|
|
 |
| Sunday, 24 March 2002 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
A popular image in Japan by Indrani Rathnasekara
In Sri Lanka we have the Vitharka Mudra, which though rare, is still a familiar site. This depicts Lord Buddha in a teaching, arguing or discussion pose, with a hand gesture that has the index finger touching the thumb. According to Buddhist iconography, the Vitharka Mudra is always depicted with a right hand gesture. However, in Japan, both images of Buddha and Bodhistwa, including Ushiku Amida Buddha are depicted with dual hand (right and left) gestures. This depiction is said to have originated during the Kamakura era in 1208, and testimony is in the Buddha images of Nara and Miroku. The Ushiku Amida stands magnificently tall in a lush garden amidst rolling hills in Ibaraki Prefecture, 50 km northeast of Tokyo. Originally known as Jodo Teien, the garden is now referred to as Ushiku Arcadia, a place to retrace the Hozo Bosatsu's journey into becoming Amida Buddha. Also a place to relax, meditate and get rid of the impurities of life that mar ones path to perfection The statue, 120 metres tall, stands on a lotus blossom, the position signifying Lord Buddha's vow to step forward and search out all those who are lost within the impure world with its five defilements. The position of the hands symbolises his acceptance of all sentient beings without exception. A five-storey building adjacent to the statue depicts life and Amida Buddha's limitless light; the world of gratification; pure land; the history of Buddhism and how Hozo Bosatsu became Amida Buddha A nearby stream with 48 small rocks symbolises Bosatsu's efforts to become Amida Buddha and his 48 vows that will save humans from worldly desires. A picturesque waterfall depict how Bosatsu's eternal efforts flow into Amida's infinite sea, and a pond called Dai Shin Kai (unfathomable sea) depicts the unfathomable depths of merciful heart. The Ushiku Arcadia is a place where the tranquillity of nature and the dynamism of human ability come together in beautiful harmony. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
The magnificent Ushiku Amida Buddha statue in Japan is one of the
popular structures of Buddhist imagery in the world. In terms of 'Mudra'
(gesture of Buddhist iconography) it is also unique.
