![Japanese Characters for Hasedera](hasedera.gif)
This is the Hase Kannon Temple in Kamakura, whose main
purpose is to house a nine meter wooden statue of the
Boddhisattva, "Kannon". The statue is believed to be very
ancient - dating back to the 8th century - and you cannot
take pictures of the statue itself. The statue has eleven faces
- one major face, and ten minor. The ten minor faces
represent the ten stages of enlightenment. It is also believed
that the 11 faces allow Kannon, who is known for her
mercy and compassion, to keep watch in all directions for
those in need of her aid.
|