8,000 Buddhas

On the outskirts of Arashiyama lies the Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple.  It was quite a walk to get here, but we really wanted to see it.

This Buddhist temple was established in 811. It was founded at the top of a hill that, at the time, overlooked the city.  (Caitlin)

There are two smaller temples, one dedicated to the souls of children and unborn babies.

Putting in some incense at the main temple...

The main temple hall dates back to 1712 and contains a statue of Amida Buddha.

The main reason that we wanted to come to this particular Buddhist temple was to see the 8,000 Buddha statues that are placed here.



For centuries after its establishment as a temple, people would bring the dead bodies of unknown people here and just leave them, exposed to the elements. 

Some four hundred years ago, someone decided that the thousands of people that were "buried" here should have some kind of marker.  Since no one knows exactly how many people were brought here, 8.000 small Buddha statues were erected to mark the graves.

Nathan is in this picture, walking through the rows of Buddha statues.

Because these little Buddhas were put up four hundred years ago, they are in rough shape.

As we wandered through the rows and rows of markers, we couldn't help but think of the people who were brought here.  Orphans, the homeless, maybe even some people who struggled with disabilities.  Each person who was brought here had some really hard trials in their life, since they had no family or friends who would claim them and give them a proper burial.

 There's just something about this place.  There was a feeling of peace here.  We all felt it.  (Caitlin in picture)

Audra, Tayla, Logan, and Christopher

Some scriptures kept coming to our mind while we were walking around:  Matthew 5:3-7--Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

As a family, standing around thousands of Buddha statues, we discussed these scriptures and the people who were brought here.  We hope that they now have peace.