Rakan statues

The Rakan statues in Daishoin are located in Daishoin Temple in Hatsukaichi, Japan. The statues, which consist of 500 stone figures, are all individually carved and are said to be modeled after the face of Rakan (the most famous student of Gautama Buddha). The statues depict various stages of enlightenment, ranging from young warriors to old gurus carrying scrolls. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the statues, as they are said to be endowed with each visitor's wishes to become one of them. The Rakan statues represent the Dharma, the law of the universe, and have been called one of the "Three Wonders of Japan."