Patron Buddha (Zodiac Guardian Deity) for People Born in the Year of the Dog
Birth Dates for People Born in the Year of the Dog: (All dates are in the Gregorian calendar)
- From February 4, 2005, at 13:34 to February 4, 2006, at 07:25
- From February 4, 1993, at 03:43 to February 4, 1994, at 09:33
- From February 4, 1981, at 06:00 to February 4, 1982, at 11:50
- From February 4, 1969, at 08:04 to February 4, 1970, at 13:54
- From February 4, 1957, at 10:07 to February 4, 1958, at 15:57
- From February 4, 1945, at 12:12 to February 4, 1946, at 18:01
- From February 4, 1933, at 14:16 to February 4, 1934, at 20:05
- From February 4, 1921, at 16:21 to February 4, 1922, at 22:07
The Patron Buddha for People Born in the Year of the Dog is Amitabha Buddha (Amitayus)
Amitabha Buddha, also known as Amitayus, has Sanskrit names that mean “Infinite Life” and “Infinite Light.” He is also referred to as the Buddha of Infinite Life, the Buddha of Infinite Light, and the Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light. In some texts, he is called “The Buddha of Boundless Light” or “The Buddha of Limitless Life.” He is the master of the Western Pure Land and is often mentioned together with Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva as the “Three Saints of the Western Pure Land.”
The name “Amitabha Buddha” has become a common greeting among Buddhist disciples in China. This is because Shakyamuni Buddha taught that anyone who sincerely recites Amitabha’s name will be reborn in his Pure Land. Amitabha Buddha is famous for making forty-eight great vows, one of which is that anyone who wishes to be reborn in his Pure Land only needs to recite his name sincerely.
It’s important to note that Amitabha Buddha is not the same as Shakyamuni Buddha or Maitreya Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha is the historical Buddha of our world (Sahaloka), while Maitreya Buddha is the future Buddha who will appear in our world. Amitabha Buddha presides over the Western Pure Land, a separate realm.
According to legend, in ancient times, Amitabha Buddha was a monk named Dharmakara, who, after receiving teachings from the Buddha of his time, aspired to create a pure and perfect Buddha land and make it accessible to all beings. He made forty-eight vows to fulfill his aspiration and eventually became Amitabha Buddha. Those who encounter the great compassionate light of Amitabha can be free from suffering.
The stories of Amitabha Buddha are recorded in classic Buddhist texts dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty. The popularity of Pure Land Buddhism in China is based on faith in Amitabha Buddha. He represents boundless light and can silently protect you, bestowing wisdom to navigate life’s challenges without fatigue, and create a happy and harmonious life in society and at home.
People born in the Year of the Dog have a strong connection with Amitabha Buddha. Therefore, those born in the Year of the Dog can greatly benefit from devoutly wearing or venerating the patron Buddha image associated with Amitabha Buddha, ensuring a smooth and auspicious life.
Amitabha Buddha’s Birthday:
- The birthday of Amitabha Buddha is on the seventeenth day of the eleventh month in the lunar calendar. It is often celebrated as the birthday of Amitabha Buddha as well as a commemoration of Great Master Yongming Yanshou, who is considered a reincarnation of Amitabha Buddha and played a significant role in popularizing Pure Land Buddhism.
Observing Amitabha Buddha’s Birthday:
- You can offer prayers, light incense at home or in temples, and regularly recite the name and mantras of Amitabha Buddha.
- It’s important to note that in Buddhist festivals, except for the historical events related to 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.
Amitabha Buddha’s Place of Practice:
- Reciting “Amitabha Buddha” in your daily life, wherever you are, is considered practicing in the presence of Amitabha Buddha.
- The “place of practice” refers to where Buddhas or bodhisattvas attain enlightenment or deliver teachings. Worship and prayers are not limited to specific places or times; you can sincerely recite the Buddha’s name and practice anywhere and at any time.
