Bodhisattva (bosatsu)
Seishi Bosatsu
勢至菩薩
Seishi Bosatsu is a bodhisattva who attends Amida Nyorai together with Kannon. While Kannon represents compassion, Seishi is described as governing wisdom. Seishi is also called Daiseishi.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Seishi Bosatsu, who guides people with the light of wisdom
Seishi Bosatsu is a bodhisattva who attends Amida Nyorai together with Kannon. While Kannon represents compassion, Seishi is described as governing wisdom. Seishi is also called Daiseishi.
Source: 浄土宗
The power to leave the world of delusion
In the Kanmuryōju-kyō, the power to illuminate all things with the light of wisdom and to lead beings away from the world of suffering is taught as the origin of the name Daiseishi. The treasure vase (hōbyō) on the head is one of the clues for telling Seishi apart from Kannon.
Source: 浄土宗
The teaching that Seishi will become a buddha after Kannon
A dictionary of the Jōdo school introduces the sutra teaching that after Amida Buddha, Kannon will become a buddha, and after that, Seishi will become a buddha. The relationship of the three figures is taught not only through statues standing side by side, but as a story in which the teaching of salvation continues into the future.
Source: 浄土宗
Mantra (in Japanese, as written in the sources)
おん さんざんざんさく そわか。
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Shown as written in the Japanese sources. This site does not set how or how many times to recite it.
Related shrines and temples
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：勢至菩薩」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：十三仏」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 浄土宗「新纂浄土宗大辞典：勢至菩薩」（2026-10-15 確認）