Tags: takao
A Japan Photo per Day
Shakujo, Buddhist monk staff
By Muza-chan on Dec 12, 2012 | 32 feedbacks »
On Mount Takao, at the Yakuoin Yukiji Temple, in front of the two Tengu statues I noticed a beautiful but unusual metallic decoration representing, at a larger scale, the Buddhist ringed staff called shakujō.
The shakujō was usually made with 4 or 6 rings and was used in prayers, as accompaniment in chanting or simply as a walking stick. However, there are two other quite interesting uses for the shakujō: the monks used to shake the staff so that the ringing noise will scare away the insects from their path, thus avoiding to harm them… And another usage was… as a weapon, against dangerous animals or for self-defense.
Click on photo for higher resolution:
Buddhist monk staff (shakujō)
EXIF Info:
Nikon D90 | |
Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G | |
Focal Length: 55mm | |
Aperture: F/5.6 | |
Shutter Speed: 1/40s | |
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 400 |
Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Night-time in Ginza, San-ai building
