The Buddha's eighth heart-son, the bodhisattva Vajrapani, is regarded as a peaceful and significant figure in Mahayana Buddhism. In the Vajrayana tradition of Buddhism, the Buddha's companion, Vajrapani known as Guhyapati, is regarded as the Lord of Secrets. He is the main recipient and protector of the Buddha's teachings and texts.
He is regarded as one of the earliest dharmapalas in Mahayana Buddhism. He is also a deity in the Theravada school's Pali Canon. He is usually worshipped in the Zen Buddhist monastery of the Shaolin Monastery and in Tibetan Buddhism. In Pure Land Buddhism, he is called Mahasthamaprapta and is a part of a triad with Avalokitevara and Amitbha. In Buddhist temples in various countries, including Japan, China, and Taiwan, manifestations of the Buddha's eighth heart-son, the Vajrapni, can be seen guarding temple gates and monasteries. He is also associated with the town of Acala.
Read more at https://mythlok.com/vajrapani/
view more