Look for the Symbol in the Sculpture | Explore & Learn

Buddhism | Buddhism, one of the great world religions, was founded by Gautama Siddhartha, now revered as Shakyamuni Buddha, in northern India in the sixth centry B.C. The basic tenets of Buddhism are that life is impermanent, illusory, and filled with suffering, which is caused by desire and ignorance and gives rise to a continuous cycle of death and rebirth. The cessation of suffering (nirvana) is achieved when desire and ignorance are extinguished through a life of moderation, morality, and meditative practice. Buddhism was transmitted to China, Korea, Japan, and through Central Asia along the Silk Road. Back to Fudô Myô-ô

Enlightenment | Enlightenment ("bodhi" in Sanskrit; "satori" in Japanese) is the awakening to a profound understanding of the true nature of existence. According to Buddhism, all things, beings, and phenomena are actually part of the same indivisible, unperceivable, timeless unity that ultimately cannot be defined. This awareness frees one from the attachments to and desires for possessions, wishes, and ideas that are at the root of suffering. Back to Fudô Myô-ô

Fudô Myô-ô | This figure is one of a group of guardians associated with Buddhism's Esoteric sects, which seek enlightenment through the use of mystical practices and prayers. The figure of Fudô Myô-ô is identified as an active manifestation of Buddha of Supreme Wisdom, Dainichi, who unceasingly combats evil and works to lead sentient beings toward enlightenment. He is a popular deity in Japan and can be petitioned to assist with a wide range of needs. Back to Fudô Myô-ô

Lotus | This plant in the water-lily family has numerous symbolic meanings pertaining to Buddhism. The growth of lotus blossoms in shallow ponds is viewed as a metaphor for the way the true nature of all beings can rise pristinely out of the murky ignorance and suffering of the world. Back to Fudô Myô-ô

Unenlightened beings | Beings who have not yet achieved enlightenment are those who have not realized the true nature of existence, as understood by Buddhist doctrine. Still suffering from their attachments to and cravings for possessions, desires, and ideas that are impermanent and illusory, the unenlightened must continue in the painful cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Back to Fudô Myô-ô

Wooden statue | Originally housed in a small temple to the northwest of Kyoto, this sculpture was made in the twelfth century during the Heian period (794–1185). During that time the imperial court was located in Kyoto and actively supported Buddhism. The elegant pattern of cut gold leaf on the skirt of Fudô Myô-ô, remnants of which can still be seen, and the restrained, gentle curves of the figure reflect the style of Japanese art during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Back to Fudô Myô-ô

Back to Fudô Myô-ô

Back to main page of feature

Photograph Credits


	Buddhism \| Buddhism, one of the great world religions, was founded by Gautama Siddhartha, now revered as Shakyamuni Buddha, in northern India in the sixth centry B.C. The basic tenets of Buddhism are that life is impermanent, illusory, and filled with suffering, which is caused by desire and ignorance and gives rise to a continuous cycle of death and rebirth. The cessation of suffering (nirvana) is achieved when desire and ignorance are extinguished through a life of moderation, morality, and meditative practice. Buddhism was transmitted to China, Korea, Japan, and through Central Asia along the Silk Road. Back to Fudô Myô-ô
	Enlightenment \| Enlightenment ("bodhi" in Sanskrit; "satori" in Japanese) is the awakening to a profound understanding of the true nature of existence. According to Buddhism, all things, beings, and phenomena are actually part of the same indivisible, unperceivable, timeless unity that ultimately cannot be defined. This awareness frees one from the attachments to and desires for possessions, wishes, and ideas that are at the root of suffering. Back to Fudô Myô-ô
	Fudô Myô-ô \| This figure is one of a group of guardians associated with Buddhism's Esoteric sects, which seek enlightenment through the use of mystical practices and prayers. The figure of Fudô Myô-ô is identified as an active manifestation of Buddha of Supreme Wisdom, Dainichi, who unceasingly combats evil and works to lead sentient beings toward enlightenment. He is a popular deity in Japan and can be petitioned to assist with a wide range of needs. Back to Fudô Myô-ô
	Lotus \| This plant in the water-lily family has numerous symbolic meanings pertaining to Buddhism. The growth of lotus blossoms in shallow ponds is viewed as a metaphor for the way the true nature of all beings can rise pristinely out of the murky ignorance and suffering of the world. Back to Fudô Myô-ô
	Unenlightened beings \| Beings who have not yet achieved enlightenment are those who have not realized the true nature of existence, as understood by Buddhist doctrine. Still suffering from their attachments to and cravings for possessions, desires, and ideas that are impermanent and illusory, the unenlightened must continue in the painful cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Back to Fudô Myô-ô
	Wooden statue \| Originally housed in a small temple to the northwest of Kyoto, this sculpture was made in the twelfth century during the Heian period (794–1185). During that time the imperial court was located in Kyoto and actively supported Buddhism. The elegant pattern of cut gold leaf on the skirt of Fudô Myô-ô, remnants of which can still be seen, and the restrained, gentle curves of the figure reflect the style of Japanese art during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Back to Fudô Myô-ô
	Back to Fudô Myô-ô Back to main page of feature