A Glimpse into the Sacred Past: Sagamihara City Unveils Details of Three Revered Buddhist Sculptures
Sagamihara City is pleased to announce the publication of detailed information regarding three significant cultural assets housed at Shōsen-ji Temple. This new release, made available on September 1st, 2025, sheds light on the “Wooden Standing Amida Buddha Statue, Wooden Standing Yakushi Buddha Statue, and Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva Statue” (祥泉寺の木造阿弥陀如来立像・木造薬師如来立像・木造千手観音菩薩立像), offering a valuable opportunity for the public to engage with these important historical and artistic treasures.
These three exquisite wooden sculptures are recognized as designated cultural properties of Sagamihara City, reflecting their profound historical and artistic significance. The information published aims to provide a comprehensive overview of each statue, likely including details about their creation period, artistic style, historical context, and any notable features or inscriptions.
The Wooden Standing Amida Buddha Statue, a central figure in Pure Land Buddhism, represents Amida Buddha, who presides over the Western Paradise. Sculptures of Amida are often depicted in serene and compassionate poses, embodying the Buddha’s vow to guide all beings to enlightenment.
The Wooden Standing Yakushi Buddha Statue honors Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, revered for his healing powers and his ability to alleviate suffering. These statues are often characterized by their benevolent expressions and the presence of medicinal herbs or a medicine pot, symbolizing their healing attributes.
Lastly, the Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva Statue depicts Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, in her multi-armed form. The numerous arms symbolize her boundless capacity to hear the cries of suffering beings and to offer aid in myriad ways. These figures are often intricately carved, showcasing the dedication and skill of the artisans.
By making these details publicly accessible, Sagamihara City underscores its commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage. This initiative allows both residents and visitors to deepen their understanding and appreciation of these sacred objects, which have likely served as focal points of devotion and artistic expression for generations.
We encourage everyone with an interest in Japanese Buddhist art, history, or the cultural landscape of Sagamihara to explore this newly published information on the official Sagamihara City website. This unveiling promises to be an enriching experience, offering a valuable connection to the spiritual and artistic legacy embodied within these remarkable wooden sculptures at Shōsen-ji Temple.
66.祥泉寺の木造阿弥陀如来立像・木造薬師如来立像・木造千手観音菩薩立像（しょうせんじのもくぞうあみだにょらいりゅうぞう・もくぞうやくしにょらいりゅうぞう・もくぞうせんじゅかんのんぼさつりゅうぞう）
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相模原市 published ’66.祥泉寺の木造阿弥陀如来立像・木造薬師如来立像・木造千手観音菩薩立像（しょうせんじのもくぞうあみだにょらいりゅうぞう・もくぞうやくしにょらいりゅうぞう・もくぞうせんじゅかんのんぼさつりゅうぞう）’ at 2025-09-01 15:05. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.