Hidden Treasure Discovered

The framework of this Mahavairocana Tathagata statue was made of dry lacquer. The crown and ribbons were meticulously constructed of metal wiring. The surface was decorated with gilding and lacquer to convey the beauty of the Buddha.

Preparation of this statue led to the discovery of artifacts hidden inside. Moreover, vermin damage on these items was apparent. It was decided to clear out all the articles, have them catalogued, and then apply the appropriate repairs.

The hidden materials are mainly of two types: scriptures and textile articles. Every scripture scroll was wrapped by yellow silk cloths and five-colored threads.

They were piled up from the base to the neck of the statue. Among the textile articles, shoes and boots were placed at the base and leg areas; robes and wool hats, the central and upper regions. A wooden pillar wrapped with five-colored threads was put in the center to upper region of the statue. The spaces between the articles were totally filled with fragrant and other types of powders.

Reflecting Our Hidden Treasures

In Tibetan Buddhism, the consecration of a statue often involves the ritual of sealing a cache of sacred objects inside the statue. With the rise of Tibetan Buddhism in China since the Yuan dynasty (14th century), buddha and bodhisattva statues with hidden treasures also became popular.

The ritual carries important symbolic meaning. Inside a buddha statue, a pillar-shaped case made of the finest wood is placed at its center axis to hold the sacred cache. The case is oriented vertically in the grain direction of the wood to symbolize continual growth and to bless for prosperity. The treasures generally include relics, sutras and mantras, objects that represent the Three Jewels--the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The base of the statue is often filled with offerings such as jewels, grains, nectar, medicine, incense and silk. Through the caching ceremony, participants make offerings and pay respect to the Three Jewels to generate merits and dedicate blessings.

In this gallery, the Tibetan style Mahavairocana Tathagata on display is known as the Dharmakaya Buddha in the Han Chinese tradition. Mahavairocana means the great sun illuminating everywhere. Beside the Buddha statue are the contents of the cache, reflecting the sincere wishes of the people who sealed away these treasures in the past, reminding us today that -- all things arise and cease by conditions. It is only by realizing our true nature can we access the great wisdom inherent in all of us, shining like the great sun, to transcend this ephemeral world and attain true peace.

The Sixth Chinese Zen Patriarch Huineng, upon his enlightenment, exclaimed, "How wonderful it is that the original nature is intrinsically complete! How wonderful it is that the original nature can give rise to everything!" May the brilliance of the Buddha inspire us to search inward for the most beautiful treasure hidden in all beings.