LOTUS SUTRA MANDALA (HOKE KYO DAI MANDARA)

Mandala of the Lotus Sutra (Hoke?kyo?dai mandara), sculpted in wood, composed of four figures as a portable altar. The altar is opened by two curved leaves, gilded on the inside that reveal the representation of an altar in which are represented framed by an architectural canopy and two columns, two “butsu” or Buddhas and two “bosatsu” or bodhisattvas. According to the Lotus Sutra, represented by the tablet made as a tribute to the sacred text, the Buddhas Shaka (Shakyamuni) and Taho (Prabhutaratna), once they reached nirvana, returned to the phenomenal world to preserve and spread the law of Buddhism, the dharma. The tablet symbolizes not only the Sutra but also the stupa or Tower of Treasures, where reality and wisdom merge. The Buddha Taho represents the objective truth or ultimate reality, and Shaka, the subjective wisdom, that which can be apprehended. The two Buddhas are represented seated on a throne in the shape of a lotus flower, joining their hands on their chests in the gesture of prayer or “anjali?mudra”. A large mandorla-shaped halo, alluding to enlightenment, frames each of the figures. The throne on which the figures sit, made of gilded wood, is composed of several floors or bases. These are combined in their hexagonal, orthogonal and poly-lobed plan, as well as in their decoration, in which we can observe vegetal and marine forms and geometric motifs. This sculptural group is flanked by two figures to the right and left. In both cases they are two bosatsu, represented standing on a throne of circular plant formed by several floors, being in the form of lotus on which the figures rest directly. In contrast to the static style of the Buddhas, these figures are represented in movement, with the right leg slightly forward, thus conferring a certain looseness to the whole body. The figure on the right of the composition is represented with his hands together in front of his chest, making the gesture of prayer or “anjali?mudra”, identifying himself with the bodhisattva SEISHI ?skr.Mahasthamaprapta? “he who attains great strength”. In the Lotus Sutra, the sacred text to which this mandala alludes, Seishi is mentioned as one of the personages who ascended Vulture Peak to listen to Shakyamuni’s prayers. He is often depicted as a couple with the bodhisattva Kanon ?skr.Avalokitesvara? as is the case here. According to the 25th chapter of the Lotus Sutra, Kanon was a bodhisattva who, because of his deep compassion, can acquire thirty-three different aspects, manifesting to save beings from danger and suffering. In this mandala Kanon appears with the bowl or bottle of ambrosia in his hands, as this is one of his most frequent attributes. Once the altar is closed, there is no decoration on the outside. I.C.F. / Extracted from: Isabel CERVERA FERNÁNDEZ: Fundación Rodríguez-Acosta. Asian Art Collection. Granada, 2002. Bibliography: DELACOUR, C.: “The building of a Collection. Japanese Buddhist Sculpture in the Guimet”, in Orientations. Hong Kong, May, 1991, p. 73.