Erwin Miyasaka: Nadebotoke Binzuru statue at Todai-ji

An old belief in Japan says that if you rub the body part of some religious statues, the corresponding part of your body will be cured of any illness. The belief applies to both Buddhist and Shinto statues, such as the cows representing Ushi-san at Tenman-gū Shinto shrines.

Photographed here is a Buddhist statue at Todai-ji, Nara, called nadebotoke, which literally means “rubbing Buddha statue". It represents Binzuru (Pindola Bharadraja in Sanskrit), one of the Sixteen Arhats, disciples of the historical Buddha.

Click on photo for higher resolution:
Todai-ji Temple, Nara
Todai-ji Temple, Nara
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EXIF Info:

 Nikon Df
Lens: 24-70mm F/2.8G
Focal Length: 35mm
Aperture: F/7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/1250s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 800
The 400 years old legendary Ginkgo tree of Nishi Hongan-ji
 Yesterday’s Japan Photo:

The 400 years old legendary Ginkgo tree of Nishi Hongan-ji

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