One on the either side of the Sakyamuni Buddha there are Sangharama (left when facing the shrine) and Skanda (right), or Ch’ieh Lan and Wei T’uo respectively in Chinese.

As Sangharama’s name indicates, he is specifically the protector of the Sangha, i.e., the Buddhist community, particularly monastics. Skanda, or Wei T’uo, is known by Mahayana Buddhists as a protector of the temple.

In the small dinning room contain statue of an image now very familiar in Western society: that of a chubby, happy figure that many call “the happy Buddha.” This is really the Maitreya Boddhisattva whose name refers to “one who has loving kindness.” Maitreya, or Mi Lo Fo in Chinese, will be the next Buddha to appear in this Saha world. At present he presides over Tushita Heaven.

Mi Lo Fo’s gigantic belly and hemp sack represent plentiful wealth and prosperity, for in traditional China only a wealthy person could possibly have enough to eat to become obese. Mi Lo Fo in a relaxed posture with prayer beads in one hand and hemp sack under the other.

On the left-hand side of the Main Shrine, another sitting statue by the name of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (meaning “treasure of the earth”), known in Chinese as Ti Tsang

This Bodhisattva made the great vow to delay his own Buddhahood in order to alleviate the suffering of those in hell by helping them respect the Triple Gem and believe in the Law of Cause and Effect so that they will not re-enter hell in a future life. He holds ringed staffs, which is symbolic of his benevolence, as well as having the magical ability to free the sufferers of hell. Because of his association with the underworld, many Chinese Buddhists venerate Ti Tsang when holding ceremonies in honour of their ancestors, as well as during funerals.

On the right-hand side of the Main Shrine, there is a sitting statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, known as Quan Yin in Chinese. Avalokitesvara can be loosely translated as “the compassionate sage who sees” referring to this Bodhisattva’s ability to see all the suffering in the world and thus come to people’s aid. She is said to have one thousand eyes and hands with which to save all sentient beings. She is also an attendant to Amitabha Buddha and guides people to his Western Pure Land. A small figure of Amitabha is thus frequently shown in the centre of her headpiece.

Kuan Yin takes a variety of forms; the main shrine statue portrays her holding a vase on her left hand, means as water is poured from a vase, so does Kuan Yin pour compassion upon all beings. Also, a vase represents a vehicle capable of holding the Truth, analogous to a devotee’s open heart. It is furthermore significant that the Chinese word for “vase” is a homonym with that for “peace. And a willow on her right hand means the ability to ward off demons and natural disasters. Kuan Yin dips the willow into the water and sprinkles it over sentient beings.

Normally, Bodhisattvas do not posses a male or female form; it is just that in our minds. According to the “Universal Gate Chapter”: “If one is to be saved in the form of a women, he (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva) will preach in the form of a woman.” Avalokitesvara also manifests as a king, an official, a lay person, and other forms adding to a total of thirty-three. Thus the Bodhisattva manifests in different forms according to the form of the person who is to be saved.

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s compassion and mind of equality is the driving force for him to help those sentient beings that are suffering. He does so in many different forms of manifestation. His forms can be with a thousand hands and thousand eyes, eleven faces, the 25 Kuan-Yins, or the 33 Kuan-Yin, etc.