Esoteric Buddhist Ritual Implements (traditionally said to have been brought back by Kobo Daishi)

Ritual Tools Brought from China by Kukai

The Esoteric Buddhist Ritual Implements (traditionally said to have been brought back by Kobo Daishi) (密教法具〈（伝弘法大師将来）〉) is Heian-period esoteric Buddhist ritual implements owned by Kyoogokokuji (Toji) in Kujo-cho, Minami Ward, Kyoto City, which in 1961 were designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records gilt cast bronze implements: a vajra tray 19.7 by 34.8 centimetres, a five-pronged bell 25.8 centimetres high and a five-pronged vajra 24.0 centimetres long.

According to the Agency, they are listed in Kukai's inventory of items brought from China, dated 23 October 806.

The Implements

According to the Agency, the vajra tray, unlike the usual four-lobed lotus form, is a large three-lobed tray with a scalloped front, engraved with a wheel, a three-pronged vajra and, between the prongs, a bell, a hook and other implements.

The bell has sloping shoulders and a flared base with three double bands, simple and bold, and a large demon-eye on the handle; the vajra has heart-shaped eyes on each face of its octagonal grip and strongly spreading prongs.

What to Look For

The Agency notes that the Toho-ki records them in the list of implements for the New Year rite of 1118, and that they were kept in a chest and passed down as the fundamental ritual tools of Shingon esoteric Buddhism.

Originally there were nine items, some lost to theft and replaced; this bell, vajra and tray are those Kukai brought, and they are extremely powerful in appearance.

Visiting the Esoteric Buddhist Ritual Implements (traditionally said to have been brought back by Kobo Daishi)

The implements are owned by Toji and are not always on display; check the temple's announcements.