Sekibutsu Stone Buddha

Sekibutsu Stone Buddha

Sekibutsu is the meaning of "Stone Buddha". These pictures show the famous sekibutsu of the city of Usuki in Kyushu Island. Kyushu Island is located at the south-west of Japan. These sekibutsu were curved about 1,400 yeas ago and declared as Japanese national treasures. Frankly speaking, Sekibutsu are not well curved. They are very simple and they show how the people at that time were frank and open-minded.

I have visited there twice and love to see them. Both times it was very quiet. At the latest time, it was before sunset and most quiet time. Sekibutsu were preserved as they have been more than 1,400 years ago. I think as if I was there at that time. I think some of them were beautifully colored when they were constructed. Now they have no color and weathered and some were damaged. It must be natural through years.

I love most of their faces. They seem calm, friendly and peaceful. People at that time prayed for their happy and peaceful lives. I like to visit there again, to feel the time of slow, quiet and peaceful. I recommend you would.

Fumi's e-mail address: fumi.kobayashi@nifty.com