This morning a thirty minute train ride from the Hakata station in Fukuoka took us into the hills of Nanzoin where we hiked across a bridge to the General Head Temple of Sasaguri Shikoku. “Melody Bridge” had metal strips set apart and a mallet to play them like a xylophone as you crossed.
The temple was at the foot of a steep hill which led to a colorful wooden statue of Acalanatha. Twenty-feet tall, eyes crossed in ferocious rage, Acalanatha stood sword in hand ready to cut off all forms of self-doubt. We were on holy ground, so photographs weren’t allowed. I tried to stop a woman from taking some, but her husband growled at me. I think they were German. I growled back an American epithet which clearly upset them.
I needed to cool off, so I headed up the tunnel leading to the Nirvana Statue aka the Reclining Buddha, 136 feet long, 36 feet high. (The Statue of Liberty is 150 feet tall.)
It is a bronze image of Buddha giving his final teaching as he lies on his side in a state of peace and tranquility detached from all the world’s suffering. Benches were provided for people to sit and repeat the mantra: “Noumakusanmanda Bodanan Baku.”
People were more into taking selfies than repeating mantras. The suggestion handed out at the entrance to the temple—“Look deeply into your heart as you visit quietly”—wasn’t taken very seriously. For the tour groups and families that were there, concentrating on one’s inner self wasn’t part of the social occasion.
Closer to the Buddha I could make out some of the 500 smaller statues of Buddha’s disciples. Each disciple was depicted with a different, lively personality.
Attached to the Buddha’s hand are colored ribbons that lead to an offering box.
By the golden inscribed feet of the Buddha there was a small shrine with the stone cat deity.
Even with all the posing people, there was a sense of sanctity prevailing over the wide plaza with the Buddha reclining against the hills.
I would love to have seen that Buddha.
Enlightenment and nirvana aside, just contemplating the craftsmanship of creating that huge representation is a prayer in itself.
Way back in my youth, I was in Thailand and saw huge Buddha statues in the middle of forests. No temples in evidence.
I agree with Wynette, seeing that Buddha would be a lovely experience. I like to think I would contemplate it in tranquility. But maybe one photo.
My last reply was censored! All I said was that it was hard to get a shot without people in the way, but if you contemplated long enough a peaceful vista opened up.
Love the lounging Buddha ! I’d like to see a large Buddha crouching over a 20 ft putt,deep in contemplation 🏌🏾♀️
And the expression on his face if he missed the putt! Still calm, still blissful? I’d like to have a putting mantra.
Nice visit. I’d love to see that place. Enjoyed the photos.