KANEKO’S CRIB NOTES XXXII: BUDDHIST BONANZAIt’s Buddhism Month at KCN! In celebration of

KANEKO’S CRIB NOTES XXXII: BUDDHIST BONANZA

It’s Buddhism Month at KCN! In celebration of Miroku’s upcoming appearance in Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final, every day for the rest of November will feature a Buddhist-inspired Crib. And that’s no lie!

1. VAIROCANA:Whether or not he actually has a relationship to Hindu Asura or the supreme god of Zoroastrianism, one thing that’s particularly iconic of Vairocana is his particular mudra, called the “chiken-in,” or mudra of the six elements. Both the sculpture and Kaneko’s design sport it.
   
2. ASURA-OU:The king of the Asuras, he is counted among the Hachi Bushu classification of Buddhist guardians, ones who still maintain a fierce disposition after their conversion to Buddhism, but is not above displaying the anjali, or gasshou, mudra of respect. Kaneko Works lists the Kofukuji Asura sculpture seen above as the most impactful on Kaneko’s design; no wonder, as its antiquity (from the 8th century) has made it one of the most famous examples of Buddhist art in Japan.
   
3. ACALA:Acala/Fudou Myou-ou is one of the most iconic figures in Buddhist iconography, so it comes as no surprise that Kaneko played a close game once it was his shot at bat. The results are admittedly underwhelming, especially for a figure with such distinct and powerful imagery associated, but all the major points are on display. The vajra-sword, lariat, braid, and perennially grumpy countenance are hard at work, while even some lesser details such as the ornate necklace manage an appearance.
4. ZAOU GONGEN: While Acala is a bit of a tired frump, Zaou Gongen is quite the opposite: a striking mix of source material and stylistic embellishment, showcasing some of the best of a more mature design sensibility. Like Acala, the general pose and design are closely replicated, right down to the appropriate mudra. In addition to a serious boost in the quotient of luxurious, flowing cloth, Kaneko includes a garment of chains that hardly seem up to the task of containing his furious aspect, and a demonic codpiece for good measure.