Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha of Bulgoksa Temple, Changwon

This stone statue depicts Vairocana, the Cosmic Buddha, who is regarded as the personification of the absolute universal truth. It is presumed to have been made during the Unified Silla period (668-935). In 1940, it was discovered half-buried in the ground near Bulgoksa Temple, and the same year, a worship hall was built to enshrine the statue.

The buddha is seated with his legs crossed and knees wide apart, giving the impression of stability. The knees of the statue are massive compared to its upper body. The hand gesture, in which his right hand clasps his left index finger, is a distinguishing feature of Vairocana and symbolizes the world of the Buddha leading the world of living beings on the path of truth. The statue sits on an octagonal pedestal elaborately carved with intricate lotus petal designs and images of bodhisattvas, which is a fine example of the exquisite sculpture of the Unified Silla period.

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