reclining Buddha; image of the Buddha entering nirvana
Refers to a statue or depiction of the Buddha lying down, representing his entry into nirvana. Often seen in Buddhist temples. The term 涅槃像 (nehanzō) is a more formal synonym.
See also: 涅槃像
This temple has a famous reclining Buddha.
The reclining Buddha represents the scene of nirvana.
Compound of 寝 (ne, 'sleeping') and 仏 (hotoke, 'Buddha'), literally 'sleeping Buddha'. The reading ねぼとけ is a straightforward combination of the kun'yomi readings.