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 guarding the western part of the 'Aizu Five Yakushi,' but if you closely observe the enshrined Buddha statues, you might want to comment, "Huh? Isn't it a bit rough here?" as there are many human-like, mysterious points hidden.
This time, we will guide you on an academic mystery tour that reveals the "hidden faces" of the sculptors, which cannot be understood through lofty art explanations alone.
[Mystery 1] Why are only the "feet" of Yakushi Nyorai so flat?
As you proceed deeper into the hall, you will be greeted by the massive and dignified "Wooden Yakushi Nyorai Sitting Statue (Designated Important Cultural Property)" standing at a height of 1.83 meters.
Carved from a single zelkova tree, it has a plump, gentle, and serene face. This masterpiece dates back to the mid-Heian period (late 10th century).
However, pay attention to the lower half of this Yakushi Nyorai (the part where it sits cross-legged). Compared to the magnificent upper body, the feet seem unnaturally "flat".
Why is that?
Craftsmen of the Edo period battling 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 "Rakugei Hōyō (Renewal Ceremony)" was approaching, and the sculptors were in a panic!
It is speculated that they thought, "Since worshippers will be looking up from below and the feet will be covered with cloth (lacquer), let's skip the invisible parts and finish it quickly!" and thus it was made in a hurry (with some shortcuts taken).
Doesn't it feel like you can hear the desperate excuses of the craftsmen from the Edo period racing against the deadline, creating a sense of familiarity?
[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 (Jūni Shinshō)" who are the bodyguards of Yakushi Nyorai are lined up.
However, these statues are also under suspicion of having "a significant issue".
Generally, it is the role of the Four Heavenly Kings to step on evil spirits (small demons), and the Twelve Divine Generals do not step on them. Yet, for some reason, the Twelve Divine Generals here are stepping on the evil spirits with gusto.
Moreover, one of the five has a noticeably different style, standing stiffly with a face resembling an anime character.
A miraculous collaboration born from "adult circumstances"?
From here on is speculation, but perhaps there was a conversation among the people of that time.
- "Since the main deity is Yakushi Nyorai, we definitely want the Twelve Divine Generals."
- "But we don't have the money to create 12 new ones."
- "Then let's modify the 'Four Heavenly Kings (4 statues)' that are around and call them the Twelve Divine Generals!"
- "Oh, that's a great idea! Let's create one more new statue and 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 also profound Buddhist teachings hidden within.
Let's compare the sitting postures (lotus position) of the Yakushi Nyorai at "Katsuzouji," which is also one of the Aizu Five Yakushi, and the Yakushi Nyorai at this "Kamiuman Yakushido."
The difference in facial expressions has solid doctrinal reasons hidden behind it.
Fieldwork to explore the "true intentions" hidden in the statues
How was it?
When you take off the stiff glasses of "magnificent cultural assets" found in art books, you will find a human drama of the same scale as ours, 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 must have been worried about missing the deadline (laughs)"
Why not enjoy a deep and fun appreciation of the statues while having an inner dialogue with the craftsmen of the Edo period?
