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Shaka Buddha at Birth
Standing, H = 47.5 cm. Bowl C = 89.4 cm
Bronze coated with gold (tokin 鍍金)
Tōdaiji Temple 東大寺, Nara Era
Photo: Ogawa Kōzō
Known as Tanjōbutsu 誕生仏 (Buddha at Birth).
According to legend, when born, the infant Buddha
took seven steps forward while pointing his right hand
to the heavens and left hand to earth, saying:
"I alone am honored in heaven and on earth. "
Similar statues are used each year even today
in the Kanbutsu-e ceremony, held every year
in Japan on April 8, to commemorate Buddha's birthday.
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