This Buddha is known as Yakushi Nyorai
		and can be found in the Genko-ji Temple, Japan. It was carved from a single block of wood in the ninth century and stands 165 cm high (65"). That's one big piece of wood! The right hand is in the abhaya mudra - a gesture of reassurance and loving-kindness. The robes are draped loosely over both shoulders and the bare feet are standing on a lotus seed-pod. An interesting thing to notice about this statue is the medicine jar held in the left hand. Yakushi Buddha made promises to help mankind, especially by healing illness - both of the body and the mind. For this reason Yakushi is known as the Buddha of medicine.