Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha of Gagyeonsa Temple, Goesan

This is one of the statues of the Vairocana Buddha (Cosmic Buddha) complete with the pedestal and the nimbus. The Vairocana Buddha was very popular in the late Silla Period and for some time thereafter.

Seated on the magnificent and complicated octagonal pedestal, with the brilliant arabesque and flame patterns of the nimbus in the background, the statue appears neat and elegant, and harmonious with its pedestal and nimbus. The well proportioned oval face and the calm smile remind one of a graceful Buddhist monk. The triangular composition, created by the posture of sitting with legs crossed and the pose of the typical mudra (Buddhist hand sign) of wisdom. shows calmness instead of muscularity or passion.

The tense dynamism and refined craftsmanship of the height of the prospering Silla Kingdom has been diminished but this statue has its own unique grace and grandeur with an atmosphere of Zen Buddhism.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08