Vairocana – The Great Illuminator
Buddha Vairocana is regarded as the foremost and oldest of the five Dhyani, or Wisdom, Buddhas. He is also considered to be the embodiment of enlightened wisdom realizing emptiness. His place is in the holy inner sanctum of the stupa where he is the master of the whole temple and its contents. Meditating on an image of Buddha Vairocana is specifically believed to vanquish the delusion of ignorance, transforming it into the wisdom taught by the Dharma. For this reason, he is sometimes called the “Great Illuminator”. He is often depicted in the company of dragons, which represent the thundering power of the Dharma teachings. He is the head of the Tathagata Buddha Family that includes Buddha Shakyamuni and Manjushri.
Gestures and Attributes
Vairocana is not often represented, but when he is, he is said to be the sum of all the Dhyani Buddhas and combines all of their qualities. He is therefore pure white in color, because white is the blending of all colors of the visible spectrum. Further, the brilliance of Vairocana’s representation is intended to serve as a reminder that all phenomena are empty – without inherent existence or permanent identity. His two hands are held against his chest with the tips of the thumbs and forefingers of each hand touching. He forms the Dharmachakra Mudra, the gesture of teaching and turning the Wheel of Dharma, indicating that he has the power to dispel ignorance.
About this Sculpture
This sculpture is a beautiful depiction of Buddha Vairochana. Expertly cast from copper alloy and Partly gilded with 24 karat gold, the figure sits regally upon a single lotus throne, expressing a graceful and dignified presence. Vairochana’s monastic robes, elegantly detailed around the edges, drape softly over his shoulder with delicate folding in the cloth. The Buddha’s features are also beautifully carved, imbuing the statue with warmth and character. And over all, the stunning gold gilding gives the sculpture a luminous quality, evoking the enlightened spiritual presence of the Buddha. This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.
