Shingon

Introduction to Shingon Buddhism -- 4

Mahavairocana

Mahavairocana Buddha (Japanese Dainichi Nyorai) is the fundamental diety of Shingon Buddhism. He is seen as the ultimate reality, the life force that is the origin of everything and that illuminates all. His name means "Great Shining Buddha." According to Shingon, each of us has a Buddha nature and that nature is part of the ultimate reality that is Mahavairocana.

Because Mahavairocana has a dual nature, one part embodying Wisdom, the other embodying Compassion, he is shown in two different forms in the two principle mandalas of Shingon. In the Kongokai Mandala, he wears a jeweled crown representing the Five Wisdoms of a fully awakened Buddha and his hands form the mudra Wisdom Fist.

In the Taizo Mandala, Mahavairocana embodies Compassion. In this mandala, his hands form the Samadhi mudra, which represents the basic nature of the world.