While visiting Japanese temples, one may encounter not only grand architectural beauty but also numerous statues representing key figures from Buddhist and Shinto traditions. Among them is Binzuru – a revered Buddhist disciple believed to possess healing powers and deep compassion. His presence in temples invites quiet devotion, ritual gestures, and the hope of physical and spiritual relief.
Binzuru was one of the arhats. Arhats are beings who have attained a state of spiritual liberation through direct understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. They are believed to be entirely free from suffering, desire, and the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Although they are not buddhas, they have reached enlightenment and are characterised by deep wisdom and spiritual purity.
In Buddhism, particularly in China, Japan and Tibet, a tradition developed around the veneration of the Sixteen (or Eighteen) Arhats. According to legend, these were disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha who were entrusted with the task of preserving and protecting the Dharma – that is, the Buddha’s teaching, the cosmic law, and the spiritual path leading to liberation. Dharma is not merely a set of moral rules; it is also the universal truth about the nature of reality, which the practitioner is meant to realise and embody. Statues of the arhats are commonly found in temples. They are portrayed as elderly monks, each with a distinctive facial expression, gesture or attribute, symbolising various aspects of spiritual practice – from contemplation to acts of compassion.
One of the most revered arhats in Japan is Binzuru, known in Sanskrit as Pindola Bharadvaja. According to legend, he was one of the Buddha’s most gifted disciples, endowed with great spiritual powers. However, he used these abilities inappropriately – showing off before others, for instance by levitating. The Buddha rebuked him, and as a form of spiritual obligation, assigned him the task of remaining in the world to help people – most notably through healing.
Statue of Binzuru in Tōdai-Ji Temple in Nara (Japan)
In Japan, Binzuru is often depicted as an elderly monk with a kind and gentle expression. He is typically shown sitting in a meditative pose, holding a cane and a beggar’s bowl.
It is believed that he has the power to cure illnesses and alleviate suffering, and many people visit his shrines and temples to pray for healing and good health. One popular practice associated with Binzuru is the rubbing of his statue. It is believed that by rubbing the statue in the spot corresponding to one’s own ailment, one can transfer Binzuru’s healing power to themselves or to a loved one who is ill. His statue is often worn smooth, polished, and draped with cloths as a sign of reverence and gratitude.
In Tōdai-Ji Temple in Nara Binzuru wears an orange robe, which is a traditional color for Buddhist monks in Japan and other Asian countries. The color orange is considered significant in Buddhism, as it represents the color of the robes worn by the Buddha and his followers. It is also said to represent the qualities of wisdom, humility, and detachment from material possessions. The orange robe worn by Binzuru is thus a symbol of his status as a Buddhist monk and his dedication to the practice of the Buddhist teachings. It is also believed to represent his compassion and willingness to help those in need, as Buddhist monks are known for their role in providing spiritual guidance and support to their communities.
