hidden buddhas

Sometimes translated as “secret buddhas” these are images that are kept hidden away from public display except for certain designated days.

The head priest of the temple which owns one of these images is the one who ultimately decides when and whether they may be shown, although many of them have exceedingly long traditions of when they may be displayed. Such images are thought to have particularly strong powers.

 The photos are of hidden buddhas that appear in the novel.

Jizō hibutsu

Denkōji

Sakyamuni hibutsu

Seiryōji

Nyoirin Kannon hibutsu

Kanshinji

Kariteimo hibutsu

Miidera

Kannon hibutsu

Shidōji

Aizen hibutsu

Saidaiji

Guze Kannon hibutsu

Hōryūji