Bugs to Buddha

Gumma prefecture of Japan

a bizarre Buddha statue that appears to be made from jewels, but is actually comprised of 20,000 dead bugs. The statue, located in a community hall in the Gumma prefecture of Japan, took over 6 years to create.

Inamura Yoneiji, a 89-year-old local of the area, created the statue in tribute to the souls of the insects, most of which are beetles. Talking about the statue, Yoneiji says “For children in the years immediately after World War II, Japan was poor and there was little entertainment available, aside from catching bugs. However, every bug would eventually die after being caught. By making a statue of a Buddha from their dead bodies, perhaps their souls can rest in peace.” And how much more peaceful could a statue of Buddha get, with the bodies of bugs extended into a new life to pay homage to Buddha.




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