Close Encounters of Buddhist Images

Transcription

1 Close Encounters of Buddhist Images Lisa Hello! I m Nakamura Lisa. We are going to visit two temples in Nara. One is Muroji Temple, the other is Enjoji Temple so that we can appreciate Buddhist images in Nara. Peter Hi, everyone! I m Peter Mackernan. I like the expressions of the Buddhist images. When I see them, they make me feel peaceful inside. Na First, we visited Muroji Temple and we asked Mr. Matsuhira to show us around the temple. You will feel more familiar with Buddhism if you have a clear understanding of the four basic categories of Buddhist images. Peter There are a large variety of Buddhas here. Different images of Buddhas have their own characteristics, don t they? Lisa Basically Buddha is classified into four types, which is the Nyorai, the Bosatsu, the Myoo, and the Tenbu. Each category has several different styles. That s why there are so many names for Buddhist images. Peter Can you explain about what the Nyorai is? Lisa As you can see, there are two statues of the Nyorai here. The one placed in the center is called a Shaka Nyorai statue. The other, placed on the right hand side of him, is called a Yakushi Nyorai statue. The Nyorai became enlightened after

2 tough Buddhist training. spiritual enlightenment. images. The Nyorai represents ultimate truth and attains The Nyorai is the highest amongst the Buddhist Peter Who was the Nyorai modeled on? Lisa He was actually modeled on Shyakamuni, and also called the Shiddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. It is said that he lived in India, around 7th to 5th Century BC. Peter The cloth the Nyorai wears is plain, isn t it? Lisa Since he was modeled on Shyakamuni, who became a priest and renounced worldly desires, he wears a piece of plain cloth called Noe. Peter Can you tell me what the characteristics of the Nyorai are? Lisa The Nyorai has many physical features which indicate Nyorai s acquisition of supernatural abilities. For example, there is a lump on his head, which looks like a bowl turning upside down. This lump shows how deep his wisdom is. Peter How can I say it in English? Let me see! We can say it the lump of wisdom.

3 Peter How about the different hand-signs? Lisa We call them inzo, which is something like sign language. It indicates what kind of abilities the specific Buddhist image possesses. Peter That s interesting. Can you tell me what these hand-signs indicate? Lisa The right hand means salvation from suffering. The left hand indicates May your dreams come true. Peter Can you explain further? How about these other three Buddhist images? Lisa These are the Bosatsu. They represent people under Buddhist training for enlightenment, to catch up with the Nyorai. The face of the Bosatsu shows a very gentle smile, suggesting divinity. Peter The two Buddhist images on the left hand side are wearing many luxurious ornaments, aren t they?

4 Lisa This Bosatsu was also modeled on Prince Shyakamuni, when he was on the way of the tough Buddhist training. Because he was a prince, many luxurious accessories like a crown and breast ornaments are worn. Peter The one on the leftmost side has several small Buddhist faces on her head, doesn t he? He reminds me of someone very gentle and tender. By the way, why does he have many faces on his head? Lisa He is called an Eleven-faced Kannon Statue. There are diversity of faces like a gentle face, a smiling face and an ugly face, with each face in a different direction. This way, he can comply with everyone's wishes. Peter Can you tell me about the twelve smaller statues? They look like they are protecting the five Buddhist images behind them. Lisa We call them the statues of the twelve Divine Generals, which belong to the Tenbu category that he mentioned before. If you remember, it is one of the four basic categories of Buddhist images. Peter What are the characteristics of the Tenbu? Lisa The Tenbu are armed and they protect and guard Buddha, Bosatsu, Nyoo and even Buddhist followers against enemies. Peter The one we ve seen in the Kondo Hall is standing, but in this Mirokudo Hall the Buddhist image is sitting.

5 Lisa This is Shaka Nyorai. As you can see, she is sitting, and is different from the one we ve seen before in the Kondo Hall. This statue, known as a representative statue of the early Heian period, is designated as a National Treasure. Peter This statue is a Bosatsu, too, isn t it? Lisa That s right. This was also carved in the early Heian period. Peter Both of them have merciful faces, which must fascinate the visitors. Lisa I agree. Thank you very much for showing us around. Peter Thank you so much. Na Next we visited Enjoji Temple in Nara city so that we could see the last of the four basic categories of Buddhist images, which is called the Myoo. We asked the chief priest, Mr. Tabata to show us around the temple. Zack Hello, I m Zack Davisson. I came here to appreciate the Buddhist images since I am inspired by fascinating artistic work. Lisa This is the last basic category of Buddhist images, which is called the Myoo. He is the incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai. Peter The Myoo is a brave and bold figure, isn t he?

6 Lisa The Myoo is given the power of the truth by the Nyorai. The Myoo often shows fearsome faces to save people against all kinds of evil. Lisa This is called Dainichi Nyorai, which was carved by Unkei, a sculptor of Buddhist images, representing the Kamakura period. Peter Why is he wearing ornaments, in spite of being the Nyorai? The Nyorai s clothing should be simple. Right? Lisa It is said that Dainichi Nyorai is the whole universe to life, which is ranked as the highest in esoteric Buddhism. He wears special clothing to show his status. Lisa This temple is dedicated to Amida Nyorai. This statue is called Amida Nyorai. Zack Can you tell us about Amida Nyorai?

7 Lisa It is said that Amida Nyorai is the head of the western Buddhist paradise. Of course, this is derived from religious belief. Peter His hand-sign is different from the one we ve seen at Muroji Temple. Lisa This is called Join. When we do Zen meditation, we sit like that, hands crossing in front of our bellies. Peter & Zack Thank you very much. Na Nara is a treasure-house of Japanese arts. Since the introduction of Buddhism, the Buddhist Images have played a particularly important role in creating special Plastic Arts in the artistic fields of Buddhism. As one stares at the face of the Buddha, one gets the feeling that the statue will begin talking at any moment. It is probably true that the passion with which many people make wishes to the Buddha, is in the mind of Buddha.