Dainichi, the Cosmic Buddha (Mahavairocana)

Japan

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 224

In Esoteric Buddhism, the entire universe is believed to emanate from Dainichi Nyorai, the supreme Buddha of the cosmos. Dainichi’s mudra, with the left index finger surrounded by the fingers of the right hand, is known as the “wisdom fist.” This powerful gesture expresses the union of the spiritual and material realms and is thought to restrain passions hindering the practitioner’s enlightenment. In paintings and sculptures, Dainichi often assumes this pose while surrounded by the other four Wisdom Buddhas, representing the metaphysical world of complete enlightenment—known as the Diamond Realm in Esoteric doctrines.

#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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