500 Rakan at Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Temple

 

Rakan is the Japanese word for arhat, a sanskrit word that roughly means an enlightened person.

The exact meaning has changed over time and within different Buddhist traditions, but in general, they are perceived as disciples of the historical Buddha.

Statues of rakan have been popular since ancient times in Japan with some statues of them at many temples. Though 500 is the number often bandied about, there are not so many examples of all 500 being on display.

Not sure how many are here at Sennyoji Temple in SE Fukuoka, but certainly more than 100.

One of the features of rakan is that each one is an individual with different faces and expressions.

This has led to the oft-repeated assertion that if you look closely at the group you will find some that look like people you know.

These rakan at Sennyoji can be seen from the corridor that leads up the hillside to the Kannon Hall and Founders Hall.

Other posts of mine that feature rakan are the one on Rakanji Temple in Iwami Ginzan,  and a series from Jizoji on Shikoku that features quite large, wooden rakan.

A very unusual collection of rakan can be found at Isshiteiji Temple in Matsuyama, Ehime.

The previous post was on the lower part of the temple, and prior to that on the two gardens here. The next post is on the Kannon and Founders Hall.