Miroku Magaibutsu 弥勒摩崖仏

Official explanation

A majestic 3.3-meter-high depiction of the bodhisattva Miroku (Maitreya) is carved into the granite rock face along the verdant banks of the Wazuka River. Miroku is the Buddha of the Future, prophesized to one day lead humanity into a new age of enlightenment. The low-relief carving was done on a 6.1-meter-tall rock visible from the main road leading in and out of Wazuka, and it represents an ancient tradition of spreading Buddhist imagery beyond temple halls to make it accessible to the common people.

This magaibutsu, a Buddhist figure carved into a rock face or cliffside, was created in 1300, according to an inscription etched into the stone to the right of the deity’s midsection. The rest of the inscription lists the names of those to whom the image was dedicated; it also exhibits a rarely used Buddhist dating system that reflects the number of years since the death of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. The Wazuka Miroku Magaibutsu and nearby Koyasu Jizo are among the very few extant examples of this system of dating stone sculptures in Japan.

Read the full explanation

Despite the age of the carving and exposure to the elements, the depiction of Miroku remains remarkably clear. The deity’s hands are carved to form symbolic gestures (mudra) meant to dispel fear and offer blessings to those who behold it.

Access

From the Wazuka Nagai bus stop, cross the adjacent bridge, turn left, and follow the riverside path for approximately 5 minutes. Please be careful not to enter private fields.

出典: 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース（観光庁） — www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db. この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, Multilingual Explanation Database. This English text was produced by the Japan Tourism Agency's multilingual explanation project and is shown unedited. Opening hours and services may have changed since it was written.