ANICCASIGHT: Three interesting Buddhist Temples In Town

Temple Rengeo-in is a Buddhist Temple situated in East Kyoto famous for its 1001 images of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy). It is commonly known as Sanjusangendo as the Hall has 33 intervals between columns. To my interpretation, the number 33 was not just refer to building structure, it also reflects the 33 heavens of Buddhism. The 33 guardians standing in front of the 1001 Kannon images, are deity Gods from the 33 heaven. They act as Dharma Protectors to the principal image of an 11 feet tall seated Senju Kannon that enshrined at the center, and the 10 rows of 1000 life size images of Kannon surrounded it. All Kannon images are 11-headed with thousand arms and eyes. Out of the thousand images, 124 units that survived from the 1249 fire were carved in 12th century when the temple was first built, and remaining 876 were carved in 13th century when the temple was restored. All images were made from Japanese Cypress coated in gold leaf

The Temple Complex dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Kannon), was originally built in year 1164 by Taira No Kiyomori for Emperor Shirakawa. It was burnt down in 1249 fire. Main shrine hall was restored in year 1266. The Temple remains intact for more than 700 years with only four major renovations so far. The 120 meters long Japanese styled Main Shrine is the longest temple structure in Japan. This national treasure of the country today is part of the Tendai School of Buddhism in Japan.

Each of the thousand Kannon images housed by Sanjusangendo has different facial expression. Kannon images have 11 heads is because as what we Buddhists believe, to observe the sufferings of human beings and with its thousand arms, help or save them from sufferings. The golden Kannon images lined up in a long wooden gigantic Hall is one of the most awesome and amazing sight I ever came across in Buddhist Temples. Regret we were not allow to take any picture of it as this is the measure drawn by Japanese to protect the valuable historical artifacts. The main photo loaded above was extracted from brochure.

Temple Higashi-Hongan-ji, situated just along the main street about 20 minutes walk from Kyoto Station, is one of the two headquarters of Pureland Buddhism in Kyoto. It was first established in year 1602 but was several times burnt down by fires. The present complex was restored in 1895 and its reputable two tiers 92 feet tall massive Founder's Hall Gate Goei-do, was completed in year 1911.

Honganji Temple belonging to Jodo Shinshu Sect of Japanese Buddhism (Pureland Buddhism), was founded in 1272 by a disciple of Master Honen, named Shiran (1173-1262). The Founder's Hall that enshrines an image of Shiran, is the largest wooden structure in Kyoto. Its 175,000 roof tiles were all hand made. The site is spacious and buildings inside the walled complex are huge.

Hongan-ji was established as a temple dedicated to Amitaba Buddha in year 1321 on the site of Otani Mausoleum where its founder Master Shiran was buried. The first chief monk was the great grandson of Shiran. The sect became influencing and gained power in 15th century when under the management of its 8th Chief monk Rennyo. The expansion of followers created a threat to Tendai Sect of that time. The temple was attacked and finally burnt down by fire. Abbot Rennyo fled to Osaka and built new temples which later were again destroyed by the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga. Fortunately, his successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi favor Buddhism. In year 1591, Toyotomi granted a land and funds to build and expand Honganji Temple. Higashi and Nishi Hongan-ji were built side by side on the same district. A faith with two headquarters standing next to each other was the main intention of Toyotomi to split its influencing power. Shortly after Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu was in power in year 1602, he officially declared that Higashi and Nishi Hongan-ji Temples were to be split into two temples with two separate head monks (Monshu). Higashi Hongan-ji was later placed under the control of Otani-ha organization and renamed as Shinshu Honbyo in year 1987. Higashi and Nishi Hongan-ji are currently the two dominant sects of Shin Buddhism in Japan and abroad with millions of members in the world.

The colorful background and history makes Higashi-Hongan-ji Temple a cultural and spiritual center for Kyoto. Though none of its home buildings are original, the titbits left down from the Meiji era construction are still interesting, for example, the hair-coils that are displayed in corridor between the two halls. It was said that the rope available at that time was not strong enough to lift up the heavy timbers for construction, so female devotees gave out their hair to make tougher ropes to solve the problem and it worked.

The 17th century designed Shosei Garden is just short distance from the main grounds. It was the residence of Abbot built in 1641.

The publication of Temple Higashi-Hongan-ji, mainly published its newsletter, to introduce the information of Shin Buddhism and its upcoming activities. The first issue was in 1947 and since then, it is distributed once a month.

The large walled temple complex located in north Kyoto is named Daitokuji. It is the head temple of Japanese Zen Buddhism School and is one of the best place in Japan to experience the Zen culture, to see variety kinds of Zen Gardens and architectures.

The main buildings including its Sammon Gate, Butsuden Hall, Hatto Hall and Hojo Residence lined up on east side of the Temple grounds, are surrounded by 23 sub-temples. Most of it are usually not opened for public except four of them and the Butsuden Hall, where large Buddha image is enshrined.

Daitokuji was founded in year 1315 by Daitokokush and was a place of worship to Emperors in that time. The Temple was burnt down in Onin War (1467-1477) but restored in the same era by its 47th Priest Ikkyu Sojun. It was greatly supported by many wealthy merchants. During 16th to 17th century, it was expanded with many buildings and lands donated by warlords like Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Many existing buildings of today were constructed during that period.

Daitokuji Temple developed into a center of tea ceremony after reconstruction in 15th century. It was closely associated with tea master Zuko Murata who was the founder of Sen No Rikyu, and related to tea ceremony practitioners Warlords Oda Nobunaga and Hideyoshi Toyotomi. The grave of Oda Nobunaga is located at the sub-temple Sokenin.

Daitokuji Temple with many important cultural assets like paintings, ancient documents and calligraphy is now a national treasure to Japan.

The two most celebrated sub-temples in Daitokuji Complex are Daisenin and Ryogenin. Daisenin established in year 1509 is the chief temple of the North Daitokuji School of Rinzai Sect. Daisenin Temple was an important old architecture that features contemporary Tatami rooms and with rock gardens wrapping around the building.

Ryogenin built in year 1502 is the oldest structure still standing at the complex. The Temple was designed in a typical zen styled residence for its head priest. It is now the head quarter of the South School.