 |
 |
I chose the topic "Japanese Culture" and took pictures of images of Buddha. The reason I chose this is because my grandfather's hobby is to carve Buddha images from wood. I have seen them since I was a child and it was the only thing I could come up with. I remember being scared of them when I was still small when I visited my grandparents' house because some of them have a very scary look. But I know now that they protect us from bad things and I think they are beautiful now. All the images of Buddha in the picture are carved by my grandfather, Kaiou Norimatsu.
←[Kujakumyouou] |
|
|
Buddha images can be separated into four categories. They are "Nyorai", "Bosatsu", "Myouou" and "Tennbu". "Nyorai" is the greatest of all Buddha's. "Bosatsu" is an ascetic that is for enlightenment. "Kannon" is an example that represents "Bosatsu". People long ago believed that "Kannon" would answer our prayers. "Myouou" put down the rebellion and many devils obey "Myouou". Most of "Myouou" have a frown mad look. "Tennbu" is a kind of angel that lives in heaven.
|
|
 |
|
The picture you can see on the left is a famous as a "Nyorai" and it's called "Dainichinyorai". "Dainichinyorai" is believed as a symbol of the universe. And most "Nyorai" wear simple clothes but "Dainichinyorai" is known well because of the ornaments. |
|
|
 |
|
The picture of the image of Buddha you can see on the left is called the "Basarataishou". He is a "Tennbu" and is a member of group that is called "Jyunishinnshou" who protects "Yakushinyorai". They protect "Yakushinyorai" with twelve people and "Basarataishou" is the one who has a sword in his hand. He removes anguish of food and gives healthy meals. "Jyunishinnshou" have a legend that they correspond to the twelve songs of the Japanese zodiac and they protect "Yakushinyorai" two hours each every day. |
|
|
 |
|
My most favorite image of Buddha at my grandfather's house is the "Shichifukujin". They are seven deities that bring wealth and long life. They are usually drawn with a treasure ship. They look really cute because they are all smiling. |
|
HOME
