A stone image of Shokannon-bosatsu: Tokei-ji

Stone Bosatsu images in Engaku-ji

In the glaring afternoon sun, the sharp silhouette of a Hakuunboku (white cloud tree) is falling onto the Hyaku-Kannon garden (the garden of one hundred Kannon-bosatsu images).

The countless white flowers of this tree, which once blossomed in full glory in May, have already become the cascades of green fruits which are lazily swaying to the hot wind.

The moss-covered stone images of Kannon are quietly gazing into the currents of time passing swiftly in front of them.

A Bosatsu statue in Kaizo-ji temple

A Jibo-kannon statue in Jochi-ji temple

Jibo-kannon-bosatsu, a kannon image embracing a baby closely, symbolizes the pure and unconditional affection which a mother pours out on her children. "Jibo" means a affectionate mother.

Jibo-kannon-bosatsu is believed to show profound mercy and affection to all living things and compassionately watch over us to release us from any agony and distress.

A Bosatsu statue in Engaku-ji temple

Future and past are nothing but manmade illusions.
The Bosatsu of transcendental wisdom and mercy is stilly sitting in the moment of "eternal now."

A Bosatsu stone image in Engaku-ji temple

I found the merciful heart of Buddha in the innocent smiling face of this small Bosatsu.

Kanzeon Bosatsu statue in Engaku-ji temple

The small scarlet fruits of "Senryo" (Chloranthus glaber) seemed to be humble but sincere offerings to this god of mercy.

Kanzeon-Bosatsu (the goddess of mercy) statues in the garden of Engaku-ji Temple

One hundred Kanzeon-Bosatsu (Avalokitesvara) stone statues are enshrined in the front garden of Hojyo (the main hall) of Engaku-ji temple. Kanzeon-Bosatsu is the goddess of mercy in Buddhism and appears basically as Sho-kanzeon (aarya avalokitezvara) Bosatsu.

In order to save all living beings equally, Kanzeon-Bosatsu takes a wide variety of metamorphosed forms in accordance with the natures of the living beings to be saved by her infinite mercy.

A Shoukannzeon-Bosatsu statue in the garden of Tokei-ji temple

Sho-kanzeon-Bosatsu is sitting on a lotus flower which symbolizes the land of happiness of Buddhism.

This Bosatsu is one metamorphosis of the goddess of mercy in Buddhism and holds a lotus bud in her left hand and opens the palm of her right hand to display spiritual encouragement and great mercy to every living being.

This Bosatsu performs infinite mercy to save every living being from suffering infernal pains on the dark floor of Hell.