Raigō

(adjective)

An appearance of the Amida Buddha on a purple cloud at the time of one's death; which gave rise to a type of Japanese painting (a raigō-zu) of a Buddha accompanied by bodhisattvas. 

Related Terms

Examples of Raigō in the following topics:

  • Influence of Buddhism in the Heian Period

    • Other popular images used include the Raigō, which depicts the appearance of the Amida Buddha on a floating cloud along with his attendant celestial Bodhisattvas, Kannon and Seishi, at the time of one's death.
    • A famous early example of Raigō imagery dating from 1053 CE is painted on the interior of the Phoenix Hall doors of the Hō-ō-dō.
    • The Raigo image was introduced in Japan by the Pure Land School of Art during the Fujiwara Regency.