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| These large carved 12th century cedar guardian statues at the entrance of the Daigo Temple in Kyoto are of Kongoyasha, a King of radiant wisdom. The right statue is a positive image, is pronouncing the Sanskrit vowel sound "ah", represents the beginning of the world and life, and invites all good to come in. The left figure, mouth closed, pronounces "un", is symbolic of the end of the world and death, and prevents evil from entering. |