鉴真弟子安如宝与唐招提寺药师佛像的埋钱

Jianzhen's Disciple An Rubao and the Hidden Coins in the Statue of Pharmacist Nyorai in Toshodai Temple

支持鉴真东渡的檀越中,可能有在唐的粟特人。追随鉴真东渡的胡国人安如宝就是深眼窝、高鼻梁的粟特人。其至日之后,曾担任唐招提寺住持,参与了药师如来立像的建造。目前在药师如来立像的手掌中发现了三枚铜钱。这一在佛像手掌中埋纳铜钱的做法,应与粟特人的习俗密切相关。

Among the Buddhist believers who supported Jianzhen traveling east to Japan, there may be some Sogdians living in Tang Dynasty. An Rubao, the Hun who followed Jianzhen, is a Sogdian. During his stay in Japan, he took the responsibility as abbot of Toshodai and was in charge of the construction of the statue of Pharmacist Nyorai. Recently three copper coins are found in the hand of Nyoral , which should be closely connected with Sogdian custom.