More About Goddesses: The Buddhist Goddess of Marici (new essay)

MORE ABOUT GODDESSES: The Buddhist Goddess Marici; Guardian of Light and Illusion

by 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 

Blog Publication Announcement: Return of Popular 'More About Goddesses Column'. (News)

 

Blog Publication Announcement: Return of Popular 'More About Goddesses Column'. 

Tim Kavi announces that he is restarting his popular "More About Goddesses" column, this week on June 6th or 7th, 2025 with a column about the Buddhist Goddess, Marici. Please stop  by this blog for a read. Meanwhile, you can check out the other (very popular MAG columns) here on this blog, by doing a search in the upper right search box with the terms: "more about goddesses" or check out the book linked below for some of my past columns and a few new ones that aren't on the blog. Thanks for reading, and for your support!  Namaste ~~TK

More About Goddesses: Green Tara (essay)

More About Goddesses: Green Tara

By Tim Kavi

Tara refers to the savior-goddess in Buddhist mythology, more commonly referred to as Sgrol-ma. She is considered to be one of the mantras heard in Tibet and acts in a light of universal compassion which is a stronger form of a mother’s love for her children. It is said that Tara is responsible for guiding her followers on the path to enlightenment, providing longevity and protecting her followers through earthly travel.

Before Tara was considered a part of Buddhism she was depicted as one of the manifestations of Parvati in Hinduism. According to later traditions, Tara was born from the compassionate tears of Avalokitesharva when he looked upon the suffering of humans. These tears formed a lake where lotus blossoms bloomed. A beam of blue light emanated from one of these flowers and brought forth Tara. Tara appears in many forms, each with its own symbolism and power.

Green Tara is represented by the half-open lotus which represents that night. With time she will transform into the white lotus as she reaches full bloom, representing grace and serenity. Green Tara focuses on compassion for those that must labor night and day to relieve the suffering of others. It was once believed that every pious woman was an incarnation of Tara, though some will take on more green or white aspects depending on their nature.

Green Tara is also associated with a sense of vigor and youth. She is often depicted as being very active and fierce, though the actions she takes are always filled with compassion for those she is interacting with. Some believe that Green Tara is a self-born form of the Buddha Amitabha, and this will often be depicted in her headdress. Other stories say she was incarnated as a wife of the Tibetan king Srong-brtsan-sgam-po because in this culture green is a symbol for accomplishment and this king was known as the lord of action.

When she is depicted, Green Tara is often shown in a posture that is relaxed though still ready to take action at any time. Her left leg is usually folded in the contemplated position, but her right will often be outstretched so she could quickly move into action if necessary. She will frequently be shown holding blue lotuses as a representation of her origin story and will wear rich jewelry. It is quite common for people to illustrate her this way as a way of calling upon her compassionate nature.

Vows (new poem)

Vows (new poem)
by Tim Kavi


some say things
in the heat of passion
or the throes of love
but in the gentle promises
of an everyday love
my vows to you, Goddess
are not broken

I may weep for a night
wail for a season
toss ashes on my head
lie unshaven in sickness
fasting until weak in body
strong in spirit

Yet your voice does not stop
calling me to a deeper place
one that does not judge
or reproach me
except for righteous seeing
and a knowing every thing

some think that only a male (deity)
can see everywhere at once
but there is only a knowing
in your power of self assured
place; the movement of a Goddess
in grace; that some imagine

should not always be
mistaken for the benevolent
mother; but instead are
the callings of one
who seeks to gather in strong
voice; the vows are not weak

so calling, turning
and yearning the shackles enduring
to drop off my hands and feet
turned like phantom keys at once
in the burning
candlelight vows of silence

I read your words
in the light but must wait the
appearing of Furies
to turn the pages in windy visitation
such coolness are your words
modern leaders should take heed

for in the Suvarṇaprabhāsa-sūtra
सुवर्णप्रभासोत्तमसूत्रेन्द्रराज; Sutra of the Golden Light
I need the protection
of Sarasvati, Lakshmi, and Drdha
Earth goddess--please save us from night!
For there is only in the dawning

the candle light
has burned out; but the new day
has come. I speak my vows
with renewed fervor
your voice is still speaking
I must utter this poem

Dear sweet Goddess
lead us home
to your love; and a turning
to each other; be not angry
in my responsbility
my vows must not be broken

to turn to You
with an open heart
to serve others
to help and to heal
to speak a word of kindness
while walking with the Dharma wheel

for I would rather
have a vow of love for my fellow
man and woman
than any vow of disgrace
revenge or hate

for it is the vows
you brought me
when I as a chained one
was never free
but now I walk out of here
at full liberty

and on the distant hill
the lights of home
call me back
to the place I ever will
remain in your love
it is only a graceful meeting

of the vows
of turning to each other
met there
in the words of constant revealing
what is truly between
you and me
in your daily appearing.

Poet's Afterword: Perhaps you are curious about the Golden Light Sutra, a sutra that if read aloud can bring peace in the midst of a violent world, and if believed just a little--could bring great benefit. Here is a link to downloads of the Golden Light Sutra . Also, you can click here to read a article about the benefits of this Mahayana Buddhist text. The sutra, as well as this poem makes reference to several goddesses, notably, Sarasvati (Saraswati) aka Benzaiten. Saraswati, a manifestation of Maa Durga, and re-personified as Benzaiten is an important goddess in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The Asian letters; characters that when written, represent Benzaiten, implies a Goddess that is skillful at discourse (among many other attributes), hence the poem ends with an encounter with the Goddess in "words of constant revealing". The Sutra itself, is highly regarded as an important work in Mahayana Buddhism. ~~TK

Now, Speaking the Truth (New Poem)

Now, Speaking the Truth

by Tim Kavi

now, speaking the truth

life has in past times 

seemed easier

and sometimes 

it is so hard;

who can deny it?

yet, as long as there is injustice

as long as there's any hope of love

one cannot be silent

or tears will water the earth

and we must be born

many times in rebirth

gentle Guan Yin

you make me shine with your light

nothing can remain

in a distant night

all is plain

all is bright

revelation is the poetic

sight

there are those so mistreated

although they chant

your love entreated

I am talking about your sisters

Quan Yin

all around the Earth

longing for Freedom

to be treated as persons

they long to be

safe wherever they go

hold them close in your arms

or my tears cannot stop

I am sorry my Goddess

for many of my gender are a disgrace

I can only hope your love

lights this evil place

something must be done

Durga, shine the truth

Kali, try not to be too angry now

I try to hope our history

will end bright

so I write this poem crying

while all around us

Goddess, your sisters are dying

so my pitiful voice

is joined with brothers and sisters

in peace and for peace

who line the streets

Jantar Mantar

our clothes are black

and I say to you in power

we want our Freedom back!

Ma Durga, great mother

Isis, protector of children

save us before too late 

waves of your Goddess face

wash ashore

in the hearts of all

embraced by your grace

now, we speak the truth

we need you more than ever

this guilty Earth

longs to know only You

and the gentle love where

all rest in a peaceful fate.

SubWay GoDDess (Story Poem)

SubWay

GoDDess

a story poem

by Tim Kavi



based on a true
encounter

on the subway
Line 11 Shanghai
somewhere between
Fengqiao Lu
and West Shanghai Railway
Station

I saw Her
a true Chinese Goddess
she glowed
like divinity
and smiled like a happy
Tara dancing
in the sundown
moments of a busy day

in her face
showed the happy promises
of a true beauty
in love with life

this incarnation
was a beautiful woman
and she looked away
like all are prone
to do

not to stare at a
foreigner
even though green
eyes are so different
when they are sparkling blue

but then she stared
and stared
at her reflection
in the subway
door--glassy windowed
reflections

revealed her beauty
from glory to glory
she primped her hair
adjusted her clothing
shifted from foot to foot

and smiled
like she was enlightened
anew
knowing something
the rest of us
never knew

I tried not to look
at her glory
not wanting to be blinded
by her light
only to face a lonely
Shanghai night

but I couldn't help looking
she was so pretty
I thought what girl is this
to look so long at her own reflections
and give herself a narcissistic kiss?
and so many smiles to herself?

soon the train
arrived at West Shanghai Railway Station
and I was struck with destiny
and evening undulations
as we both got off
having other trains to catch
to spiritual destinations

I drew nigh
and bravely spoke
Don't Worry, you are still
very beautiful
I said

She laughed
and turned and smiled
and said
I wasn't looking at me
but I was looking at you!

My face reddened
in realization
I too had been spied
looking in the glassy
reflections of encounter
Divine Revelation

And I speak English
she said
My name is Na
and I'm a famous writer!

I laughed
and She did too.

Saying, what's so funny?
I said, I'm a writer too
an infamous one!

we both laughed

and exchanged numbers
as we had other trains to
catch

but soon we chattered
and met each other
life now mattered

even in the subway lessons
of an encounter
Her love
rescued me

as I came to know Her
we often laughed
and smiled at the happy
destiny

that found
two hearts that had
been searching
riding to destinies untold

to find one; entwined
as love did enfold
in the eternal hereafter.

a reader asks?

A Reader Asks About the Poem 'longing'

Upon reading one of my poems ("longing"), a reader asked a question--

"longing"

longing to kiss you and hold you
ever to stand
against the long wind
we will always stand together
our hearts beat together as one.

gentle breath of the goddess
you seek me out and shine
when in the eternal recurrence divine
you make me glad to be thine.

longing to see you and behold
your gentle saving grace
I see you face to face
in the sacred place.

there is no shadow of retreat
only the openness
where all is known
truly met by you, my sweet.

Reader "Winter" wrote:

Hi,Tim Kavi, I'm glad again to meet with your poem. and you spoke of Kwan yin, is she a statue in Buddhism? You regard women as Kwan yin. It seems that Kwan yin, inyour heart, is very holy,I think.

"your gentle saving grace",in this sentence,"saving" means "besides"?Have a nice week Winter:)

Hi Winter:

Thank you. yes this poetic form is an encounter with the archetypal feminine--captured perhaps by Kuan Yin and Ma Durga-- it is a poem to the goddess--something which is part of the sacred feminine--I believe the anima that Carl Jung spoke of--and all women (and men to an extent) have it.

oh, yes, there are statues of her in Buddhism as Avalokiteshvara, and she is mentioned in the tale of the Monkey King as well.

you asked: "your gentle saving grace",in this sentence,"saving" means "besides"? my usage of "saving" here means to be rescued, or to be saved from danger or peril, perhaps from a corrupt masculine nature. To be made safe from is what saving means. There is also a Christian notion of redemption in saving as an act of salvation, but that usage is not what I meant in a complete sense, but it captures it a bit.

I do believe that all men are wise to know the importance of women and that their folly may indeed be "saved" by the woman's wisdom! heheheheh :-)

Have a happy day!

Tim Kavi