Amida Buddha

A gilt-wood figure of Amida Buddha seated in kekka fuza (lotus position) the hands in jō-in (meditation mudra). The head is adorned with crystals representing the byakugō (white spiralling hair) on the forehead and the nikkei-shu (red jewel on the protrusion on top of the Buddha's head).

Japan 15th century Muromachi period

Dimensions: H. 50cm (19¾") x W. 42cm (16¾") x D. 32cm (12¾")

This type of jō-in mudra is frequently used in Japanese Esotericism, especially in statues of the so-called Esoteric Amida. This particular one is characterised by circles formed with the thumbs and indexes and it stands for a specific rank in the Amida hierarchy.

The symbolism of the jō-in mudra is closely associated with the concept of complete absorption of thought by intense contemplation of a single object of meditation, in such a way that the bonds relating to the mental faculties to so-called ‘real phenomena’ are broken and the worshiper is thus enabled to identify himself with the Supreme Unity through a sort of super-intellectual raptus. In the jō-in the position of the hands is that of the adepts of yogic contemplation. Thus the jō-insymbolises specifically zenjō (ecstatic thought) for it is the gesture which indicates the suppression of all spiritual disquiet in order to arrive finally at the complete concentration on the truth.

Belief in Amida as Lord of the Western Paradise rose in popularity during the late 10th century.  Based primarily on the concept of salvation through faith, it was not only a religion which appealed to a broad range of people, but also a direct assertion of piety against the dogmatic and esoteric ritual of the more traditional Tendai and Shingon sects. In Amida’s Western Paradise the faithful are reborn, to progress through various stages of increasing awareness until finally achieving complete enlightenment.

Radio Carbon Dating Ref: RCD-8671

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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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