Japan: Achala (Three Famous Fudo-myoo Paintings)

Japan: Masterworks & National Treasures

Three Famous Fudo-myoo Paintings

Shinzo Shiratori, 1-2022

Achalanata, red in colour, known as the Aka-Fudo (red Fudo), is famous as one of the three Fudo-myoo paintings of Japan. Made by Enchin/Chishou Dashi, the exact production date is not known.

Achala is accompanied by the two entourage figures of Kongara and Seitaka Doujis. This painting has been worshipped by the local community since the Heian Period (879-1187). It is housed in the Koyasan Myoouyin Collection. It is officially classified by the Japanese Government's Agency for Cultural Affairs as an important cultural property. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aka-fudo.jpg http://www.acala.jpn.org/).

Achalanata, yellow in colour, known as the Ki-fudo (yellow Achala), is again one of the three famous Fudos of Japan. (The image displayed here is a copy. The original work is not known to have been published).

It is believed the painting was produced under the supervision of Enchin (Chishou Daishi) during the 9th century, in the early Heian period. It was recorded in the records of the Tendai Enryakuji Temple by the abbot Enchin.

During one of Enchin's many spiritual retreats, a golden man appeared in front and the immaculate character of this figure touched Enchin, which made him commission a painting of this mysterious golden man.

The painting is regarded as a 'hibutsu,' or, not for public display. The current copy of the original (displayed above) is part of the Manshu-in Temple. The original painting is believed to reside in the Mii-dera temple collection. The painting is officially classified by the Japanese Government's Agency for Cultural Affairs as a national treasure. (http://www.shiga-miidera.or.jp/treasure/abinusttp/01.htm)

Achalanata, blue in colour, known as the Ao-fudo (blue Fudo), is dated to the mid Heian Period (879-1187). It is included as one of the three famous Fudo-myoo paintings of Japan and is a precious treasure of the Shorenin Temple, Kyoto.

Achala is accompanied by two attendant figures (Seitaka and Congara Douji. Sanskrit: Ceṭaka and Kiṃkara). The painting is officially classified by the Japanese Government's Agency for Cultural Affairs as a national treasure. (https://neuolder.blogspot.com/2013/07/blog-post_2316.html).

English Language References:

Art In Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. Takaaki Sawa. Weatherhill/Heibonsha, 1972.

Esoteric Buddhist Painting. Hisatoyo Ishida, E. Dale Saunders. Kodansha, 1987.

Kukai: Major Works. Yoshito S. Hakeda. Columbia University, 1972.

Mahavairocana Sutra. Translated by Chikyo Yamamoto. Sata-Pitaka Series volume 359. International Academy of Indian Culture, 1990.

Sacred Treasures of Mount Koya: The Art of Japanese Shingon Buddhism. Koyasan Reihokan Museum, 2003.

Secret Message of Tantric Buddhism. Pierre Rambach. Rizzoli, 1979.

Shingon, Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. Taiko Yamasaki. Shambhala Publications, 1988.

Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, A Handbook For Followers. Koyasan Shingon Mission, 1997.

Shingon Refractions: Myoe and the Mantra of Light. Mark Unno. Wisdom Publications, 2004.

Tantric Buddhism in East Asia. Edited by Richard Payne. Wisdom Publications, 2005.

The Weaving of Mantra, Kukai and the Construction of Esoteric Buddhist Discourse. Ryûichi Abé. Columbia University Press, 1999.

Japanese Language References:

祕密辭林富田斅純加持世界支社

密教大辞典法蔵館密教辭典編纂會編

不動尊霊験祈祷法八幡書店小野清秀

Japan: Achala
Achala