Anaoji Temple
Main Image Wooden Reclining Shaka Nyorai (Nadebotoke) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
Impression TagsWarmthPeacefulnessDepth
DescriptionAnaoji’s Main Hall houses a life-size wooden reclining Shaka Nyorai, a joined-wood sculpture dating to the Kamakura period. The Buddha rests his head on a lotus pedestal with his right hand as a pillow, representing Shaka entering nirvana. Generations of worshippers have touched and rubbed the statue in prayer, leaving the exposed wood polished dark and even wearing away all of the snail-shell curls on the head. Known as a Nadebotoke, visitors may still touch the same part of the statue as an afflicted part of their own body and then rub themselves while praying for healing. The continuing physical act of devotion makes this an exceptionally distinctive Buddhist site.
Basic Information
Visit posts for this spot
No visit posts yet.