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Courtesy of Brian Gentz
The list of 13 Buddhas used in Shingon funeral rites is based on the chief Buddhist deities found on two important mandalas used by Shingon practitioners in ritual practices: the Taizokai (Womb World) mandala and the KongoKai (Diamond World) mandala. It is understood the deities assist the living and the deceased by guiding them into the realm of enlightenment. Depending on the anniversary date of the deceased, a memorial service associated with the deity is held for the deceased.
Each deity on the list plays an important part at different levels of the two mandalas in assisting the initiate reach enlightenment. These mandalas are aggregates of additional mandalas from the early Vajrayana tradition. The mandala principals for the illustrations and placement of the deities roles are found in early Vajrayana texts: the Womb World Mandala is found in the Mahavairocana Tantra, and the Diamond World Mandala is found in the Vajrasekhara Tantra.
List of 13 Buddhas and the dates for the corresponding memorial services:
Kokuzo (Akasagarbha), The Storehouse of Space Bodhisattva 32nd anniversary
Garbhadhatu Mandala (Womb World Mandala)
Courtesy of Peehyoro Acala
Vajradhātu Mandala (Diamond World Mandala)
Courtesy of Peehyoro Acala