Miroku-sama and vegetarianism
We respect and embrace all living beings. As such, a vegetarian diet helps develop a compassionate heart like Miroku-sama's.
Miroku-sama reference materials
- This statue depicts Miroku Bodhisattva teaching in Tushita Heaven. It was made in the beginning of the 5th century A.D. and is located in the west wall of cave 275 of the Dunhuang cave temples in Tonko, China. It is more than 3 meters high. He is sitting on a platform with his ankles crossed. This is a teaching posture. This statue is one of the oldest stone statues of Miroku-sama.
- This depicts Miroku Bodhisattva deeply contemplating how to save people in the future. This statue is known as the wooden seated Miroku in Koryuji Temple in Kyoto. In 1951 it was declared the first national treasure of Japan. It was made in the early 7th century, during the Asuka period. It is one of the most famous statues of Miroku Bodhisattva.
- This statue depicts the Buddha Miroku who will achieve enlightenment under the dragon-flower tree in the future when it comes time for him to end his period of teaching in Tushita Heaven as a bodhisattva. It is known as the “Sitting Miroku” of Jison-in Temple in Wakayama Prefecture. It was also declared a national treasure. It was made around the 9th century A.D. in the beginning of the Heian period and has been kept hidden from public view at Jison-in Temple for a long time. Jison-in Temple is where people go to pay their respects to Kobo Daishi's mother. This statue is the main Buddha statue of Jison-in Temple.
- This statue is modeled after the appearance of the monk Hotei in China, who was said to be the reincarnation of Miroku-sama, because Miroku-sama will be born as a living Buddha. In China this statue is called “Laughing Buddha”. In the West he is better known as “Happy Buddha”. Miroku's time has now arrived and his good news is spreading throughout the world. So this statue will also be seen throughout the world.
