The Five Buddha Families Form the Foundation of the Mandala

The Animal Thrones of the Five Buddhas carries ayered symbolic meaning apart from being decorative flourishes. These majestic mounts: lion, elephant, horse, peacock, and Garuda; each represent one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas and bring cosmic principles to life in a tangible way. By grounding every thangka, statue, and mandala in a rich tapestry of symbolism, these animal thrones not only highlight each Buddha’s unique journey to enlightenment but also serve as a guide for practitioners on their own paths. 

This comprehensive article delves into the origins, symbolism, and visual roles of the animal thrones of the Five Wisdom Buddhas.

Understanding the Five Dhyani Buddhas

The Five Dhyani Buddhas, also called the Five Jinas or Five Tathāgatas are archetypal Buddhas representing various aspects of the enlightened mind. Each embodies a specific wisdom, purifies a particular human delusion (referred to as a “poison”), and presides over a direction in the sacred mandala.

Buddha	Direction	Element	Wisdom	Transmuted Poison	Color	Mudra (Hand Gesture)
Akṣobhya	East	Water	Mirror-like wisdom	Anger / Hatred	Blue	Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth-touching)
Ratnasambhava	South	Earth	Wisdom of equality	Pride	Yellow	Varada Mudra (Gesture of giving)
Amitābha	West	Fire	Discriminating wisdom	Desire / Attachment	Red	Dhyana Mudra (Meditation)
Amoghasiddhi	North	Air / Wind	All-accomplishing wisdom	Envy / Jealousy	Green	Abhaya Mudra (Fearlessness)
Vairocana	Center	Space	Dharmadhātu (Reality) wisdom	Ignorance / Delusion	White	Dharmachakra Mudra (Turning the Wheel of Dharma)

Each of these Buddhas is depicted seated upon a distinct animal throne. These animals are not randomly selected but are drawn from a long lineage of Indian and Himalayan symbolism, refined through centuries of visual tradition and tantric ritual codification.

What Are Animal Thrones?

The concept of thrones supported by animals predates Buddhism and has its roots in Indian royal imagery. Kings and deities alike were often shown seated on elaborately carved platforms featuring lions, elephants, and mythical creatures, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and spiritual power.

In the Buddhist context, the animal throne is the base of the lotus seat upon which each Buddha rests. As Buddhist art developed, this tradition transformed into what we now call the animal throne, which serves as the base for the lotus seat of each Buddha. This is different from the Six-Ornament Throne, which symbolizes the Six Perfections; the animal throne connects each Buddha to a specific Buddha Family and its unique spiritual qualities. The concept of the Five Buddha Families was first introduced in the Manjushrimulakalpa and the Guhyasamaja Tantra around the 6th or 7th century AD.

Symbolism of Each Animal Throne

Each animal throne represents the journey of turning negative emotions into enlightened wisdom, providing a powerful lens through which to understand Buddhist iconography.

1. Elephant – Throne of Akṣobhya

The elephant, linked to the East, serves as the majestic throne for Aksobhya, the Buddha of Mirror-like Wisdom. In Indian culture, elephants are cherished as symbols of royalty, sacredness, immovability, and strength, embodying patience and steadfastness. In the realm of tantric Buddhist imagery, Akṣobhya’s elephant throne signifies the mental stability and clarity needed to reflect reality accurately; much like a calm, undisturbed mirror that shows phenomena without distortion or bias. This steadfast nature mirrors Akṣobhya’s ability to remain unshaken by delusion or emotional upheaval, representing a profound wisdom that perceives things as they truly are. 

Moreover, the elephant holds a symbolic connection to the Buddha’s origin story, recalling Queen Maya's dream of a white elephant entering her womb; a prophetic vision that heralded the Buddha’s birth. This connection enhances the elephant’s significance, tying it not only to spiritual determination but also to the sacredness of life and enlightenment. All these layers combine to make the elephant a powerful symbol beneath Akṣobhya’s lotus seat, showcasing the Buddha’s ability for unwavering insight and lasting compassion.

2. Horse – Throne of Ratnasambhava

The horse is traditionally associated with Ratnasambhava, the southern Buddha who represents the element of Earth and embodies the wisdom of equanimity. Unlike other representations where a lion is depicted as the throne, Ratnasambhava's seat in many depictions is that of a horse, symbolizing strength, grace, and movement.

The horse signifies Ratnasambhava’s power to transcend pride and embodies his fearlessness and generosity. Horses, known for their speed and majesty, symbolize the vehicle of the mind, which, in the case of Ratnasambhava, is swiftly transformed from pride to humility. Ratnasambhava’s throne conveys fearlessness, as the horse has often been a symbol of nobility and swift action. The horse reflects the transcendence of the ego and the rapid progression on the path to enlightenment.

In Newar thangkas and Tibetan sculptures, one might find mirrored horses at the foot of the lotus pedestal, indicating Ratnasambhava’s elevated stature and symbolizing his ability to move beyond the obstacles that the mind often creates.

3. Peacock – Throne of Amitabha

The peacock holds a special place as the seat of Amitābha, the red Buddha associated with the west. In Indian mythology, these stunning birds are thought to consume toxic plants and magically transform that poison into the dazzling colors of their feathers.

This remarkable process symbolizes the power of Amitabha to change desire and craving into a clear understanding of what truly leads to liberation. The peacock’s graceful presence beneath his seat highlights his refined aesthetic qualities and deep connection to the Pure Land of Sukhāvatī. In thangkas, you might see peacocks with their magnificent tail feathers spread out beneath the lotus or subtly woven into the design of the throne.

4. Garuda – Throne of Amoghasiddhi

Amoghasiddhi, the Buddha of the North and all-accomplishing action, sits upon the mythical Garuda, a fierce bird-like being known for its speed, strength, and dominance over snakes. The garuda’s function is to devour the nagas—serpent spirits associated with envy and lower impulses.

Symbolically, the Garuda is a powerful symbol of swift spiritual action, bravery, and the ability to rise above jealousy. Often depicted soaring through the air or with its wings spread wide beneath the Buddha’s lotus, the garuda links Amoghasiddhi to the sky and the element of wind. As a throne for animals, it showcases the Buddha’s triumph over fear and deception, serving as a striking emblem of liberated energy in motion. Its presence under Amoghasiddhi highlights the Buddha’s capacity to act decisively, cutting through illusions and transforming negative feelings into enlightened actions.

5. Dragon (or Lion) – Throne of Vairocana

The animal throne of Vairocana, who is the central Buddha in the Five Buddha Families, can look quite different depending on the artistic tradition and regional influences. In Indian and Nepalese art, he’s typically depicted sitting on a pair of lions, while in Sino-Tibetan representations, especially those influenced by Chinese art, a dragon takes their place. The lion, often called the “king of beasts,” stands for Dharma sovereignty, fearless speech, and the ability of enlightened wisdom to conquer ignorance and delusion. In this setting, the lions beneath Vairocana’s lotus symbolize his role as the steadfast teacher at the heart of the mandala, whose voice like a lion’s mighty roar, awakens beings from the slumber of samsara. On the other hand, when dragons are featured, they represent primordial sound, cosmic energy, and the ever-present vitality of the Dharmadhātu; the ultimate nature of reality.

The dragon’s connection to transcendental power and boundless presence makes it a fitting throne for Vairocana, who embodies the all encompassing wisdom from which everything arises and eventually dissolves. Whether he’s seated on roaring lions or coiling dragons, Vairocana’s animal throne beautifully illustrates his role as the unifying essence of all Buddha families; the still point from which all enlightened actions flow.

Table Summary of the Animal Thrones

These animal thrones beautifully connect the cosmic roles of the Five Buddhas with imagery that feels relatable—bridging their profound wisdom with the natural world and the personal journey of the practitioner. By delving into their symbolism, we can deepen our understanding of both devotional practices and the history of art.

Conclusion: Animal Thrones Are More Than a Seat

The animal thrones of the Five Dhyani Buddhas are more than just beautiful decorations—they capture the essential psychological and philosophical ideas of Mahāyāna Buddhism. Each creature represents a journey of transformation: how anger can turn into clarity, how desire can evolve into discernment, and how pride can soften into a sense of equality. For those who take the time to observe, these thrones act as visual meditations—reminders that achieving enlightenment relies not only on lofty ideals but also on the raw, untamed forces of nature that, when harnessed, can elevate the practitioner.

By exploring these animal thrones, one not only develops a greater appreciation for Himalayan art but also gains a richer understanding of the awakening process that lies at the heart of Buddhist practice.

Source:
1. The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs by Robert Beer.