Buddha dogs
The Lions of Fu, also Lions of the Buddha or Korean Lions (and also known as Dogs of Fu), are powerful mythical animals that have their origin in the Buddhist tradition and that, consequently, they are quite widespread in the Far East.
To the extent that the Chinese use the term Fo to refer to Buddha, one can also speak of Lions of Buddha . In fact, they are usually found on the thresholds of Buddhist temples, palaces and imperial tombs, in all government buildings from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) until the end of the empire (1911), as well as in some representations of the Manjusri bodhisattva.
It seems that Fu's dogs are, in fact, lions, since the lion is an animal dedicated to Buddha. Indeed: these beasts do not appear in early Chinese art, but were introduced belatedly, with Buddhism, as defenders of the law and protectors of sacred buildings. Another proof of this is that sometimes Buddha is represented on the back of these beasts.
These animals are also known as "dogs of happiness" or "heavenly dogs" and are emblems of value and energy, indispensable complements of wisdom.
The symbolism of the lions of Fu is also considered in the studies on Feng Shui that associate surveillance, fair play and defense of the weak.
In China they are known as Rui Shi (瑞 獅).
Fu lions, in general, are shown in pairs and with one or both front legs resting on a sphere. They are often found symbolically protecting the entrance of temples and tombs in order to intimidate desecrators, demons and other evil spirits (see gargoyle). Thus, for example, the Forbidden City, in China, is jealously guarded by several pairs of Fu lions. The flag of Tibet, for its part, includes them as one of the central motives.
His eyes are always open with a fierce look intended to convey protection against evil spirits who want to violate the tranquility of the place. The animal is a symbol of energy and value.
Sex difference
The pairs of Fu lions are usually found sexed, so in the couple that keeps the sacred entrance of an enclosure we differentiate the female specimen from the male because it holds an orb under its claw, while that one a baby.1 In fact, each one of them has Different powers and attributes.
Looking from the door out the male stands on our left and the female on the right.
History
There is a Lion Fu in the Zhongshan Park of Beijing
The first representation of Fu lions dates back to the Han Dynasty, in Chinese art, around 208 BC. C. and until 221 d. C. However, for almost 400 years they do not meet again and only reappear in the Tang Dynasty. (618-917 AD).
His introduction in Chinese art coincided with Buddhism. The popularity of this hybrid being was then based on its symbolism. Buddhist art showed lions, unknown until then, as beneficial beings and masters of felines. The Lion of Fu was a protector of sacred buildings and a defender of the law. Lions used to stand flanking portals of business institutions, temples and, in general, places inhabited by distinguished people. It was not unusual either to see these sacred lions guarding graves or in front of government buildings to scare evil spirits. Over the years, the custom of giving these lions to the Emperor was represented by representing them in sculptures, tapestries or other plastic arts.
Author: Master Renée Muchen
www.sohamreiki.com
