Rushana-butsu (the Great Buddha of Nara): Todai-ji (Nara)

Inside the Temple of the Great Buddha, the Vairocana Buddha of the Flower Garland Sutra was bathed in the dazzling golden light.

The light of grace emanating from him made me feel his supreme wisdom and mercy dispensed to save all living things in this boundless universe.

"Vairocana" means the "shining one" in Sanskrit and implies the sun which infinitely illuminates the whole of the universe with the light of wisdom and mercy.

At the time of this temple's founding, the Great Buddha was gilded magnificently and sparkling with gold like the bright morning sun.