This large hanging scroll depicts one of the most important Buddhist deities, Han'nya Bosatsu (in Sanskrit, Prajnaparamita Bodhisattva), the embodiment of transcendental knowledge and perfect wisdom. Han'nya Bosatsu is only rarely represented at the center of a mandala. The triad of the bosatsu, seated on a lotus pedestal on the back of a lion, flanked by two standing figures, Bonten (Brahma) and Taishakuten (Indra)—originally Hindu gods—inhabits the innermost precinct. The bosatsu's sixteen protectors (juroku zenshin) are more loosely distributed within the surrounding register. Far from the center of divinity in the outer register, carefree demonic guardians (kijin) guard each of the sixteen protectors. Directional gates at the centers of the sides provide entry from the secular to the sacred. Heavenly music-making beings (hiten) around the canopy celebrate Han'nya Bosatsu. At the bottom, in the center of the outermost register, is the figure of a monk at worship, evoking the physical world of time and space. Dragons and a phoenix along the outermost borders serve to protect the entire abstract realm. Mandalas like this one were necessary accoutrements for rituals dedicated to the attainment of greater wisdom.