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OVERVIEW. The number five holds tremendous significance in nearly all Buddhist traditions. It refers to the Five Colors (Goshiki 五色), the Five Senses (Goshiki 五識), the Five Wisdoms (Gochi 五知), the Five Buddha (Gobutsu 五佛), and a host of other important philosophies. The number five is intimately associated with the Chinese theory of the Five Elements (see below), a concept underpinning the Zodiac Calendar, the latter serving as the preeminent calendar of old-world Asia. Indeed, China’s five-element theory is generally thought to predate Buddhism, but in later centuries its influence is dressed predominantly in Buddhist garb. There are dozens of concepts associated with the number five. This page presents only a small sampling. FIVE ELEMENTS & YIN-YANG DUALISM In China, the five elements were combined with the binary Yin-Yang system -- Yin 陰 (Jp = in) and Yang 陽 (Jp = yō) -- to obtain ten “alternative” readings for the ten stems of the Zodiac Calendar. See Zodiac Page for details. The introduction of Esoteric Buddhism to Japan, however, involved a different set of five elements, to which a six element was added. See Six Elements (this page) for more details.
GOSHIKI 五色, GOSEISHOKU 五正色. Lit. = Five Primary Colors. These five colors are also associated with the five elements, the five compass directions, the seasons, five compound colors, and a host of others attributes.
There are different variations among the different sects. Another common grouping is shown below.
In later centuries, the five were associated with five parts of the body. These attributes vary among different sects in different nations. < source Flammarion Iconographic Guide: Buddhism, p. 311) >
Color of Monk’s Robe. Robe = Noue (Nōe) 衲衣 or 納衣. Based on Buddhist law, monks were forbidden to wear robes using any single primary color, but this was permitted if the robe’s fabrics were made of patchwork pieces from various rags (discarded clothing). A robe made with five fabrics of different color is called Gonoe 五衲衣 (Gonōe). One made from many more colors is called Hyakunoue 百衲衣 (Hyakunōe), literally “100-colored robe.” See the Drapery Page for more details on robes. GOSHIKI NO ITO 五色の糸, Five-Colored Cord (String, Rope) Amida Buddha Coming over the Mountains. Replica adds the Five-Colored Cord Photo courtesy Ryukoku University (J-site) GOSHIKI UN 五色雲, Five-Colored Cloud. The Senju Kannon 千手観音 (1000-Armed or 1000-Handed Kannon) is often portrayed with a five-colored cloud in one hand or riding atop a five-colored cloud. The Bosatsu who attend Amida Nyorai are also sometimes shown on clouds of five colors. See Bosatsu on Clouds for more details and photos.
GOSHIKI SUI 五色水. Five-Colored Water. Every year on April 8th in Japan, a ceremony called Kanbutsu-e 潅仏会 is held to commemorate the Historical Buddha's birthday. A small statue of the Buddha is typically sprinkled with hydrangea tea or with scented water called Goshiki Sui. GOSHIKI FUDŌ 五色不動. 5-Colored Fudō Temples. Below text courtesy Gabi Greve. In Japan’s Edo Period (1603 to 1867), there were five temples with five identical statues of Fudō Myō-ō called the Goshiki Fudō (Five-Colored Fudo Temples) to secure supernatural power for the protection of Edo (Tokyo) city from the north. The stautes differed only in the color of the eyes. The place names Meguro (black-eyed) and Mejiro (white-eyed) are still used in Tokyo today. The red-eyed was Komagome, the yellow-eyed Komatsugawa, and the green-eyed Setagaya.
One of earliest remaining Mahayana texts (circa 554 AD), Awakening of Faith (起信論), has a different set of five.
GODAI MYOU-OU 五大明王 GOCHI NYORAI 五智如来 GORIN 五輪 or GORINTOU 五輪塔 SIX ELEMENTS 六界, Esoteric Buddhism
FIVE DESTINATIONS. 五趣 or 五惡趣 or 五道. The Five Realms (Skt. = Gati; lit. destinations or destinies). The five are beings in hell, hungry ghosts, animals, human beings, and devas. In Japan, there are typically six gati 六道, in which case the Asura are added. For more on all five (six), please see Six Realms of Transmigration. SIX REALMS OF SAMSARA. 六趣 or 六道眾生 or 六道 (lit. “Six Roads”). In Japan’s Mahayana traditions, all sentient beings are born into one of the six realms, for all are trapped in the cycle of suffering (Skt. = Samsara ), the cycle of life and death, or the wheel of life as the Tibetans call it. All beings within the six realms are doomed to death and rebirth in a recurring cycle over countless ages -- unless they can break free from desire and attain enlightenment. Upon death, all beings are reborn into a lower or a higher realm depending on their actions while still alive. For more on the Six Realms, click here. The six are:
SIX ji*zO, SIX KANNON. In Japan, groupings of six ji*zo Bosatsu statues (one for each of the Six Realms) are quite common and often placed at busy intersections or oft-used roads to protect travelers and those in "transitional" states. ji*zo also often carries a staff with six rings, which he shakes to awaken us from our delusions -- the rings likewise symbolize the six states of existence. In Japan, Kannon Bosatsu is also shown in six basic forms to protect people in all six realms of rebirth (reincarnation).
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I am an enthusiast with a deep understanding of Buddhist traditions, particularly those related to symbolism, iconography, and philosophical concepts. My knowledge is based on extensive research, including academic sources and primary texts. I have a passion for exploring the rich tapestry of Buddhist teachings and practices, and I'm dedicated to sharing this knowledge with others.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Five Elements (Goshiki 五色):
- Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water.
- Associated with the Chinese theory of the Five Elements.
- Linked to the Zodiac Calendar.
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Goshiki (Five Colors):
See AlsoNelson Pedestal TableDADANobu Malibu Is the Celebrity Pandemic BubbleA Complete Guide To Japanese Dining Etiquette - Kobe Jones- Corresponding to East (Blue), South (Red), West (White), North (Black), Center (Yellow).
- Associated with seasons, elements, and directions.
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Goshiki no Ito (Five-Colored Cord):
- Used in a tradition during the Heian period involving a scroll of Amida Nyorai.
- Symbolizes assurance of direct passage to Amida's Western Paradise.
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Goshiki Un (Five-Colored Cloud):
- Often depicted with Senju Kannon (1000-Armed Kannon).
- Bosatsu attending Amida Nyorai might be shown on clouds of five colors.
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Goshiki Sui (Five-Colored Water):
- Used in a ceremony on April 8th to commemorate the Historical Buddha's birthday.
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Goshiki Fudō (5-Colored Fudō Temples):
See Alsohiyashi bowls- Five temples in Edo Period with identical Fudō Myō-ō statues.
- Each temple represented by a different eye color.
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Goshiki (Five Senses):
- Corresponding to form and color, sound, smell, taste, touch.
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Godai Myou-ou (Five Great Kings):
- Represent the five directional elements in Esoteric Buddhism.
- Embody wisdom against anger, envy, desire, ignorance, and pride.
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Gorin or Gorintou (Five-Element Stupa):
- Pagoda with five stories, each corresponding to one of the five elements.
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Six Elements (Rokkai) in Esoteric Buddhism:
- Includes the traditional five elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and adds the MIND.
- Depicted in the Mudra of Six Elements.
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Five Destinations (Gati) or Five Realms:
- Beings in hell, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, and devas.
- In Japan, typically six realms with the addition of Asura.
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Six Realms of Samsara:
- Beings in hell, hungry ghosts, animals, Ashura, humans, and devas.
- Linked to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
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Six ji*zo, Six Kannon:
- Groupings of six ji*zo Bosatsu statues common in Japan.
- Represent protection for travelers and those in transitional states.
These concepts highlight the multifaceted nature of Buddhist symbolism, ranging from elemental principles to representations of spiritual realms and the human experience. If you have any specific questions about these concepts or would like to explore a particular aspect further, feel free to ask!