Dainichi, the Cosmic Buddha (Mahavairocana)

Japan

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 224

Dainichi Nyorai (Sanskrit: Mahavairocana Tathagata), or Supreme Buddha of the Cosmos from which the entire universe emanates, is the central object of devotion in Esoteric sects of Buddhism. Here, Dainichi appears in a form known as Ichiji Kinrin, or “One-Syllable Golden Wheel,” one of the Five Supreme Buddha Attendants. Dainichi’s hands form the chiken-in, or “wisdom fist” mudra, with the left index finger surrounded by the fingers of the right hand. This gesture has the power to restrain passions that hinder enlightenment and expresses the union of spiritual and material realms of being. The graceful proportions of the sculpture are 
due to the fact that it was carved and assembled in sections (yosegi-zukuri), a technique that began in the late Heian period.


On view from March 4–June 16, 2019.

#8825. Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana)

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  1. 8825. Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana)
  2. 123. The Director's Tour, Second Floor: Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), Part 1
  3. 5872. The Director's Tour, Second Floor: Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), Part 2
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Dainichi, the Cosmic Buddha (Mahavairocana), Wood with lacquer and gold leaf, Japan

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Dainichi, the Cosmic Buddha (Mahavairocana), Wood with lacquer and gold leaf, Japan
Dainichi, the Cosmic Buddha (Mahavairocana), Wood with lacquer and gold leaf, Japan
Dainichi, the Cosmic Buddha (Mahavairocana), Wood with lacquer and gold leaf, Japan

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