Comments on: Hidden Buddhas in Japan http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2010/03/21/hidden-buddhas-in-japan/ My life as a father, Buddhist and Japanophile. Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:53:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Doug http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2010/03/21/hidden-buddhas-in-japan/#comment-3947 Doug Sat, 03 Apr 2010 04:13:22 +0000 http://japanlifeandreligion.com/?p=7217#comment-3947 Yeah, the same is true with Vietnam, where the Buddhas are prominent and flashy. This seems to be Chinese influence in part, though I can't verify this. Why Japan of all places adopted the practice of "hidden Buddhas" is something beyond me. Since some of the earliest statues in Japan are still hidden, I can only assume it's an imported practice at the time, or arose of an immediate need from the earliest days. Oh well. :-) Yeah, the same is true with Vietnam, where the Buddhas are prominent and flashy. This seems to be Chinese influence in part, though I can’t verify this. Why Japan of all places adopted the practice of “hidden Buddhas” is something beyond me. Since some of the earliest statues in Japan are still hidden, I can only assume it’s an imported practice at the time, or arose of an immediate need from the earliest days.

Oh well. :-)

]]> By: Marcus http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2010/03/21/hidden-buddhas-in-japan/#comment-3937 Marcus Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:51:43 +0000 http://japanlifeandreligion.com/?p=7217#comment-3937 Hi, Yes, I think this was one of the main differences (among many!) between Korean and Japanese temples that first struck me. The Buddha images in Korea are usually big and upfront and bright. The ones in Japan are often covered or hidden away or set so far back you have to strain to see! Fascinating post, thank you Doug. Marcus Hi,

Yes, I think this was one of the main differences (among many!) between Korean and Japanese temples that first struck me. The Buddha images in Korea are usually big and upfront and bright. The ones in Japan are often covered or hidden away or set so far back you have to strain to see!

Fascinating post, thank you Doug.

Marcus

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