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Ancient Buddhist Statue Unveils Hidden Treasures at Myooin Temple

The Buddhist Channel, 14 Feb 2024

FUKUYAMA, Japan -- An important discovery has unfolded at the Myooin temple in Hiroshima Prefecture, revealing layers of traditional "washi" paper adorned with images of revered Buddhist figures within the hollowed-out head of an ancient statue. The revelation came to light during the dismantling process of the Maitreya statue, a designated important cultural asset by Hiroshima Prefecture, for repair work.

The intricate uncovering displayed ink images of Bhaisajyaguru and Ksitigarbha alongside the primary figure, Maitreya. Seal stamps meticulously adorned nearly every inch of the sheets, depicting these revered figures of Buddhist lore.

The Myooin temple, situated in the Kusadocho district and affiliated with the Shingon sect of Buddhism, holds the wooden seated statue as its principal object of worship. This statue, believed to have been crafted during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period around 1348, is enshrined within a five-storied pagoda of national treasure status.

During the recent dismantling process for repair, temple officials stumbled upon the hidden treasure of sheets of washi paper delicately infused with sacred imagery. Recognizing the fragility of these ancient artifacts, the sheets were carefully removed to prevent further decay, allowing for closer examination of the embedded images.

An ink image recovered from the hollowed out head of a religious statue shows Buddha, right, Bhaisajyaguru, center, and Ksitigarbha standing beside each other. They are all from the same single stamp. (Provided by Fukuyama city)

The discovery has sparked anticipation within the Buddhist community, with hopes that it may illuminate the historical context surrounding the construction of the wooden pagoda over six centuries ago. Fukuyama city's cultural promotion division disclosed that the sheets of paper come in three distinct types, each offering unique insights into the era's religious practices.

One set comprises ten sheets of washi, each intricately adorned with stamps bearing ink images of Buddha, Bhaisajyaguru, and Ksitigarbha, standing in divine reverence. Another set features smaller sheets stacked together, each imprinted with Buddhist imagery, while a single piece of paper showcases both a Buddhist pattern and cryptic characters.

Reflecting on the rarity of such findings, a representative from Fukuyama's cultural promotion division emphasized the significance of the trinity of figures, symbolizing the past, present, and future realms within Buddhist cosmology. "The three represent the three worlds of the past, the present, and the future," the representative stated. "We still have much research to do."

As scholars and devotees alike delve deeper into the significance of this profound discovery, the Myooin temple stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual legacy woven into the fabric of Buddhist heritage.

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