Dragons and Buddhism
The Dragon crossed the path of Buddhism perhaps more than once. As stated above, it is highly likely that the Indian Nagas, serpent like protectors of the Buddhist faith, were the origin of the Chinese dragon. The Dragon was also seen in the Japanese Tenbu, which are the protectors of Buddhist Law. These beings were said to have originally been of the Hindu faith and were converted to Buddhism. Although the literal translation of Tenbu is celestial beings, the Buddhists believe that the Tenbu are not exempt from death. They will, in fact, grow old and die as they are still within the cycle of the Six States of Being,. This is the cycle of suffering where one is born, dies, and is then reborn again.
The Year of the Dragon
The Chinese Zodiac is a system of fortune telling based on the a twelve-year cycle. Each years corresponds to a different animal, and each animal represents its own unique personality traits which are used by some for fotrune telling. These animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The year of the dragon was last seen in 2000 and will be seen again in 2012.
The Chinese Culture Center found here, states that people born in the Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and stubborn. They are also honest, sensitive, brave, and they inspire confidence and trust. Dragon people are the most eccentric of any in the eastern zodiac. They neither borrow money nor make flowery speeches, but they tend to be soft-hearted which sometimes gives others an advantage over them. They are compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys, and Roosters.
Dragon, Phoenix, Tortoise, and the White Tiger
In China and Japan these four creatures together hold much significance. They are most commonly seen as the four cardinal directions of the compass. The dragon representing the easts; the Phoenix, the south, the white tiger, the west; and the tortoise, the south.
These four beloved creatures were commonly found on Chinese artwork dating back to 2nd century BC. They were thought to have been protectors and were frequently found near tombs in both China and Japan. For reference, see here.
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