Frequently Asked Questions
Why does only Dainichi Nyorai wear a crown?
Because esoteric Buddhist doctrine teaches that “even after attaining enlightenment, this Buddha continues to take the form of a sovereign to save sentient beings.” Other Nyorai (Shakyamuni, Amida, Yakushi) are depicted in the austere appearance of an ordained practitioner, but Dainichi Nyorai wears ornaments to embody “light that illuminates all as the root Buddha of the universe.” When you see “a Nyorai wearing a crown,” you can judge it to be Dainichi Nyorai.
What is the Three-Dimensional Mandala at Toji?
The lecture hall of Toji (Kyoogokokuji) houses a “three-dimensional mandala” that expresses Kukai’s esoteric Buddhist cosmology through 21 Buddhist figures in three dimensions. At the center sits Dainichi Nyorai (National Treasure, Heian period), surrounded by four Nyorai, four Bodhisattvas, Five Great Vidyaraja, Four Heavenly Kings, Taishakuten, and Bonten. For an entry fee of 500 yen, it can be viewed up close — a rare space in Japan where you can experience a “living cosmic map.”
What should I see at Koyasan?
At Koyasan, the three most important sites are Okunoin, Konpon Daito, and Kondo. Along the Okunoin path (about 2km), you can visit Kobo Daishi Kukai’s mausoleum (Gobyō) and experience the nyujo faith that “the Great Master is still alive in meditation.” The Konpon Daito (fundamental stupa) enshrines a Dainichi Nyorai seated figure and four Bodhisattvas — the root training hall of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Staying at a temple lodging (shukubo) allows participation in the following morning’s services (early morning護摩祈祷).
How do I distinguish the chiken-in from the hokkaijo-in?
The chiken-in raises the left hand’s index finger while the right hand grips around it — it is easy to remember as “the right hand envelops the left hand’s index finger.” The hokkaijo-in rests both hands at the abdomen, overlapping with thumbtips touching — similar to the zenjo-in (Shakyamuni’s meditation seal), but the angle and height of the thumbs differ. The chiken-in is a “gripping” gesture while the hokkaijo-in is an “enveloping/supporting” gesture.
What are the National Treasure triad at Negoroji?
The triad of “Dainichi Nyorai, Amida Nyorai, and Shakyamuni Nyorai” enshrined in the Daidenbōdō (Konpon Daito) of Negoroji (Iwade City, Wakayama) is designated as a National Treasure. It is an unusual configuration housing both esoteric Buddhism (Dainichi) and exoteric Buddhism (Amida, Shakyamuni) within a single hall, dated to the Kamakura period. Negoroji lost most of its temple buildings in Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s attack on Negoro, but the Daidenbōdō miraculously survived.
Last updated: April 25, 2026