MORE ABOUT GODDESSES: The Buddhist Goddess Marici; Guardian of Light and Illusionby Tim Kavi
Marici, a lesser-known but deeply symbolic figure in the Buddhist pantheon, is a goddess associated with light, protection, and illusion. Though her roots can be traced to Indian and Indo-Iranian traditions, she gained particular prominence in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, especially in East Asia. Marici embodies an archetype that straddles divinity and warfare, invisibility and guidance, making her a complex symbol of inner strength, clarity, and transcendent wisdom.
Marici’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word marīci, which means “ray of light” or “mirage.” This immediately hints at her dual nature—both illuminating and elusive. In various traditions, she is depicted riding a chariot drawn by seven boars or pigs, symbolizing her power to overcome ignorance and illusion. Sometimes she has multiple arms and faces, bearing weapons and symbols of power, and at other times she appears serene and meditative. These varied depictions reflect her multifaceted identity as both a warrior and a sage.
Historically, Marici likely evolved from earlier Vedic and Zoroastrian goddesses associated with dawn and light, such as the Vedic goddess Ushas. Over time, as Buddhist teachings spread along the Silk Road and into China, Japan, and Tibet, Marici was assimilated into the Buddhist pantheon. In early Indian Buddhism, she was primarily a protective deity invoked by monks for safety during travel. However, in Chinese and Japanese Buddhism, she was elevated to the status of a bodhisattva or goddess, often revered by warriors and esoteric practitioners.
In Japan, Marici is known as Marishiten and occupies a significant role in esoteric Shingon and Tendai schools, as well as among the samurai class. The warriors saw her as a patroness who granted invisibility and protection in battle, enabling them to act without fear or detection. This martial association did not negate her spiritual significance; rather, it highlighted her role as a goddess of unseen power, resilience, and clarity under duress.
As an archetypal goddess, Marici represents the elusive and paradoxical nature of reality. Her domain is that of illusion (maya) and transcendence. She is both a goddess of light—dispelling the darkness of ignorance—and a master of illusion, reminding practitioners that the material world is impermanent and deceptive. In this way, she embodies the Buddhist teaching of shunyata, or emptiness: that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence and are, like a mirage, subject to change and illusion.
Moreover, Marici is often invoked in meditation and ritual practices as a protector of those walking the spiritual path. Her presence serves as a reminder to stay centered amid chaos and to recognize the illusory nature of ego, fear, and material attachments. In modern times, she continues to be venerated by Buddhists seeking clarity, invisibility in times of danger, and liberation from worldly distractions.
In essence, Marici stands as a goddess of paradox—light yet hidden, fierce yet compassionate, real yet illusory. She offers a powerful archetype for those who seek to navigate the complexities of both the external world and the inner path of awakening.~~TK
AFTERWORD: my entries and columns about goddesses have proven quite popular; hence, "More About Goddesses" has resumed, and I will periodically publish a new column. Hope you enjoy it! If you would like a book version of some of the previous columns with a few new ones, you can help support me and my work by clicking here. THANKS, enjoy! namaste~~TK
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