Material: Red Copper. Cast.

Size: 12 cm

Description:

The Four-Faced Buddha (Brahma) holds a different position of influence in Tibetan Buddhism than in Hinduism, and its role and usage are influenced by specific cultural and religious contexts within Tibetan Buddhism. The following is a detailed description of the Four-Faced Buddha's position, usage, and origins in Tibetan Buddhism:

I. The Four-Faced Buddha's Influence in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Minor Role**:

- In Tibetan Buddhism, the Four-Faced Buddha (often called "Tshangs-pa" in Tibetan) is not a central figure of worship, but rather appears as a guardian deity or a minor deity. Tibetan Buddhism primarily focuses on the Buddha, Bodhisattvas (such as Guanyin, Manjushri, and Tara), and other Tantric deities, while the Four-Faced Buddha holds a relatively low status. The Four-Faced Buddha is often considered a Dharma protector (lokapāla). Along with other Hindu deities such as Vishnu and Shiva, he is incorporated into Tibetan Buddhist cosmology as a "worldly deity" that protects the Dharma.

2. **Cosmic Symbolism and Protective Function**:

- In Tibetan Buddhism, the Four-Faced Buddha is considered the Emperor of the Desire Realm Heaven (one of the presiding deities of Indra), residing at the summit of the Desire Realm Heaven, the Akanishta Heaven. His four faces symbolize his observation of the four directions of the universe, representing omniscience and authority.

- As a Dharma protector, the Four-Faced Buddha's function is to protect the Dharma and remove obstacles. He is also invoked in certain rituals to enhance the merits of practitioners or protect the environment for practice.

3. **Symbolism of Cultural Fusion**:

- Tibetan Buddhism absorbed many elements of Hinduism, and the image and function of the Four-Faced Buddha are the result of this fusion. His transformation from a Hindu creator god to a minor deity in Tibetan Buddhism embodies the Buddhist transformation and absorption of Hindu deities.

II. The Use of the Four-Faced Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Rituals and Prayers**:

- The Four-Faced Buddha often appears in certain Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies or offering rituals. For example, during the practice of certain tantric practices, offerings are made to the Four-Faced Buddha and other Dharma protectors to pray for success, increased wealth, or the removal of obstacles.

- In temples or mandalas, the image of the Four-Faced Buddha sometimes appears on murals or thangkas as one of the Dharma protectors, guarding the four directions.

2. **Thangkas and Statues**:

- The image of the Four-Faced Buddha in Tibetan Buddhist art typically retains the four-faced, four-armed characteristics of Hinduism. The four faces of the head face the four directions, symbolizing omniscience; the four arms hold various instruments (such as the Dharma wheel, lotus, and scriptures), symbolizing creativity and wisdom.

- These images often appear in secondary locations, such as the periphery of the mandala or within the Dharma protector hall of a temple, rather than as primary objects of worship.

3. Mantras and Tantric Practices:

- In some Tantric rituals, mantras or prayers associated with the Four-Faced Buddha may be recited, but these mantras are usually intended to invoke his protective power rather than to directly worship him as the main deity.

- For example, during the practice of wealth tantras or certain karma practices, the Four-Faced Buddha may be viewed as a supporting deity to enhance one's endeavors.

III. The Origin of the Four-Faced Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism

1. Derived from Hinduism:

- The Four-Faced Buddha originated from Hinduism as one of the Trimurti, responsible for the creation of the universe. In Hinduism, he is one of the supreme deities, alongside Vishnu (the God of Preservation) and Shiva (the God of Destruction).

- With the spread of Buddhism from India to Tibet, many Hindu deities were incorporated into the Buddhist system, but their status was redefined. The Four-Faced Buddha's role shifted from a creator deity to a protector deity, subordinate to the teachings of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

2. **Indigenization of Tibetan Buddhism**:

- When Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to Tibet by Padmasambhava and others in the 7th and 8th centuries, it incorporated elements of local Bon and Hinduism. The image and function of the Four-Faced Buddha were incorporated into the Tibetan Buddhist cosmology and combined with the functions of certain Bon deities.

- In the Tantric system of Tibetan Buddhism, the image of the Four-Faced Buddha was given new symbolic meaning, becoming one of the protectors of the Dharma rather than an independent deity.

3. **Documentation and Legend**:

- In Tibetan Buddhist texts (such as certain tantras in the Tripitaka), the Four-Faced Buddha is mentioned as the king of the Desire Realm Heaven, protecting the Dharma alongside deities such as Indra.

- According to legend, the Four-Faced Buddha once asked the Buddha for advice on the Dharma, expressing his reverence for it. This story reinforces his subordinate status within Buddhism.

IV. Comparison with Other Buddhist Traditions

- **Theravada Buddhism**: In Theravada Buddhism (Southern Buddhism), the Four-Faced Buddha (called Phra Phrom, particularly popular in Thailand) enjoys a high level of popular worship. Particularly in Thailand, believers often pray to the Four-Faced Buddha for wealth, health, and career success. However, this worship is more of a folk belief than orthodox Buddhist doctrine.

- **Chinese Buddhism**: In Chinese Buddhism, the Four-Faced Buddha holds a more marginal position, rarely considered a primary object of worship, appearing only in certain lists of guardian deities.

- **Tibetan Buddhism**: Compared to the folk worship of Theravada Buddhism, the Four-Faced Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism plays a more symbolic role in Tantric rituals, emphasizing its protective function rather than a direct object of prayer.

V. Conclusion

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Four-Faced Buddha holds a relatively low status, appearing primarily as a guardian deity in Tantric rituals, thangka art, and temple murals. Its role has shifted from that of a Hindu creator god to that of a protector of the Dharma, reflecting Tibetan Buddhism's absorption and transformation of Hindu deities. Its use is mainly concentrated in prayer, offering, and tantric rituals, aiming to protect the practice environment or enhance the cause. The origin of this function is closely related to the historical development of Tibetan Buddhism, the influence of Hinduism, and the integration of the local Bon religion.