仏足(ぶっそく)
Buddha's footprint
Temple · Sasaguri
Stop 8 of 8
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The Buddha's footprint is an image of the soles of Shakyamuni Buddha's feet carved into stone. In early Indian Buddhism, it was considered presumptuous to create Buddha statues, so the footprint served as an object of worship instead.
The Buddha's footprint is an engraving of Shakyamuni Buddha's footstep carved into stone. In early Indian Buddhism, it was considered presumptuous to represent Shakyamuni Buddha in the form of a statue, so instead the sacred markings on the soles of his feet were carved into stone and venerated as the Buddha's footprint. The patterns engraved on the soles of the feet are said to embody Shakyamuni Buddha's noble teachings and compassionate heart. Since the Buddha's footprint is an object of worship, touching it with one's hands is permissible, though visitors are asked to handle it with care to avoid any damage.
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