Ākāśagarbha

Another one of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas is Ākāśagarbha. Ākāśagarbha is renowned for wisdom and the ability to purify transgressions.

The name "Ākāśagarbha," which can be translated as "void store," "nucleus of space," or "boundless space treasury," expresses how his wisdom is limitless like space. The "Earth store" bodhisattva Ksitgarbha is known as the twin brother of Kagarbha, just as their names suggest.

The typical representation of Ākāśagarbha features either blue or green skin, a halo around his head, and elaborate robes. He frequently makes an appearance in a serene meditation position, either standing serenely on a fish in the middle of the ocean or sitting cross-legged on a lotus flower. He typically carries a sword with him, which he uses to cut through unfavorable feelings.

Ākāśagarbha was instrumental in the establishment of Shingon Buddhism, one of Japan's most important schools of Buddhism. Kukai was a Buddhist monk and scholar who studied with another monk a secret doctrinal method known as Kokuzou-Gumonji.

He had a vision of Ākāśagarbha as he repeatedly chanted a mantra of Ākāśagarbha. The bodhisattva advised him to go to China and study the Mahavairocana Abhisambodhi sutra. Kukai traveled to China after his vision to become an expert in esoteric Buddhism. Following this, he established Shingon Buddhism, also known as the "true word" school. Ākāśagarbha is a particularly important figure in Shingon Buddhism due to his role in the school's founding.

Namo akasagarbhaya om arya kamari mauli svaha, the mantra of Ākāśagarbha is believed to give rise to wisdom and creativity, and dispel ignorance. In Shingon Buddhism in China, mantras containing the name of Ākāśagarbha are especially common. Buddhists chant the mantra to dispel ignorance and advance understanding and insight. It's also thought that repeating his mantra fosters creativity. Buddhists may wear a piece of paper with the mantra written on it in addition to reciting it in order to increase their wisdom or creativity.