The Vairocana Buddha Triad, the statues of the three tathagathas (thus-comers) enshrined on the altar jointly, represents the three aspects of the Buddha (trikaya, or the three bodies of the Buddha) and is a motif used for over 1,800 years in East Asia, from ancient India to Korea, China, and Japan. The notion of the trikaya Buddhas attained popularity during the Joseon Dynasty, and the Wooden Seated Vairocana Buddha Triad of Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye is a masterpiece of the period and a reference work for the study of the trikaya statues in East Asia.

The triad of trikaya Buddhas embodies the belief that all the Buddhas that exist beyond time and space are at their root made of the Truth Body (Dharmakaya), the Bliss Body (Sambhogakaya), and the Manifestation Body (Nirmanakaya), thereby symbolizing the unity of all Buddhas in all worlds. The three bodies respectively signify the absolute truth itself, the magnificent aspirations and rewards that inherently come with the truth, and how they manifest in incarnate forms.  

The Wooden Seated Vairocana Buddha Triad of Hwaeomsa measures a substantial 2.8 meters and is the only surviving set of sculptures of its kind in the world. The primary statue in the center, the Vairocana Buddha is a solemn representation of the Dharmakaya, the universal truth, flanked to the left by the Rocana Buddha who cuts a lively and energetic figure, and to the right by Shakyamuni Buddha who manifests the Vairocana’s truth more expressively and gently. The three statues of trikaya Buddhas exhibit a range of expressions that artistically align with each kaya, but they are in harmony with each other, creating a majestic atmosphere.