Definition
Reading: kaji / Sanskrit: adhiṣṭhāna
加持 (Adhisthana) is a concept in Buddhism, particularly in Esoteric Buddhism, referring to the process in which the compassionate power of the Buddha descends upon the practitioner’s body and mind (加,Ka), and the practitioner’s faith unites with the power of the Buddha (持,Ji). In Japanese, the name is read as "Kaji."
Q&A
- Q: Why is 加持 (Adhisthana) necessary?
- A: Because we humans are fragile, and even our own lives do not always unfold as we desire. We live in a challenging world where even our greatest efforts do not guarantee the results we seek. The world is a vast, complex web of countless factors beyond our control. It is precisely because of this reality that we seek to draw upon power beyond our own—to attain the completion of our practice through the support of the Buddha or Gods.
