Why did Guan Yu become a Buddhist guardian deity?

　　Guan Yu, a renowned general during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China, received posthumous titles from successive emperors and was highly revered by the people, becoming a universal deity worshipped by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Guan Yu culture, derived from the worship of Guan Yu, is an important part of traditional Chinese moral culture and continues to profoundly influence the Chinese people. Buddhism originated in India and developed in China, but why is Guan Yu, a native Chinese deity, found in temples as the protector deity, a great protector of Buddhism?

　　I. The Origin of the Protector Deity

　　"伽蓝" is an abbreviation of "僧伽蓝摩," which translates to "assembly garden," referring to the living quarters of monks, or the general term for a temple. In a narrow sense, the protector deity refers to the guardian deity of the temple grounds; in a broader sense, it refers to all celestial beings who uphold Buddhism.

　　The Buddhist protector deity is a guardian Bodhisattva of temples, originating from India. According to the "Seven Buddhas and Eight Bodhisattvas Great Dharani Mantra Sutra," the Buddhist protector deity is the god who protects the temple. Buddhism states that there are eighteen deities who protect the temple: Mei Yin, Fan Yin, Tian Gu, Tan Miao, Tan Mei, Mo Miao, Lei Yin, Shi Zi, Miao Tan, Fan Xiang, Ren Yin, Fo Nu, Song De, Guang Mu, Miao Yan, Che Ting, Che Shi, and Bian Shi, collectively known as the "Eighteen Protector Deities." The "Essentials of Buddhism" states: "Since the temple has eighteen deities for protection, those who reside there should also strive to improve themselves and not be lazy, lest they invite retribution." However, there are countless temples in the world; can only eighteen deities protect them all? The book also states: "All deities have countless followers, so it is not a problem for them to share the responsibility of protection."

　　In Indian Buddhism, the protector deity is generally a great king who protected Buddhism in ancient times, such as King Ashoka. After Buddhism spread to China, the image of Guan Yu became the most common representation of the protector deity. In Chinese folk belief, the protector deity is called the "伽蓝尊王" or "伽蓝千岁." The birthday of the protector deity is the 13th day of the fifth lunar month.

　　II. The Deification of Guan Yu

　　Guan Yu (160-219 AD), whose courtesy name was Yun Chang and original name was Changsheng, was from Hedong Jie (present-day Yuncheng, Shanxi). He lived during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, known for his loyalty, righteousness, and bravery. He fought alongside Liu Bei throughout his life, assisting him in establishing the Three Kingdoms, becoming a renowned general who commanded respect throughout China. In 219 AD, he was defeated at Maicheng, choosing death over surrender, and was killed by Sun Quan of Wu. This is the historical Guan Yu. Because Guan Yu's character aligned with traditional Chinese ethics, the people had a strong spiritual need for him, leading to his acceptance by both the ruling class and the common people. In "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," one of China's four great classical novels, the author Luo Guanzhong further deified Guan Yu, creating a moral role model of "immense righteousness filling the heavens and earth, and loyalty and righteousness shining through the ages."

　　Loyalty: Guan Yu was known for his loyalty, especially to his lord. The "Records of the Three Kingdoms: Biography of Guan Yu" states that Liu Bei and Guan Yu had a brotherhood-like relationship, and Guan Yu would stand by Liu Bei's side all day long, never shying away from danger. In 200 AD, when Cao Cao launched a campaign eastward, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were defeated and separated. To protect Liu Bei's wife, Guan Yu temporarily surrendered to Cao Cao. Cao Cao tried his best to win Guan Yu over, appointing him as a general and bestowing upon him a noble title, treating him with great respect. However, Guan Yu declared, "I am well aware of Cao Cao's kindness, but I have received great kindness from Liu Bei, and I have sworn to die with him. I cannot betray him, and I will never stay." In the end, he returned all the gifts from Cao Cao, rode alone for thousands of miles, protected Liu Bei's wife, passed five passes and six generals, returned to Liu Bei, and ultimately sacrificed his life for Liu Bei, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty.

　　Righteousness: Guan Yu valued friendship and treated others righteously. His righteousness led him to remain loyal to Liu Bei after their oath of brotherhood, prioritizing his old master over new favors, bidding farewell to Cao Cao, and traveling far and wide to join Liu Bei. His righteousness also led him to repay Cao Cao's kindness by defeating Yan Liang and Wen Chou, relieving the siege of Baima, and showing mercy to Cao Cao at Huarong Road, never forgetting past favors. His righteousness also led him to subdue Huang Zhong in battle and show mercy to him when Huang Zhong was defeated.

　　Benevolence: Guan Yu was benevolent and magnanimous. In Xuchang, Cao Cao offered him many riches and beautiful women, and conferred upon him high office, but Guan Yu remained unmoved. When he bid farewell to Cao Cao, he returned all the gifts and titles, remaining incorruptible. Throughout his life, Guan Yu showed compassion to the people, cared for his soldiers, respected talented individuals, and always maintained a kind heart.

　　Bravery: Guan Yu was exceptionally brave and resourceful. His feats of "slaying Hua Xiong while the wine was still warm" and "defeating Yan Liang and Wen Chou" demonstrated his unmatched martial prowess. He defended Xu Zhou, controlled Jing Zhou, and intimidated Wu and Wei. He captured Yu Jin, killed Pang De, and flooded the seven armies. Guan Yu's might was extraordinary. He single-handedly killed Yan Liang, terrifying the soldiers of Hebei. His meeting with Lu Su was enough to startle the heroes of Jiangdong. While undergoing surgery to remove a poisoned arrow, he remained calm and cheerful, drinking wine and conversing. His awe-inspiring presence led Cao Cao to consider moving his capital to avoid him. He truly possessed divine power, worthy of being called "the greatest man of all time."

　　"Ennobled as a Marquis by the Han, a King by the Song, and an Emperor by the Ming; revered as a Saint by Confucianism, a Bodhisattva by Buddhism, and a Celestial by Taoism." Guan Yu, with his virtues, was revered by emperors throughout history and the people, becoming the embodiment of "benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness." He gradually ascended to the divine realm, becoming the only person in Chinese history to be revered by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Sixteen emperors bestowed titles upon Guan Yu. With the imperial bestowal of titles, from Marquis to Saint, officials and common people alike worshipped him as a deity, their reverence deepening. Guan Yu became a god, and wherever Chinese people lived, there was worship of Guan Yu. Temples dedicated to Guan Yu, known as Guanmiao or Wumiao, are found all over the world, making Guan Yu one of the most worshipped deities.

　　III. Guan Yu as the Protector Deity

　　In the early Eastern Han Dynasty, Buddhism spread from India to China, gradually merging with Confucianism and Taoism through intense interaction, eventually evolving into a Sinicized form of Buddhism. Buddhism flourished during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, spreading to the common people. It integrated various native Chinese beliefs, forming a Chinese Buddhism imbued with Chinese culture.

　　In chapter 77 of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," titled "Guan Yu's Manifestation at Yuquan Mountain, Cao Cao's Awe in Luoyang," it is described as follows:

　　It is said that Guan Yu's spirit lingered, drifting aimlessly until it reached a mountain in Dangyang County, Jingmen Prefecture, named Yuquan Mountain. On the mountain lived an old monk named Pujing, originally an elder from Zhen Guo Temple in Si Shui Pass. Later, he traveled the world, arriving here, finding the scenery beautiful, and building a simple hut, meditating daily, accompanied only by a young attendant, relying on alms for their sustenance. That night, under a clear moon and gentle breeze, after the third watch, Pujing was meditating in his hut when he suddenly heard someone in the air shouting, "Return my head!" Pujing looked up and saw a man in the air, riding a red rabbit horse, wielding a green dragon saber, accompanied by a white-faced general on his left and a black-faced, bearded man on his right, all descending from the clouds to the top of Yuquan Mountain. Pujing recognized it was Guan Yu, and struck his door with his dust whisk, asking, "Is Yun Chang here?" Guan Yu's spirit suddenly understood, dismounted, and landed before the hut, clasped his hands and asked, "Who is my master? I wish to know your dharma name." Pujing said, "I am the monk Pujing. In the past, at Zhen Guo Temple before Si Shui Pass, I met with your Lordship. Surely you have not forgotten?" Guan said, "I am eternally grateful for your past help. Now I have met with misfortune and died, and I wish for your guidance to lead me out of this confusion." Pujing said, "The past is the past, the present is the present, let's not dwell on it; cause and effect are inseparable. Now, General, you were killed by Lu Meng, and you cry out for your head, but what about the heads of Yan Liang, Wen Chou, and the other generals from the five passes? To whom will you demand them?" Then Guan Yu suddenly realized, bowed his head in reverence, and left. Later, he often manifested himself at Yuquan Mountain to protect the people, and the villagers, grateful for his virtue, built a temple on the mountaintop and offered sacrifices throughout the year.

　　The "Buddhist Patriarchal Records" also records Guan Yu's conversion to Buddhism. According to the "Buddhist Patriarchal Records, Zhi Zhe Biography," in the twelfth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (592 AD), Zhipo, the founder of the Tiantai school of Buddhism in the Sui Dynasty, "arrived in Jingzhou and wished to establish a monastery. One day, he saw the spirit of Guan Yu informing him that he wished to build a temple to protect Buddhism. Seven days later, the master emerged from meditation and saw a magnificent building. The master led the crowd into the room and preached day and night. One day, the spirit told the master: 'I have heard the teachings of the world beyond, and I wish to receive precepts, forever making them the foundation of my enlightenment.' The master then bestowed the five precepts upon him, making him a guardian deity of Buddhism." Zhi Zhe reported this to Prince Jin Yang Guang, who then appointed Guan Yu as the "Guardian Bodhisattva" of Buddhism, placing Guan Yu among the guardian deities of Buddhism, creating statues for worship, making Guan Yu a native Chinese Buddhist deity. Guan Di converted to Buddhism,

　　Thus, in Chinese Buddhist temples, Guan Yu is often revered as the Guardian Bodhisattva. From then on, Guan Yu, this moral figure who has been highly respected by the Chinese people for over a thousand years, transformed into the Guardian Bodhisattva, along with Weituo Bodhisattva, as the two great protectors of Buddhism, with Guan Yu as the right protector and Weituo Bodhisattva as the left protector. Source: "Luoyang Buddhism"

　　The Emperor's virtues shone for thousands of miles, and those who prayed to him from afar were all reverent.

　　Emperor Wen of Sui was deeply moved and bestowed the name "Yi Yin." Later, it was rebuilt and renamed "Yuquan Temple." Prince Jin Yang Guang also personally wrote the plaque "Zhi Zhe's Dojo." It was called one of the four wonders of the world.

　　The place was originally desolate and dangerous, with divine beasts and spirits appearing from time to time. Now that a divine dwelling and temple have been built, the four corners will surely be peaceful and safe. Guan Di's divine power is vast, and all demons have long since fled.

　　The tree under which the master meditated now has a circumference of dozens of spans, supported by divine power, it does not wither or decay, and has stood for over fourteen hundred years. - From "Buddhist Patriarchal Records, Zhi Kai Biography"

　　Guan Di has always protected Buddhism without changing his original intention. In the early years of the Republic of China, Master Yinguang, a prominent figure in Buddhism, praised in his writings: "Guan Di, in his lifetime, was a great man who was not seduced by wealth and power, not moved by poverty and hardship, and not intimidated by might. After his death, he converted to Zhi Zhe and wished to be a guardian of Buddhism. He has protected Buddhism for over thirteen hundred years. Many masters in temples throughout the land have been great Bodhisattvas who have fulfilled their vows to spread the Dharma, and Guan Di has protected and been close to them all. How can we measure or comment on Guan Di's essence? "

　　Of course, Master Yin was being humble. How could he not be in harmony with Guan Di! It is only we ordinary people who lack the wisdom to see this, making distinctions and even being disrespectful, creating evil karma. I hope that those who read this will be filled with reverence and faith, and widely spread this, gaining boundless blessings.

　　Note: Zhi Yi (February 16, 538 AD - August 3, 597 AD), respectfully called Master Zhi Zhe. Founder of the Tiantai school of Buddhism. His courtesy name was De'an, his secular surname was Chen, and he was from Yingchuan, Henan. When his mother was pregnant, she dreamed of colorful clouds swirling around her heart. When the master was born, the room was suddenly filled with light, clear and pure. After his birth, each of his eyes had two pupils, and his appearance was extraordinary. Whenever he slept, he would always clasp his hands together, and when he sat, he would naturally face west. Whenever he saw statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, he would bow down in worship. He was also very devout and respectful to monks. At the age of eighteen, he became a monk under Master Faxu at Guoyuan Temple in Xiangzhou, Hunan. He specialized in reciting the Lotus Sutra, mastered the Vinaya, and had profound meditation skills. The master spent his life diligently practicing and vigorously promoting Buddhism. He built thirty-six temples and eighty thousand Buddha statues. He personally ordained fourteen thousand monks and renovated more than sixty release ponds. Emperor Yang of Sui converted to the master and received the Bodhisattva precepts, treating him with the respect of a national teacher. The master had many miraculous events in his life, revered by dragons and gods. He had a great influence on the history of Chinese Buddhism, hence the title of "the Sakyamuni Buddha of the East."

　　Yinguang (1861-1940), the thirteenth patriarch of the Pure Land school of Buddhism, whose name was Shengliang, secular surname Zhao, and given name Shaoyi, was from Heyang, Shaanxi. He promoted the Pure Land school and his reputation spread overseas. His "Writings of Master Yinguang" contains millions of words. He is recognized as an incarnation of the Great Compassionate Bodhisattva, one of the three saints of the Western Pure Land.

　　Guan Di, during his lifetime, was loyal and upright, his spirit filled the heavens and earth, he was not seduced by wealth and power, not moved by poverty and hardship, and not intimidated by might. After his death, he became a god at Yuquan Mountain. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui, Master Zhi Zhe went to Yuquan, and Guan Di used his divine power to build a temple and asked to receive precepts, making them the foundation of his enlightenment, and also wishing to protect Buddhism (see "Complete Book of Guan Di" and "Yuquan Temple Records"). Therefore, temples throughout the land call him the Guardian Bodhisattva, and he, along with Weituo Bodhisattva, guards the mountain gate. {Excerpt from Master Yinguang's Writings, Supplementary Edition Volume 4, General Advice on Abstaining from Killing and Eating Vegetarian Food to Avert Calamity}

　　Namo Garan Shengzhong Bodhisattva (three bows and three prostrations). The guardian deities of the monastery, all mighty spiritual beings of the temple, personally received the Buddha's decree and sincerely dedicated themselves, protecting the Dharma King's city, serving as its pillars and screens, ensuring the monastery's eternal peace. Namo Dharma Protector Treasury Bodhisattva Mahasattva, Mahaprajna Paramita. (Persist in daily recitation)

　　Admonishing Monks

　　Since Guansheng Dijun took refuge in Master Zhizhe and vowed to protect the Dharma, he has always accompanied the Dharma Protector Weituo Zuntian Bodhisattva to maintain the long-term existence of the Proper Dharma and the peace of the monastery. At the same time, he warns practitioners to strictly follow the Buddha-Dharma, abandon evil, do good, and reform themselves. He also removes obstacles for true Buddhist disciples and helps them attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land. His great compassion, combining grace and majesty, earns him the reverence of people for generations.

　　In the Dinghai year of Shunzhi reign (1647) during the Qing Dynasty, there was a traveling monk at Yaofeng who went at night to steal lamp oil from in front of the Weituo Bodhisattva statue and spoke vulgar words: “Don't bother, damn it.” The next day, he suddenly tied himself up, knelt before the Weituo statue, and said: “The day before yesterday, you went to Xuanmu to steal a plate of noodles, and I spared you; now you've stolen my lamp oil and spoken vulgar words, your crime is worthy of death, unforgivable.” All the monks in the temple knelt down in fear to repent on his behalf. He then said: “If Guansheng Dijun hadn't interceded, you would have been instantly struck to death; now you are punished to kneel for the duration of one incense stick.” When the incense was almost burned out, people helped him onto the meditation bed. He then cursed: “There are still two inches of incense in the ash!” He tied himself up again as before and knelt on the bed. Everyone saw that there truly were two inches of incense in the ash, and only untied him after the incense had completely burned out. From this koan, it is not difficult to see that Emperor Guan and Weituo Bodhisattva are very strict in punishing unworthy individuals in the Buddhist community, while also providing opportunities for them to reform themselves.

　　—From “Shimen Fajie Lu”

　　Helping People Attain Rebirth in the Western Pure Land

　　Lin Qingjiang from Taiwan was a devout Buddhist disciple. He was benevolent and generous, skilled in medicine, and treated people's ailments without charge. Neighbors, fellow villagers, relatives, and friends all praised him as the “foremost benevolent person.”

　　He attended lectures, recited the Buddha's name, and received the Bodhisattva precepts under the venerable Buddhist master Layman Li Bingnan, never missing his morning and evening lessons. Not only was he diligent himself, but he also took his children's education very seriously, establishing a Buddhist family.

　　In his seventy-ninth year, his body was frail, the four great elements were imbalanced, and medicine had no effect; though severely ill, he firmly recited the Buddha's name, seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land. On the twenty-second day of the twelfth lunar month, in the middle of the night, his grandson Lin Yaotang was by his side, closing his eyes and reciting the Buddha's name. He suddenly saw a group of people trying to break into the main gate, but on the left side of the gate stood Garan Guansheng Bodhisattva, holding a Green Dragon Crescent Blade; on the right stood Weituo Zuntian Bodhisattva, holding a demon-subduing vajra. These two Bodhisattvas used the blade and vajra respectively to block and drive away that group of people. Soon after, another large group of people came, and they were also driven away. This happened three times in a row. Yaotang saw this scene clearly and knew that these were karmic creditors from past lives coming to settle accounts with his grandfather, who were blocked and repelled by the Dharma Protector Bodhisattvas.

　　Early in the morning, Layman Lin told everyone: “I am going to be reborn in the Western Pure Land tonight.” Afterwards, many auspicious signs appeared, and indeed, he was welcomed by Amitabha Buddha and successfully attained perfect rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This further illustrates Emperor Guan's great compassionate heart in helping true practitioners attain Buddhahood.

　　—From “Nianfo Ganying Jianwen Ji”

　　Emperor Guan's compassionate divine power cannot be measured by a mind subject to birth and death. His vast spirit fills heaven and earth, his loyal heart shines with the sun and moon, protecting the Dharma with unwavering loyalty. Not only does he protect proper Dharma sites and great Bodhisattvas who spread the Dharma according to their vows, but he also compassionately safeguards ordinary true practitioners. The aforementioned example is sufficient proof of this. Imagine if Emperor Guan and Weituo Bodhisattva's divine power had not blocked them. The consequences of those three groups of karmic creditors rushing in would be easily imaginable.

　　As we study and practice the Dharma, every step is difficult; how can we lack the protection of Dharma Protector Bodhisattvas? Recall when National Master Wuda faced the “Human-Face Boil calamity”—it was precisely because the Dharma-protecting good spirits temporarily departed. Can our cultivation possibly compare to that of the National Master? Also, like Master Faxi during the Sui Dynasty, one day while he was reciting sutras, a chicken flew in from outside, wanting to peck him and claim his life. Immediately, a golden-armored divine being holding a staff drove it away, saying: “The Master should attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land; how can you claim your life-debt from him!” Later, the Master was reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. From beginningless kalpas, we have created immeasurable negative karma and accumulated countless karmic creditors! If we do not diligently cultivate and receive the Buddha's protection and the good spirits' guidance, how can we accomplish liberation from samsara and ascend to a high realm in this very lifetime? Lotus hopes that the wise will ponder this and not develop any disdain. From now on, respectfully make offerings; one measure of sincerity yields one measure of benefit; ten measures of sincerity yield ten measures of benefit!

　　Transgressions Will Be Investigated

　　Shramanera Yuehong of Gaoming Temple. He managed the storeroom, embezzled public property, and stole rice, beans, and other provisions belonging to the monastery for his own use. Just after a year, on New Year's Eve, he dreamt that Emperor Guan cut off his tongue. By the fourth day of the first lunar month, he fell gravely ill, almost dying. Only then did he become greatly terrified, sold his clothes, sought repentance from the assembly, resigned from his storekeeper position, and subsequently, his illness gradually recovered.

　　—From “Shimen Fajie Lu”

　　Transcribed from Xuefo.net http://www.xuefo.net