Inori no Mori祈りの杜working title

Group of figures

Gochi Nyorai

五智如来ごちにょらい

A group described as the Five Buddhas of the Diamond Realm, in which Esoteric Buddhism assigns five buddhas to the Five Wisdoms.

This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.

English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む

Five wisdoms expressed in five buddhas

The Five Wisdom Buddhas are a group with Dainichi Nyorai at the center and buddhas placed in the four directions, expressing the five wisdoms of enlightenment. In the Lecture Hall of Tō-ji, their relationship is conveyed by a mandala in which Buddhist statues are arranged three-dimensionally.

Source: 真言宗総本山 東寺・飛不動尊 正宝院

The name and role of the Gochi Nyorai

A group described as the Five Buddhas of the Diamond Realm, in which Esoteric Buddhism assigns five buddhas to the Five Wisdoms. Ashuku Nyorai, Hōshō Nyorai, Dainichi Nyorai, Amida Nyorai, and Fukūjōju or Shaka Nyorai are listed in correspondence with directions and wisdoms.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院

Tracing the form and traditions

Ashuku Nyorai of the east is said to correspond to the Great Perfect Mirror Wisdom, Hōshō Nyorai of the south to the Wisdom of Equality, Dainichi Nyorai of the center to the Wisdom of the Essence of the Dharma Realm, Amida Nyorai of the west to the Wisdom of Wondrous Observation, and Fukūjōju of the north to the Wisdom of Accomplishing Action. Separately, Dainichi, Hōdō, Kaifuke-ō, Muryōju and Tenkuraion Nyorai are listed as the Five Buddhas of the Womb Realm.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院

Related kami and buddhas

Sources (in Japanese)