Fugen Bosatsu

Fugen (普賢) is the bodhisattva of practice and of the vows that put wisdom into action. Riding a white elephant with six tusks, he is the gentle partner of Monju: where Monju embodies understanding, Fugen embodies its patient, everyday practice.

Japanese 普賢菩薩, Fugen Bosatsu
Sanskrit Samantabhadra
Rank Bodhisattva
Recognise by Seated on a white elephant, often with six tusks; hands joined in prayer or holding a lotus
Often with Shaka and Monju
Memorial rite The 28th day, in the Thirteen Buddhas

Identifying Fugen

The elephant is decisive. Fugen sits on a lotus on the back of a white elephant, often with six tusks, which are read as the six perfections of the bodhisattva path. His hands are usually joined in prayer, gasshō, or hold a lotus or a sutra. In the Shaka triad he stands to the Buddha's right.

Fugen and the Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra closes with Fugen's promise to appear on his elephant and protect anyone who recites it. Because the sutra also promised salvation to women, Fugen was especially loved by the women of the Heian court, and Heian paintings of Fugen, in soft colours and cut gold, are among the most beautiful Buddhist paintings in Japan.

Fugen Enmei

An esoteric form, Fugen Enmei, has twenty arms and rides one or several elephants. He is invoked for long life, and appears in Heian and Kamakura paintings used in rites for the health of patrons.

Collecting notes

  • Fugen sculptures outside temples are rare. Most surviving figures are triad attendants, so look for a matching Monju or Shaka.
  • The elephant's trunk and tusks are vulnerable to loss. Ivory and bone tusks on older figures may be replacements.

In the collection

Browse bodhisattva figures and Buddhist paintings. Our collector concierge can search Japan for a Fugen image.

See also

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