Binzuru
This statue of the Venerable Binzuru (Pindola Bharadvaja) is made of wood covered with lacquer. It has been repainted and restored multiple times, so the original production date and creator are unknown.
The Venerable Binzuru was the first of Shakyamuni's sixteen disciples who he entrusted with propagating the Buddhist teachings. According to one theory, the statue is red to express the fact that, through ascetic practice, he eliminated worldly desires and absorbed abundant energy. He is known in Japanese as Nade Botoke -- The Buddha who is to be stroked. People believe that stroking the statue can cure illness.
The statue is kept outside the main temple building because, according to one story, Binzuru was once excommunicated because he had performed a frivolous demonstration of supernatural power.
The Venerable Binzuru was the first of Shakyamuni's sixteen disciples who he entrusted with propagating the Buddhist teachings. According to one theory, the statue is red to express the fact that, through ascetic practice, he eliminated worldly desires and absorbed abundant energy. He is known in Japanese as Nade Botoke -- The Buddha who is to be stroked. People believe that stroking the statue can cure illness.
The statue is kept outside the main temple building because, according to one story, Binzuru was once excommunicated because he had performed a frivolous demonstration of supernatural power.
