meaningful and fruitful is accomplished.” His activity is perfect accomplishment and fulfillment of meaningful aims. When jealousy is purified the realization of Buddha Amogasiddha is then attained. When the disturbing emotion of jealously is removed, ordinary daily hindrances such as obstacles and illnesses are also removed. The Buddha Amogasiddha is green in color. He sits in a full lotus posture and holds a double-vajra in his left hand and is resting in the meditative posture. His right hand is in the mudra of fearless protection from any obstacles, mishaps, and negative influences. Buddha Amogasiddha resides in the north holding a sword representing the cutting of existence.