Buddha (nyorai)
Ichiji Kinrin
一字金輪
Ichiji Kinrin is a deity of esoteric Buddhism also called Ichiji Chōrinnō and Kinrin Butchō. According to the Tokyo National Museum's description, he is regarded as representing the merits of all buddhas and bodhisattvas. A type has been handed down that bears a jeweled crown and the chiken-in hand gesture associated with Dainichi Nyorai, together with a rinbō (wheel treasure).
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
Ichiji Kinrin, representing the merits of all buddhas
Ichiji Kinrin is a deity of esoteric Buddhism also called Ichiji Chōrinnō and Kinrin Butchō. According to the Tokyo National Museum's description, he is regarded as representing the merits of all buddhas and bodhisattvas. A type has been handed down that bears a jeweled crown and the chiken-in hand gesture associated with Dainichi Nyorai, together with a rinbō (wheel treasure).
Source: 国立文化財機構 e国宝・国立文化財機構 e国宝
A history of rites praying for freedom from calamity and for long life
The Ichiji Kinrin rite was performed to calm misfortune and to pray for long life. The museum explains that it was once a secret rite limited to the chief abbot of Tō-ji (Tō-ji Chōja). He is not a deity of an everyday practice that anyone performs in the same way, but one who has been cherished within esoteric transmission.
Source: 国立文化財機構 e国宝
The form called Dainichi Kinrin
In an Ichiji Kinrin mandala held by the Nara National Museum, Dainichi Kinrin at the center sits on a lion throne and forms the chiken-in hand gesture. A rinbō is placed beneath him. 鹿鳴文庫 also presents an image of Ichiji Kinrin under the name "Dainichi Kinrin." This is one iconographic lineage that can be confirmed in the sources.
Source: 国立文化財機構／奈良国立博物館・鹿鳴文庫
Mantra (in Japanese, as written in the sources)
ナマサマンダボダナン ボロン。
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Shown as written in the Japanese sources. This site does not set how or how many times to recite it.
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：一字金輪」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 国立文化財機構 e国宝「一字金輪像」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 国立文化財機構 e国宝「一字金輪像」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 鹿鳴文庫「仏像図彙：大日金輪（一字金輪仏頂）」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 国立文化財機構／奈良国立博物館「e国宝：一字金輪曼荼羅」（2026-10-15 確認）