蟹満寺：釈迦如来坐像
蟹満寺の本尊は「釈迦如来坐像」です。釈迦如来は、仏教の開祖である、釈迦もしくはシッダールタ王子としても知られ、導きと悟りのために信仰を集めています。
蟹満寺の釈迦如来坐像は1300年以上前に造られたと考えられており、その完全に近い保存状態から国宝に指定されました。この年代に作られた、大きさの金銅仏は4体しかなく、重さ2.2トン、高さ240センチメートルです。
この彫像はもともとこの寺にあったのか、他のところから移されたのかの説があるが、近年の調査では元々この寺院の本尊である説が有力です。特徴としては、大きさ、ほぼ完全な状態で現在に至っていることとその荘重な表情と手の形や配置です。
Kanimanji Temple: Statue of Shaka Nyorai
Kanimanji Temple enshrines a Seated Shaka Nyorai statue. Shaka Nyorai, otherwise known as the historical Buddha or Prince Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, is often prayed to for guidance and enlightenment.
Kanimanji Temple’s Seated Shaka Nyorai is believed to have been made over 1,300 years ago, and its nearly perfect state of preservation has led to its designation as a National Treasure of Japan. It is one of only four Buddha statues in Japan made of gilt bronze during that period, and it is truly massive, weighing in at around 2.2 tons, with a looming height of 240 cm.
Various theories exist as to whether the statue was originally placed here or moved from elsewhere, though none have been confirmed. However, recent investigations have uncovered evidence pointing to the possibility that it may indeed be this temple’s original object of worship. In addition to its massive size and excellent state of preservation, other distinguishing characteristics of this Seated Shaka Nyorai statue are the severity of its expression and the shape and placement of its hands.
