Daibutsu - the Great Buddha at Kamakura, Japan

James P. Davis, Ph.D.

During the 15 years I have been living and traveling to Japan, I never tire of visiting the Great Buddha at Kamakura.  Built sometime in the 12th century (if I recall correctly), it exerts a serene, reflective and calming effect over you while standing in its presence.  Originally, it was covered by a great temple structure that was apparently destroyed either by fire or by typhoon (I don't remember exactly, and I haven't had opportunity to check my facts in this case).

There is a large incense burner that has been placed directly at the seat of the Daibutsu (Dai means "large" and Butsu is The Buddha).  It is customary for Japanese to place an incense offering, and cull the wafting smoke onto one's head using your cupped hand, as if drawing the purifying smoke to cleanse the mind and body.  It's a practice not unlike the use of incense in the Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Coptic churches, where it represents the prayers of the faithful and the holiness of God.

There is a small door near the rear of the Buddha statue.  In years past, you used to be able to climb inside the Buddha for a small entrance fee.

This particular visit was in the Fall, and the leaves had just turned.  It was a brilliant feast of color.