Patron Buddha (Zodiac Guardian Deity) for People Born in the Year of the Horse
Birth Dates for People Born in the Year of the Horse: (All dates are in the Gregorian calendar)
- From February 4, 2014, at 06:03 to February 4, 2015, at 11:58
- From February 4, 2002, at 08:08 to February 4, 2003, at 13:57
- From February 4, 1990, at 10:28 to February 4, 1991, at 16:17
- From February 4, 1978, at 12:31 to February 4, 1979, at 18:21
- From February 4, 1966, at 14:35 to February 4, 1967, at 20:25
- From February 4, 1954, at 16:39 to February 4, 1955, at 22:28
- From February 4, 1942, at 18:43 to February 5, 1943, at 00:32
- From February 4, 1930, at 20:47 to February 5, 1931, at 02:36
- From February 4, 1918, at 22:53 to February 5, 1919, at 04:40
The Patron Buddha for People Born in the Year of the Horse is Bodhisattva Mahāsthāmaprāpta
Bodhisattva Mahāsthāmaprāpta, whose Sanskrit name is Mahāsthāmaprāpta and Tibetan name is Mthu-chen-thob, is the attendant of Amitabha Buddha, often referred to as “Great Strength Bodhisattva.” He is one of the Western Pure Land Bodhisattvas, along with Amitabha Buddha and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (the attendant of Amitabha Buddha’s left side).
According to the “Sutra of Infinite Life” (Amitayurdhyana Sutra), in a previous life, there was a king known as “King of Turning the Dharma Wheel,” and his eldest son was Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, his second son was Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva, his third son was Manjushri Bodhisattva, and his fourth son was Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Later, the King of Turning the Dharma Wheel attained Buddhahood as Amitabha Buddha in the Pure Land of the West. Avalokiteshvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta became Amitabha’s attendants, standing on his left and right sides, respectively.
Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva is currently the second in line to attain Buddhahood in the Western Pure Land, following Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. In the future, he will become a Buddha named “King of Good Retention of Merits Buddha” (Skt. Sudhanakarapratibhaasabhaasatejoratnakararaja Buddha). According to the “Visualization Sutra” (Kanmuryouju-kyou), he is described as having the “wisdom light that illuminates all, allowing beings to depart from the ‘three evil paths’ (referring to the paths of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals) and attain supreme strength.” This is why he is known as Mahāsthāmaprāpta, which means “Great Strength Attained.”
Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva is depicted with a wisdom light on top of his head that shines and illuminates the entire world, allowing sentient beings to be liberated from the suffering of wars and disasters, gaining tremendous strength. According to the “Visualization Sutra,” Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva uses his unique wisdom light to illuminate all sentient beings, helping them overcome the suffering caused by wars and disasters and attain supreme strength. He has the power to protect sentient beings from harm by evil forces. Devotion to Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva can bestow the light of wisdom upon you, ensuring a smooth journey in life, success in your endeavors, and protection from adversity. It can bring good fortune and make your life auspicious, allowing you to progress on the path of enlightenment with the brilliance of Buddha’s light.
People born in the Year of the Horse have a strong connection with Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva. Therefore, those born in the Year of the Horse can benefit from devoutly wearing or venerating the patron Buddha image associated with Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva, which can help accumulate wealth, ensure peace and security, and ward off disasters.
Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva’s Birthday:
- Lunar calendar, 13th day of the seventh month
On Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva’s birthday, you can pray, offer incense at home or in temples, and regularly recite his name and mantras.
It’s worth noting that in Buddhist festivals, apart from the historical events of Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, the birthdays of other bodhisattvas such as Manjushri Bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and Maitreya Bodhisattva are not derived from Buddhist scriptures but are recognized as a convenience for guiding sentient beings to the right path.
Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva’s Place of Practice:
- Wolf Mountain in the southern suburbs of Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
A place of practice is where a Buddha or bodhisattva is believed to have attained enlightenment or taught the Dharma. However, paying respect and seeking blessings are not limited to the place of practice. You can sincerely pray and recite the names or mantras of Buddhas and bodhisattvas anywhere, anytime, with a devout heart.
