Dainichi, the Cosmic Buddha (Mahavairocana)

Japan

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 224

In Esoteric Buddhism, the entire universe emanates from Dainichi, the Supreme Buddha of the Cosmos. Appearing here in a form known as Ichiji Kinrin, or “One-Syllable Golden Wheel,” one of the Five Supreme Buddha Attendants. Dainichi’s gesture— the left index finger surrounded by the fingers of the right hand—is the “wisdom fist” mudra. This powerful pose expresses the union of the spiritual and material realms and is thought to restrain passions that hinder enlightenment.

On view for all rotations

#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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