Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

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Kozanji Temple: Dharmacakra Cylinder

JAPAN, Kyoto; Heian to Kamakura period (794–1333); Wood; H: 23.1 cm
Placed on the altar, the purpose of this ritual instrument was to bring peace by subduing evil spirits and enemies. This practice was based on the Dharmacakra Bodhisattva's Method of Driving Away Demons and Enemies, and was initiated by the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism in the 11th century.
　 The cylinder is made of wood and measures 23.1 cm high and 5.7 cm in diameter. It is white and painted with ten yaksas, three naga kings, and three empresses. On the lid, there is a wheel with Sanskrit seed syllables.

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