The
name Fudo Myoo means motionless, or unshakable like that of
a mountain. It is a Japanese name for the Buddha Acala. In
Sanskrit his name means Conqueror of Three Poisons (three
passions: love, hatred and ignorance). He is a wrathful aspect
of Vairocana, one of the Five Great Kings of Light. As depicted
here, he is seated in royal ease, holding a vajra-hilt sword
in his right and a rope in his left, together they symbolize
the cutting through of men's ignorance and lead them enlightenment.
When comparing to other meticulously gilt and carved wood
Buddha of Japan, this statue of Fudo Myoo may appear to be
overly simplistic from a novice perspective. In fact, this
is a rare example of the brilliant Japanese carving style
known as "ITTOBORI". An one bladed technique carved in facets
on wood, which emphasize the essence of creative intuition,
and avoid overworking the materials. Such approach is evident
in this extraordinary carving of Fudo Myoo seated atop a rock
with a raging flame adora. The ittobori technique has succeeded
in rendering an awe inspiring feat of naturalism. It defy
emulation on both material and spiritual planes, and well
suited for a Fudo Myoo Buddha statue.
