Buddhist mythology

Buddhist mythology operates within the Buddhist belief system. It is a relatively broad mythology, as it was adopted and influenced by several diverse cultures.Buddhism and Mythology As such, it includes many aspects taken from other mythologies of those cultures (for instance, Japanese kami are considered to be local bodhisattvas by many Japanese Buddhists).
==Wrathful deities==
One notable feature of Tibetan Buddhism and other Vajrayana traditions in particular is the use of Wrathful deities.Wrathful Deities While the deities have a hideous and ferocious appearance,Wrathful Guardians of Buddhism - Aesthetics and Mythology they are not personifications of evil or demonic forces. The ferocious appearance of these deities is used to instill fear in evil spirits which threaten the Dharma.
Wrathful deities are used in worship and devotion with the practice dateing to the 8th century having been instituted by Padmasambhava. The origin of these deities comes from mythology in Hinduism, Bon, or other folk deities.
==Yaksha==
The Yaksha are a broad class of nature-spirits, usually benevolent, who are caretakers of the natural treasures hidden in the earth and tree roots. Having been worshiped in India since before the Vedic period,Yakshas Hindu Gods of Wealth their worship was adopted by both Buddhism and Jainism.
In Buddhism, it is believed that they reside deep within the Earth under the Himalayas where they guard the wealth of the Earth. The Yaksha are ruled over by Kubera, the Lord of wealth.
==Yidam==
The Yidam, or Ishta-devata, is a personal meditation deity. The Sanskrit word or is defined by V. S. Apte as "a favorite god, one's tutelary deity."V. S. Apte, A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary, p. 250. Though this term is used in many popular books on Buddhist Tantra, the term işţadevatā has not been attested in any Buddhist tantric text in Sanskrit. The unrelated Tibetan version of the term, possibly of entirely native origin, is yi-dam""The function of the Yidam is one of the profound mysteries of the Vajrayana... Especially during the first years of practice the Yidam is of immense importance. Yidam is the Tibetan rendering of the Sanskrit word Istadeva-the indwelling deity; but, where the Hindus take the Istadeva for an actual deity who has been invited to dwell in the devotee's heart, the Yidams of Tantric Buddhism are in fact the emanations of the adepts own mind. "The Tantric Mysticism of Tibet: A Practical Guide to the Theory, Purpose, and Techniques of Tantric Meditation by John Blofeld. Penguin:1992 is said to be a contraction of Tib. yid-kyi-dam-tshig,Harding, Sarah. "The Dharma Dictionary." Buddhadharma Magazine, Spring 2005.Dharma Dictionary: Yidam meaning "samaya of mind"- in other words, the state of being indestructibly bonded with the inherently pure and liberated nature of mind.
The Ishta-devata of Hinduism is an aspect of God for personal worship.Ishta Devata or Personal God In Buddhism, a Yidam is a manifestation of enlightenmentYidam and make take the form of Sambhogakāya Buddhas, tantric deities, bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors or other historical figures.
==See also==
* Religion and mythology
* Hindu mythology
* Chinese mythology
* Japanese mythology
* Iranian mythology
* Christian mythology
* Islamic mythology
* Theosophical Society
==References==
==Further reading==
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