Disciple or founding teacher
Binzuru Sonja
賓頭盧尊者
Binzuru Sonja is handed down as a disciple of Shakyamuni and is also counted among the Sixteen Rakan. In temple halls he is sometimes enshrined as a "nade-botoke," a buddha image that worshippers may touch. It is an example of reverence for rakan becoming a faith close to daily life.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
A rakan who stays near people
Binzuru Sonja is handed down as a disciple of Shakyamuni and is also counted among the Sixteen Rakan. In temple halls he is sometimes enshrined as a "nade-botoke," a buddha image that worshippers may touch. It is an example of reverence for rakan becoming a faith close to daily life.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・善光寺
Stroking the statue and praying for bodily healing
Zenkō-ji introduces the faith of stroking the statue of the venerable in the same place where one's own body is unwell, praying for healing. The way the surface of the statue has become smooth through many years of worship also shows the prayers that many people have offered.
Source: 善光寺
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：賓頭盧尊者」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 善光寺「巡る：びんずる尊者」（2026-10-15 確認）