Statue of Yakushi Nyorai
Important Cultural Property
The principal object of worship at Horinji is this statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of Healing). It is believed to be the only surviving wooden Buddha statue from the Asuka period (552–645). The statue has a benign facial expression and relatively large hands. Its right hand is in the semui-in position to dispel fear and grant protection, while its left hand is in the yogan-in position, a gesture indicating welcome and the granting of wishes.