Gwangdeoksa Temple: Vairocana Buddha

SOUTH KOREA, South Chungcheong, Cheonan; Joseon dynasty

This painting of Vairocana Buddha was restored in 1932 and was listed as Treasure No. 1261 in 1997. Vairocana, the Reward body of the Buddha, is shown in the middle of the picture. Beside him are Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas, the great disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda, and the Four Heavenly Kings. There are five Buddhas painted in both of the upper corners.
Vairocana wears an ornate crown topped with images of the Seven Buddhas of the Past. The hands are held up at shoulder height with the palms turned up, both forming mudras. The hem of the red monastic robe is decorated with detailed patterns. Manjusri and Samantabhadra, standing below Vairocana’s hands, each hold a lotus with both hands. Mahakasyapa, standing on the right beside Vairocana, forms the bodhyangi (wisdom fist) mudra, while Ananda, who stands on the left, holds his hands, with palms turned upwards, in front of his chest.