Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a long dark wooden hall, standing in front of an army of more than 1000 many-armed kannon statues.
They are about the same height as you and are staring directly at you.
They stand proud, several rows deep.
How do you feel?
When I visited Sanjusangendo, the 900-year old temple which is home to this golden tribe, I expected to feel afraid standing in front of them. After all there are so many of them and one of me, and they are so other-worldly.
But instead I felt a strange sense of protection.
Like they were on my side.
Safety in an unexpected place.
Who is on your side? What makes you feel safe?
