Akshobhya (अक्षोभ्य, อักโษภยะ)

Sanskrit-Thai. ‘Immovable One’. Name of one of the five dhyani buddhas. He is the buddha of the East and he is portrayed with a blue complexion. He is the embodiment of 'Mirror Knowledge, i.e. the knowledge of what is real, and what is illusion, or a mere reflection of actual reality. His main attribute is a vajra or scepter, but other attributes include a bell, a staff or sword, a chintamani jewel, and a prayer wheel. Akshobhya is associated with the element of water and his vajra may therefore be coloured blue or white. His name refers to his enduring qualities, which are similar to water, i.e. able to carve through solid rock, yet always calmly, with endurance and without violence− even if the surface of the water is blown into violent waves, the depths remain undisturbed. When frozen, water is hard, sharp, and clear like this buddha's intellect. Akshobhya is in general accompanied by two elephants. He is sometimes confused with Bhaisajyaguru (fig.), the Medicine Buddha, who is also represented with a blue complexion. In Thai, his name is pronounced Aksohphaya. See also Acalanatha. 回