The
Bodhisattva of Truth, Samantabhadra represents pure consciousness, and natural
clarity with boundless compassion. He is beyond form and formlessness, and the
limits of time or space. He is known as the patron saint of the monasteries of
Mount Emei. Typically depicted riding a white elephant, holding a imperial scepter.
Samantabhadra is part of a trinity with Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha; and
Manjushri, The Bodhisattva of Wisdom.
This
is a spirited 19th century rose wood carving of Samantabhadra, also known as Fugen
in Chinese. The Bodhisattva is sitting in a royal ease position, gazing inward
in deep contemplative states, with a life-like presence, a spiritual quality enhanced
through its age; which is discernable through a couple of cracklines, and traces
of stains on honey colored bare wood surface. In spite of its minor imperfection,
the statue displays elogance and simplcity more often seen in Ming statues.