Encounter with the Reclining Buddha
In Japan’s quiet countryside, the scent of incense leads to Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka—home to one of the world’s largest reclining Buddhas. A gentle journey where stillness becomes prayer, and peace feels close enough to touch.
In just about 30 minutes from Fukuoka City,
the train on the Sasaguri Line arrives at Kido-Nanzoin-mae Station.
As soon as you step off, the air carries a faint scent of incense—
a quiet sign that you’ve entered a place of prayer.
Following a small riverside path and climbing mossy stone steps,
the great figure emerges among the trees:
one of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues.
Its face seems asleep, yet somehow awake to everything.
Beneath the Buddha’s feet are intricate patterns—sacred symbols known as “Bussokumon.”
They are said to represent the entire universe,
a reminder that every step taken in awareness is a step toward enlightenment.
Nehan (Nirvana) is not death,
but a state of peace beyond desire—a gentle release.
To accept joy and sorrow alike, as part of the same flow.
As the mountain breeze touched my face
and birds called in the distance,
I felt that within myself, too,
there might be a small and quiet Nirvana.
Nanzoin Temple, Sasaguri, Fukuoka]
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