Patron Buddha (Zodiac Guardian Deity) for People Born in the Year of the Ox Birth time of people born in the Year of the Ox: (all times are in the Gregorian calendar) From February 4, 2009, 00:50 to February 4, 2010, 06:47 From February 4, 1997, 03:04 to February 4, 1998, 08:53 From February 4, 1985, 05:19 to February 4, 1986, 11:09 From February 4, 1973, 07:23 to February 4, 1974, 13:12 From February 4, 1961, 09:27 to February 4, 1962, 15:16 From February 4, 1949, 11:30 to February 4, 1950, 17:20 From February 4, 1937, 13:34 to February 4, 1938, 19:23 From February 4, 1925, 15:37 to February 4, 1926, 21:39 The patron Buddha for people born in the Year of the Ox is: Akasagarbha Bodhisattva.
The Sanskrit name of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva is AKASAGARBHA (transliterated as Agashe Baluo), with the secret name Kuzang Vajra. He is one of the eight great Bodhisattvas in Buddhism. Akasagarbha Bodhisattva is the chief assistant to all the Buddhas of the three times, with vast and boundless merits filling the space, and wisdom as infinite as the sands of the Ganges. He has the patience of a diamond, diligence as fierce as a whirlwind, and possesses all the samadhis. He is the supreme field of merit for all sentient beings, and should be worshipped by all humans and gods.
Akasagarbha Bodhisattva mainly presides over wisdom, merit, and wealth among the many Bodhisattvas. Because his wisdom, merit, and wealth are as boundless as space, and he can fulfill the needs of the world, bringing infinite benefits to sentient beings, he is thus named. Akasagarbha Bodhisattva has already attained Buddhahood in another land, but he manifests as a Bodhisattva here to help the World-Honored One teach sentient beings. According to the “Akasagarbha Bodhisattva Mantra Sutra,” the Buddha highly praised Akasagarbha Bodhisattva, saying: “This Bodhisattva has all the samadhis like the great ocean, upholds the Bodhisattva precepts like Mount Sumeru, has the patience of a diamond, the diligence of a swift wind, wisdom like space, and prajna like the sands of the Ganges. Among all Bodhisattvas, he is like a great victory banner, a great guide to Nirvana for all beings…”
In the eighth century, the faith in Akasagarbha spread to Japan, where monks commonly practiced the Akasagarbha recitation method to enhance memory. The Japanese monk Kukai also practiced this method. Among the general populace, it was widely believed that Akasagarbha Bodhisattva could increase blessings and wisdom, and eliminate disasters and difficulties. The Bodhisattva is more fervently worshipped in Japan than in China.
Akasagarbha Bodhisattva has the power to grant happiness and benefits. “Garbha” indicates infinite blessings and wisdom, while “Akasa” represents vastness. The “Mahavaipulya Mahasamnipata Sutra” states that Akasagarbha is like a rich man, who grants relief to all suffering beings who come before him. Therefore, Akasagarbha Bodhisattva delights in liberating sentient beings.
Akasagarbha Bodhisattva symbolizes honesty and wealth. For those who wear or worship him sincerely, he can help avoid financial disasters, ensure smooth financial affairs, create and accumulate wealth, attract benefactors from all directions, keep away malicious people, and ensure prosperity in both personal and financial aspects.
People born in the Year of the Ox have the strongest connection with Akasagarbha Bodhisattva. Therefore, if they sincerely wear or worship the image of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva, they can attain supreme merits, wisdom, and abundant wealth, never knowing lack.
Birthday of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva: Only for Buddhas or Bodhisattvas who have manifested in our world can we know their birthdays. Since there are no records of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva manifesting in this world, his birthday is unknown. His merits are vast and fill space, so with sincere faith, any day can be used to commemorate and pray for blessings. For believers who need a specific date for commemoration, they can also choose the birthday of the Buddha, Shakyamuni, on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month.
- On the Bodhisattva’s birthday, one can pray for blessings, offer incense at home, or go to a temple to offer incense. It is also beneficial to regularly recite the Bodhisattva’s name and mantra.
- It is important to note that in Buddhist festivals, aside from the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha, which are historical facts, the birthdays of other Bodhisattvas such as Manjusri, Avalokitesvara, and Maitreya are recognized as the times when these Bodhisattvas or great masters were in the world, and are not derived from Buddhist scriptures. Buddhists should understand that these are expedient means to lead sentient beings to the correct Buddhist view.
Practice Ground of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva: The practice ground is traditionally the place where a Buddha or Bodhisattva attained enlightenment or taught the Dharma while manifesting in this world. Akasagarbha Bodhisattva has meditation like the ocean, pure precepts like a mountain, wisdom like space, diligence like the wind, patience like a diamond, and prajna like the sands of the Ganges. Currently, there is no specific location recognized as the practice ground of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva. Devotees can sincerely recite the Bodhisattva’s name, pay homage, and pray for blessings at any temple or location.
