When you hear about a magnificent Buddha statue designated as an important cultural property by the country, you might imagine that "everything is perfectly calculated and enveloped in a sacred aura."
However, visiting 'Kamiumanai Yakushido' in Aizubakuhonmachi, Fukushima Prefecture, may change that image a bit.
This is an important ancient temple that protects the western side of "Aizu Goyakushi", but when you closely observe the Buddha statues enshrined here, you might want to comment, "Huh? Isn't it a bit rough here?" There are many hidden, human-like mysterious points.
This time, we will guide you on an academic mystery tour that reveals the "hidden faces" of the Buddhist sculptors, which cannot be understood through lofty art explanations.
[Mystery 1] Why is only the "foot" of Yakushi Nyorai so flat?
As you proceed to the back of the hall, you will be welcomed by a huge and majestic "Wooden Sitting Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property)" that stands 1.83 meters tall.
It is made from a single piece of zelkova wood, with a plump, gentle, and mild face. A masterpiece from the mid-Heian period (late 10th century).
However, please pay attention to the lower half of this Yakushi. Compared to the magnificent upper body, the feet seem unnaturally "flat".
Why is that?
Craftsmen of the Edo Period Fighting Against Deadlines
In fact, this statue has a history of being hurriedly repaired because its lower half was decayed when the temple was restored during the Genroku era of the Edo period (around 1690).
According to tradition, the date for the temple's "Completion Ceremony (Renewal Opening)" was approaching, and the sculptors were in a panic!
They likely thought, "Since worshippers will look up from below and the feet will be covered with cloth (lacquer), let's skip the invisible parts and finish it quickly!" It is speculated that it was made in a rush (with a bit of cutting corners).
Doesn't it feel relatable to hear the voices of Edo period craftsmen desperately making excuses as they are pressed for time?
[Mystery 2] Did the Twelve Divine Generals forcibly "modify" the Four Heavenly Kings!?
Near the entrance of the hall, five statues of the "Twelve Divine Generals", who are the bodyguards of Yakushi Nyorai, are lined up.
However, these statues are also under "a significant suspicion".
Generally, stepping on evil spirits (small demons) is the role of the "Four Heavenly Kings", and the Twelve Divine Generals do not step on them. Yet, for some reason, the Twelve Divine Generals here are stepping on evil spirits with all their might.
Moreover, one of the five clearly has a different style and stands stiffly with a face resembling an anime character.
A miraculous collaboration born from "adult circumstances"?
From here on, it's speculation, but there might have been a conversation among people at that time.
- "Since the main deity is Yakushi Nyorai, we definitely want the Twelve Divine Generals."
- "But we don't have the money to make 12 new ones."
- "Then let's modify the 'Four Heavenly Kings (4 statues)' that were around here and call them the Twelve Divine Generals!"
- "Oh, that's a great idea! While we're at it, let's create one more new statue to make it five!"
The truth lies in the darkness, but imagining such "budget constraints" and "adult circumstances" while viewing the statues is the highest form of intellectual entertainment in historical exploration.
[Cultural Perspective] Is it 'during training' or 'after enlightenment'?
Of course, not only are there amusing episodes, but deep Buddhist teachings are also hidden.
Let's compare the sitting postures (lotus position) of the Yakushi Nyorai of "Katsutokuji", which is also one of the Aizu Five Yakushi, and the Yakushi Nyorai of this "Kamiunai Yakushido".
Understanding the status of the Buddha by the way of sitting
・Katsutokuji (Demon-Subduing Posture): The left foot is on top, resting on the right thigh. This is a "during training" strict posture.
・Kamiunai Yakushido (Auspicious Posture): The right foot is on top, resting on the left thigh. This is a "after enlightenment" calm posture.
The differences in facial expressions are firmly hidden behind such doctrinal reasons.
Fieldwork to explore the hidden "true intentions" of the statues
How was it?
If you take off the stiff glasses of "impressive cultural assets" found in art books, you'll find a human drama of the same scale as us, struggling with budgets and deadlines.
At "Tabinoito", we offer tours in the [Academic Style] where guides humorously and academically explain the "behind-the-scenes stories" and "tips for distinguishing" these statues.
"This Buddha was definitely panicking and worried about missing the deadline (laugh)"
How about going out for a fun and deep appreciation of the statues while having an inner dialogue with the craftsmen of the Edo period?
[Unraveling the hidden history, an adult fieldwork experience]
A comfortable journey exploring the real breath of history, different from period dramas, in a dedicated vehicle.
A dedicated guide will introduce you to the stories of Aizu that are not found in textbooks.
First, feel free to consult us via LINE.
