The snow globe is a traditional New Year item at Oterabu. For 2025, it will be available in a snake year version! The white snake, which has been said to bring good fortune since ancient times, is said to be the messenger of Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods who brings wealth and prosperity. This time, we have once again created a cute design using the white snake as the motif for the base. Seated inside the dome is Fugen Bosatsu, the guardian deity for the snake year. Seeing him with his hands together in prayer, you will want to join him in praying.
What is a guardian deity?
In Buddhism, there is a concept of "Thirteen Buddhas Faith" and "Guardian Deities." In this belief, the Buddhas who guide the deceased to the Pure Land during the 13 memorial services held from the seventh day after death until the 33rd anniversary of death are known as "Thirteen Buddhas," and have been worshipped since ancient times. Eight of these Buddhas are known as the guardian Buddhas of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, and are said to protect us from disasters that may befall us.
Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, who governs the Year of the Dragon as well as the Year of the Snake, is also the Buddha who protects the Lotus Sutra and is depicted with his hands together in prayer and riding a white elephant.
Buddha Photographer Handa Camera
While working as a photographer, he spends his days touring his favorite Buddha statues. To date, he has photographed 300 Buddha statues in 250 locations across Japan. His publications include Distant Giant Buddhas: The Great Buddhas of Western Japan.
