The Secret Five Bodhisattvas (Gohimitsu Bosatsu), 1200s. The Secret Five bodhisattvas were used in a ritual to convert negative aspects of consciousness into positive ones. Bodhisattvas are beings far along the path of enlightenment, who selflessly help others attain enlightenment. At the center is Kongosatta, who represents the enlightened mind. He is surrounded by divine beings who convert the human frailties of desire, sensory pleasure, passion, and pride into constructive tools to use on the path to enlightenment.

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Photo credit: © Heritage Art/Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1185-1333, art, cleveland, colour, gold, hanging, heritage, ink, japan, kamakura, museum, painting, period, scroll, silk, silver, unknown