Yaksha

Yaksha (Sanskrit यक्ष YAKSA; Pali: Yakkha ) is the name of a large class of nature spirits or gods of lower rank (Sanskrit upa - devas or devas ) in Hinduism and Buddhism. The feminine form of this being is called Yakshi ( Yaksi / Yakkhī ) or Yakshini ( Yakṣiṇī / Yakkhinī ). They are considered as guardians of treasures hidden in the earth and therefore to the notes of Kubera, the God of Wealth is counted. Yakshi is also the name of the woman Kuberas.

General

According to the Hindu and Buddhist views, there are several distinctions of Yakshas. On one hand, as a creature called Yaksha, which is specially connected with the trees and mountains. On the other hand, as a Yaksha called demonic figures that dwell in the wilderness (typically in free standing trees on abandoned planes) can create enormous difficulties and travelers.

Yakshas are often portrayed with big bellies, Yahshinis as alluring women with sumptuous breasts. This is a sign of their enormous amount of Qi or Prana, which they carry with them. Well-known and often shown representative is the wealth god Ganesha. This huge storage of Qi or Prana makes it so powerful and gives them control over everything that is associated with abundance and reproduction (fertility of fields and animals, augmentation of wealth, etc.).

A comparable rank in the pantheon have the Apsaras, Gandharvas and Vidyadharas. From yaksha and gana (Sanskrit " song" ), the South Indian dance drama Yakshagana has his name.

Yakshas in Buddhism

In Buddhist countries called Yakshas also: Chinese夜叉, Pinyin yè Cha, Japanese夜叉Yasha, Burmese: ba -lu and Tib: gnod sbyin.

In Buddhist mythology is known as Yaksha also a Fellow of Vaisravana, the guardian of the northern quadrant, a good deity who protects the righteous. The designation may also refer to the twelve heavenly generals who protect the Medicine Buddha.

Thai mythology

In Thai mythology have Yakshas ( Thai: ยักข์ also ยักษ์, pronounced: [ Ják ], often translated as Giant) is of great importance. They are mentioned in the 14th century the first great work of Thai literature, the Traibhumikatha ( in Thai: ไตรภูมิ กถา, sermon on the three worlds, later known as Phra Ruang Traiphum ): They serve the god Indra Indra in heaven, which is located on the top of Mount Meru in the world of sensuality ( Kamaphum ) above the region of the people in the region of the Devata. Here, they are referred to as the 28 Yaksha kings who advise in war armor God. Another army of yaks also guard the precious stone palaces of the devatas.

Also in the Thai art Yakshas are often represented. The best known is certainly the Ramakian, the ancient Indian epic of the struggle of Good ( Prince Rama ) against evil ( the Yakshas, the under King Totsakan, the "Ten -headed " on the island of Lanka live ). Episodes from the Ramakien are performed regularly in " Khon masked dance " on the stages of the country, they are also on wall paintings ( for example at Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok ) and reliefs (152 -Piece relief along the perimeter of the ubosot at Wat Pho, Bangkok ) immortalized. Life-size Yaksha guarding pairs the inputs to important temples ( Wat ) in the country.

Detail of " Indrajit " Guardian of the eastern entrance to Wat Phra Kaeo

Totsakan - ten -headed king of the Yakshas of Lanka and strongest opponent of Prince Rama

Totsakan and followers: Wat Pho, Bangkok

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