8 Takimi Kannon

This space, which is emblematic of founder Tokuzo Yamada’s faith in the Kannon bodhisattva, plays host to a piece that is arguably the crown jewel in Rakuzan Takahashi’s oeuvre and one of the finest in the collection. The figure, sitting solemnly on a rock in a deep mountain valley beyond the reach of earthly affairs, is stunningly crafted using granite monolith, Mt. Asama lava, and an enormous local stone whose red color represents flames. Put your hands together in prayer in front of this statue and feel your mind being cleansed of even the most raging fires of malice.