Kozanji Temple: Buddhalocani

JAPAN, Kyoto; Kamakura period

This 13th century Vajrayana Buddhist painting is based on a description in the Vajrasekhara Sutra. Buddhalocani symbolizes the Buddha’s eyes, which see the truth, and assists all sentient beings in acquiring their own “Buddha’s eyes.” The inscriptions on the painting were written by the Japanese monk Myoe. Being an orphan, Myoe came to regard Sakyamuni Buddha as his father and Buddhalocani as his mother, and lead his life truly committed to his faith. The painting was listed as a National Treasure in 1951.
Buddhalocani sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne, forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra with both hands. A lion-head crown is painted above the head, and long ribbons hang down over the shoulders. The nimbus is painted with swirling colors, while the mandorla is composed of simple white and red lines. Both are surrounded by flame patterns. Faint black lines are used to depict the facial features and the folds in the clothing, while darker lines are used to outline the petals of the brilliant white lotus throne.