Let us consider the role of the Maitreya Buddha. This brings us to \u5f4c\u52d2\u6bbf. This is also known as the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings. It is the first hall in Buddhist monasteries.
Inside \u5f4c\u52d2\u6bbf a statue of Maitreya Buddha is enshrined. Statues of the Four Heavenly Kings stand to the left and right. A statue of Skanda is enshrined at the back. The name \u5f4c\u52d2\u6bbf comes from these deities.
Originally, the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings was common in Pure Land temples. Chinese Zen Buddhism did not enshrine Maitreya. However, after the Two Song Dynasties Chinese Buddhism saw a blend of Zen and Pure Land practices. The Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings began appearing in most Chinese temples.
Typically the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings is located behind the mountain gate. It is the first main hall of Chinese Han Buddhist temples. The hall has doors in the front and back. Devotees often enter through the front door. Then they exit through the back door.
Maitreya Buddha is enshrined in front of the hall. Skanda is behind Maitreya Buddha. The Four Heavenly Kings are around them.
In Buddhism Maitreya is the successor to Sakyamuni Buddha. He is the future Buddha. Early images showed him wearing a jeweled crown. He wore a shawl and made a Buddhist mudra with his hands. His appearance was majestic.
During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period the monk “Qici” was famous in Fenghua Zhejiang. He had a fat build and a big belly. He carried a cloth bag on his shoulder. He often smiled while begging in the market. People called him “Cloth Bag Monk.” Before he passed away he left a verse. “Maitreya is the real Maitreya. He has billions of incarnations. He appears to people all the time. But people do not recognize him.”
Later people gradually sculpted Maitreya Buddha. He became a fat monk with a round head and big ears. He had a smiling face bare chest and sat with his legs crossed.
Skanda is the guardian deity of Buddhist temples. In Chinese Han Buddhism he has become a martial general. He wears armor and holds a vajra. He looks heroic and mighty.
The Four Heavenly Kings are Eastern King Dhrtarastra. He lives on Mount Sumeru and wears white robes. Southern King Virudhaka lives in the Bhaisajya Palace on Mount Sumeru. He wears blue robes and holds a precious sword. Western King Virupaksa lives in the Silver Palace on Mount Sumeru. He wears red robes. Northern King Vaisravana lives in the Crystal Palace on Mount Sumeru. He wears green robes.
The Long Agama Sutra says “The Eastern Heavenly King protects monks and nuns. The Southern Heavenly King protects Jambudvipa. The Western Heavenly King protects those with bias. The Northern Heavenly King protects those who protect the country.”
In the Indian style the Four Heavenly Kings wear armor. Eastern King Dhrtarastra holds a large knife. Southern King Virudhaka holds a halberd. Western King Virupaksa holds a scroll and pen. Northern King Vaisravana holds a pagoda. Sometimes he holds a trident in another hand. Japanese Buddhist temples often follow this iconography.
In the Chinese style Eastern King Dhrtarastra holds a pipa. Southern King Virudhaka holds a precious sword. Western King Virupaksa holds a snake or dragon. Northern King Vaisravana holds a precious umbrella. Sometimes he holds a silver mouse in another hand.