Buddhist Art

Temple Guardians, Agyo & Ungyo (Kongorikishi= “benevolent kings”)

Japan, 18th century. These wooden figures are sculpted in the style of Japan’s Heian period (794-1186). Although they appear ferocious, they are actually benevolent protectors. Placed at the entrances to many Buddhist temples in Japan, these guards are emanations of the Mahayana Buddhist bodhisattva Vajrapani. Agyo’s, open mouth pronounces the Sanskrit vowel sound “ah,” representing the beginning or life, inviting good to enter. Ungyo’s closed mouth pronounces “um,” representing the end or death, shuts out evil. Agyo is commonly placed to the right and Ungyo to the left of the temple to protect the space with the sacred syllables “ah-um” chanted during meditation as early as the 5th through 2nd centuries B.C.E. Gift of Dr. Leslie Bundgaard, W-003.1 and W-003.2

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Abstract

Scroll Painting of Seated Buddha

Korea, c. 1900. Flanked by soldiers, bodhhisattvas, and benevolent guardians, the Buddha sits peacefully with his hands in the abhaya mudra gesture expressing fearlessness, protection, and blessing. Gift of Robert Klein, P-005

Abstract

Daruma

Japan, 20th century, Ivory netsuke. Daruma (Bodhidharma), a native of India, was the founder of Ch’an Buddhism in China during the 5th or 6th century B.C.E. Here, he holds Buddhist prayer beads used during meditation. One legend conveys his undying commitment to his mission: When Daruma was unsuccessful in attracting followers, he sat before a temple wall and meditated for nine years. Ch’an Buddhism (known as Zen in Japan and Son in Korea) teaches that enlightenment is attainable through meditation and direct experience. Gift of Dolly Cohan, I-003

Avalokitesvara

Tibet, 18th century, Gilt bronze. The four-armed aspect of Avalokitesvara is known as Shadakshari Lokesvara. Shadakshari means “six syllables” and refers to the association of the popular Tibetan mantra “om mani padme hum” with Avalokitesvara. The bodhisattva sits in a yogic posture, harnessing the power of meditation. One pair of hands expresses the anjali (veneration) mudra, while the others express warding off evil with karana mudras. Gift of Mr. & Mrs. R. Austin Tydings, M-016

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Buddhist Shrine with Meditating Kannon Bosatsu

Japan, late 19th century, Ivory. Kannon Bosatsu meditates in a lotus-adorned shrine flanked by other devotees. Followers would recognize the lotus as the vehicle Kannon employs to transport the deceased to the Amida Buddha’s Western Paradise, where people are released from the suffering of life in this world. Pure Land Buddhism, popular during Japan’s Kamakura period (1185-1333), teaches that all beings can escape the endless cycle of death and rebirth through faith in Amida Buddha. From the Collection of Monroe Uris Sarezky, I-050

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House Shrine with Meditating Kannon Bosatsu

Japan, 19th century Lacquered wood. Kannon Bosatsu’s right hand points earthward, while the left holds a vase containing a lotus flower. The figure wears a crown of eleven small heads—eight as a base, two positioned center-front in the second row, and one at the very top. The top-most head is that of Buddha. Upon ten of these small heads is an image of Amida Buddha on his diadem. Altogether these represent the sections of the Vajra World (Kongokai, the World of Wisdom). The series of expressions on the ten small heads represent the sections of the Garbha World (Taizokai, the World of Reason). Gift of Mr. and Mrs. R. Austin Tydings in memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Howard Chapman Tydings, W-013

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Izuna Gongen as Fudo Myo-o Surrounded by Demons

Japan, 18th century. Gongen is a Japanese term meaning “avatar” and generally refers to local Japanese kami (deities) who are considered manifestations or reincarnated forms of Buddhist divinities that came from India, China, and Korea from the 6th century onward. Myō-ō are Hindu deities adopted by Esoteric Buddhism to vanquish blind craving. Izuna Gongen has wings and rides a fox with snakes coiled around its legs. Here, Izuna Gongen manifests as Fudo Myo-o, a deity venerated especially by the Shingon sect of Esoteric Buddhism.  Fudō Myo-o converts anger into salvation, carrying a devil-subduing sword in the right hand and rope to catch and bind up demons in the left hand. The flames of fire represent the purification of the mind through the burning away of all earthly desires. Purchase made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities, P-019

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Guanyin

Guanyin is one of the few bodhisattvas that became an independent deity and attracted a following. Guanyin originated as the Sanskrit Avalokiteśvara and is known as Kannon in Japan and Gwan-eum in Korea. Guanyin was originally depicted as a male bodhisattva but has more often been depicted as a female over the years. The Lotus Sūtra indicates that Guanyin can transform as needed (to male, female, adult, child, human or non-human) to relieve suffering.  Many consider Guanyin to be androgynous.