Dainichi, the Cosmic Buddha (Mahavairocana)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In Esoteric Buddhism, the entire universe emanates from Dainichi, the Supreme Buddha of the Cosmos. Appearing here in a form known as Ichiji Kinrin, or “One-Syllable Golden Wheel,” one of the Five Supreme Buddha Attendants. Dainichi’s gesture— the left index finger surrounded by the fingers of the right hand—is the “wisdom fist” mudra. This powerful pose expresses the union of the spiritual and material realms and is thought to restrain passions that hinder enlightenment.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art