韋馱尊天菩薩
韋馱菩薩，又稱韋陀天，原為印度婆羅門教的天神，後歸化為佛教護法。相傳在釋迦佛入涅槃時，一名鬼神偷取佛牙舍利，韋馱迅速追趕奪回，因此被視為守護佛法、驅除邪魔的重要菩薩之一。他在中國佛寺中的形象通常是威武的金剛力士，手持寶杵，象徵降魔護法的無量力量。
The Eminent Protector Bodhisattva Wei Tuo
Wei Tuo Bodhisattva, also known as Skanda, originally hailed from Indian Brahmanism as a deity. Later, he was integrated into Buddhism as a guardian of the Dharma. According to legend, when Shakyamuni Buddha entered Nirvana, a demon stole a Buddha tooth relic. Wei Tuo quickly pursued and recovered it, thus being regarded as an important Bodhisattva who safeguards the Buddha’s teachings and repels evil forces. In Chinese Buddhist temples, his image is typically portrayed as a mighty vajra warrior, holding a vajra staff, symbolizing immense power in subduing demons and protecting the Dharma.
韋馱菩薩聖誕與功德
韋馱菩薩的聖誕日為農曆六月初三，是佛教中重要的護法日子。此日，佛教徒們常以吃素、放生、持咒、念經等善行來供養三寶，祈願國泰民安、眾生離苦得樂，並願正法長存、智慧增長。傳說韋馱菩薩發下大願，佛佛出世時皆擁護佛法，護持僧眾修行，展現出廣大慈悲與智慧。
The Birthday and Merits of Wei Tuo Bodhisattva
The birthday of Wei Tuo Bodhisattva falls on the third day of the sixth lunar month, an important day for Dharma protectors in Buddhism. On this auspicious occasion, Buddhists often observe vegetarianism, release animals, recite mantras, and chant sutras to offer respect to the Triple Gem. They pray for national peace, the alleviation of suffering, and the longevity of the true teachings, hoping to increase wisdom and merit. It is said that Wei Tuo made a great vow to protect the Dharma in every age when Buddhas appear, safeguarding monastic practitioners and demonstrating boundless compassion and wisdom.
韋馱菩薩護世心咒
唵 威打聽打 瑪哈聽打 斯娃哈
The Heart Mantra of Wei Tuo Bodhisattva
Om Wei Da Ting Da Ma Ha Ting Da Svaha
護法與象徵
韋馱菩薩的造像通常是頭戴武將頭盔，手持金剛寶杵，身穿金甲，腳踏烏雲皂靴。他的形象既威嚴又充滿童子般的純淨，象徵對佛教的赤子之心與守護正法的勇猛力行。他的護法功德傳說無數，包括建寺、造經、修路、供養僧尼等，充分展現出廣大行願與無量功德。
Protector and Symbolism
Wei Tuo Bodhisattva is often depicted wearing a general’s helmet, holding a vajra staff, clad in golden armor, and standing on black boots. His appearance is both majestic and innocent, symbolizing a pure-hearted devotion to Buddhism and a valiant effort to uphold the true teachings. Legends of his protective deeds abound, including building temples, producing scriptures, constructing roads, and supporting monastic communities. These acts fully demonstrate his vast vows and immeasurable merits.
三洲感應與護持正法
韋馱菩薩以其迅疾有力的護法行動，對修行者的善行施以無邊護持，並能應現於三洲，解救僧眾於危難之中。他的護持不僅僅是外在的安全，還能讓修行者的內心免受邪念侵擾，助其降伏內魔，專心修行。
Responding to the Three Continents and Upholding the Dharma
Wei Tuo Bodhisattva, with his swift and powerful actions, provides immense protection to practitioners’ virtuous deeds, appearing across three continents to rescue monastics from peril. His safeguarding is not limited to external safety but also prevents inner distractions and helps practitioners conquer their inner demons, allowing them to focus wholeheartedly on their spiritual practice.
未來佛的願力
依據佛教經典《悲華經》的記載，韋馱菩薩在賢劫中與千佛同為兄弟，承諾護持所有兄弟修行成佛後，自己最後一尊成佛，名為樓至佛。此承諾彰顯了韋馱菩薩無我利他、長遠護法的大願。
Vow of the Future Buddha
According to the Buddhist scripture The Splendid Lotus Sutra, Wei Tuo Bodhisattva was one of a thousand brothers in the current aeon, the Bhadra Kalpa. He vowed to protect his brothers until they all attained Buddhahood, after which he would be the last to become a Buddha, named Lokeśvararāja. This commitment highlights Wei Tuo’s selflessness and his long-standing dedication to safeguarding the Dharma.
總結
韋馱菩薩的護法精神鼓舞著無數佛教修行者，無論是在降魔除障、守護寺院，還是弘揚正法、建設善業上，他都以行動實踐誓願，成為信眾心中護持正法的象徵。值此韋馱菩薩聖誕，我們虔誠供養、發心修行，願以此功德回向一切眾生，增福增慧，離苦得樂。
Conclusion
The protective spirit of Wei Tuo Bodhisattva inspires countless Buddhist practitioners. Whether subduing demons, safeguarding temples, promoting the true teachings, or establishing virtuous deeds, he fulfills his vows through action, embodying the symbol of Dharma protection in the hearts of believers. On Wei Tuo’s birthday, we devoutly make offerings and dedicate ourselves to practice, wishing that the accumulated merit be shared with all beings, increasing blessings and wisdom, and relieving suffering.