Kyoto: Buddha Descends from Heaven, via Drone
12:00 JST, January 14, 2023
KYOTO — In the Buddhist view, Amitabha Buddha is said to descend from heaven on a cloud to pick up people nearing death.
Ryuganji Temple in Kyoto has been re-creating the scene in Buddhist services using a drone.
Although some criticized the practice as being disrespectful when it was started four years ago, videos of the floating Buddha are now popular on social media.
Buddha statue sculptor Yozan Miura came up with the idea as a way to arouse young people’s interest during memorial services for the dead, in an era when Japanese people are increasingly turning away from Buddhism.
A wooden statue was too heavy to place on a drone, so a lighter statue was made using a 3D printer.
Miura said he has received positive feedback, with some noting that it was nice to see the gratifying scene.
“We need to make an effort these days to get people to deepen their understanding of Buddhism,” said Ryuho Ikeguchi, the temple’s chief priest.
"Features" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Liven Up the Dinner Table With Homemade Ham
-
New Fantasy Springs Area at Tokyo DisneySea Unveiled to Press
-
Illumination Event to Open at Classic Garden in Tokyo
-
Low Tide Connects Enoshima Island Directly to Honshu; Tourists Enjoy Natural Phenomenon
-
Kyoto’s Aoi Festival Showcases Ancient Japanese Attire; Estimated 35,000 People Watch Procession from Roadside
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Weakening Yen Adds Complexity to BOJ’s Rate Hike Decisions; Rising Commodity Prices may Impact ‘Virtuous Cycle’ Efforts
- Japanese Seafood Exports to China Sink 57% in FY23; U.S. Becomes Largest Seafood Export Destination
- 70% of Japan Companies to Raise Pay Scales in FY 2024
- ASEAN Plus 3 Share Concerns About Excessive Exchange Rate Fluctuation; Seeking Stability in Exchange Rate
- Minutes Show Policymaker Wants BOJ to Consider Further Rate Hikes Further