Standing Image of the Thousand-Armed Kannon at Tōshōdaiji, Nara

(© Muda Tomohiro)

The small hands densely planted between the 42 large arms express the ability of the bodhisattva to save all living things without exception. (© Muda Tomohiro)

The Kondō Main Hall at Tōshōdaiji is a national treasure. (© Muda Tomohiro)

Every year at the time of the harvest moon, a ceremony known as the Kangetsu sanbutsu-e is held in the Kondō main hall. In the darkness of night, the three great images can be seen shining through the opened doors of the hall, illuminated by light from within. From left: Thousand-Armed Kannon, Rushana Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai. (© Muda Tomohiro)