Descent and Return of Amida to Western Paradise with a Believer's Soul (Gōshō mandara)
Not on view
This painting showing Amida Buddha receiving a soul is based on a dream recorded by Hōnen (1133–1212), the founder of the Pure Land sect. At center, Amida and his retinue of musical bodhisattvas and flying spirits emerge from behind a mountain to meet the famous warrior Kumagai Naozane (1141–1208), who is shown inside a building at lower right. Remorseful of the lives he took during a civil war, Naozane confided in Hōnen his anxieties about the afterlife and dedicated himself to the Buddhist priesthood. The retired warrior’s devotion ensured his place in the Western Pure Land. Here, the bodhisattvas present the recently deceased Naozane with the golden lotus pedestal that will transport him to paradise. The retinue can be seen at the upper register holding the flower, Naozane enclosed safely within its petals
On view for rotations 1 and 2
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This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
