Buddha (nyorai)
Rushana Butsu
盧遮那仏
Rushana Buddha is regarded as a buddha who widely illuminates with the light of wisdom and compassion. The Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji in Nara is this Rushana Buddha. The name is related to Dainichi Nyorai and others, but the contexts in which it is taught, such as the Kegon teaching and Esoteric Buddhism, differ.
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
A buddha who illuminates everywhere with the light of wisdom and compassion
Rushana Buddha is regarded as a buddha who widely illuminates with the light of wisdom and compassion. The Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji in Nara is this Rushana Buddha. The name is related to Dainichi Nyorai and others, but the contexts in which it is taught, such as the Kegon teaching and Esoteric Buddhism, differ.
Source: 華厳宗大本山 東大寺・飛不動尊 正宝院
The Great Buddha of Nara, made through the strength of many people
Tōdai-ji relates the history of Emperor Shōmu vowing in 743 to build the Great Buddha. Many people were involved in making the Great Buddha. It is a representative example in the history of Japanese Buddhism, joining the figure of a buddha who illuminates everywhere with a national project that wished for peace in society.
Source: 華厳宗大本山 東大寺
Related shrines and temples
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：廬遮那仏」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 華厳宗大本山 東大寺「大仏殿」（2026-10-15 確認）