It is snowing in Ojiya and this is good for a big event in the early next month, “Ojiya Huusen Ikki”. Ok, today’s topic is some Buddha statues in Ojiya. Smiles of these statues must give you relief from daily hectic work (^^).

Mokujiki Syounin Saku Sanjyuusan Kannon Zou

Holy Buddha saint and unique sculptor, Mokujiki Syounin, visited Echigo (Niigata pref. at present) twice in his life. He started his tour around Japan to dedicate his life to engrave thousand Buddhist statues in order to give peace and pleasure to common people. In his second walking tour, he visited and stayed at Oguriyama Kannon Dou in Ojiya when he was 86 years old. He engraved 33 Kannon Zou and two other statues.

I have written previously about Hudouji Katsura Bayashi and Hudou Myouou engraved by Gyouki Shyounin. Gyouki Shounin also wandered around Japan to spread teachings of Buddhism for common people about thousand years earlier than Mokujiki Shyounin. Mokujiki Shounin must have been aware of this fact so that he engraved a statue of “Gyouki Bosatsu” as well.

You are allowed to see these statues the 17th of every month. Mokujiki Syounin Saku Sanjyuusan Kannon Zou and two other statues are designated as one of cultural properties by Niigata pref.

参考：小千谷市ホームページ

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