Twin mandalas of Vairocana in Japanese iconography, English version from the French by Lokesh Chandra et al

Book Details

• Publisher: ADITYA PRAKASHAN Indological Publishers & Booksellers

• Language: English

• Edition: New Delhi

• Year: 2012

• ISBN-13: 9788177421163

• ISBN-10: 8177421166

• Subject(s): Buddhism

About the Book
This fundamental work provides a comprehensive philosophical and artistic understanding of the theory and graphic representation of mandalas, with special emphasis on the Shingon tradition of Japan. It explores the philosophy, patriarchs, and sacred canon of Mantrayana, tracing its development into two distinct branches in Japan.

The book details the twin mandalas of Vairocana—the Mahakarunagarbha and the Vajradhatu—based on the Mahavairocana-sutra and the Sarva-tathagata-tattva-sangraha. Their essential ideas, symbolic meanings, interrelationships, and differences in character are discussed in depth. The iconography of the deities is explained using primary sources such as the root texts, Kobo Daishi’s Hizoki, and traditional graphic representations.

The final section expounds the doctrine of Shingon, distinguishing it from exoteric Buddhism and elaborating on core concepts such as the triple mystery, the four dharmakayas, the five circles, the five knowledges, Tantric abhiseka (empowerments), and bodhicitta. With its rich scholarship and detailed iconographic study, this volume is indispensable for students, researchers, and readers interested in Buddhist philosophy, Shingon doctrine, Tantric traditions, and the aesthetics of mandalas.

Meta Description (SEO-Optimized)
Published by ADITYA PRAKASHAN (2012), this authoritative study explores Shingon Buddhism and the philosophy, symbolism, and iconography of mandalas, focusing on the twin mandalas of Vairocana. ISBN 9788177421163.