The brief history of Amida "looking back" statue
First of all: who is Amida? Amida Butsu is the japanese name for Amitabha, the principal buddha or the Buddha of Everlasting Light in the Pure Land Buddhism sect, who possesses infinite merits resulting from good deeds over countless past lives. He was a previous incarnation of the Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
in 11th century, an Eikando priest called Yokan was famous for his virtue and aid to the poor. He believed the teachings of Amida and devoted himself to helping the poor.
In the early morning on Feb. 15, 1082, Yokan was walking around the altar praising "Nembutsu" (Namu Amida Butsu). All of a sudden, the Amida came down the altar and began to lead Yokan. Yokan was stunned and stopped walking, then the Amida looked back over the left shoulder and said "Yokan, you are slow."
Yokan awoke and was deeply impressed the merciful pose of the Amida. He pleaded with the Amida to keep the pose forever. Since then, the Amida has been keeping the pose of "Mikaeri (Looking back)". The pose is a symbol of the Amida's mercy to lead people and wait for people who are late in coming to the faith.
Unfortunately it was not possible to photograph the looking back statue of Amida inside...
