Gyoki Bosatsu

In front of Kintetsu Nara Station, there is a statue of Gyoki Bosatsu (Gyoki Bodhisattva).
This statue is facing towards a certain direction. Can you guess where?
The answer is the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple.
Gyoki was a person who contributed to the construction of the Great Buddha.

Gyoki actively carried out missionary work for the people.
He also built huts to provide lodging and food for the poor, and was involved in civil engineering work such as bridges, roads, and the development of new fields.
When Emperor Shomu asked Gyoki to help build the Great Buddha, he traveled around the country soliciting donations although he was already 75 years old.
When the Great Buddha was completed and its eye-opening ceremony was held, Gyoki had already passed away.
Now, Gyoki watches over the Great Buddha Hall in front of Kintetsu Nara Station.

CAT Publishing