Difference between revisions of "Zenko-ji"
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[[善光寺]] [[Zenko-ji]] | [[善光寺]] [[Zenko-ji]] | ||
| − | A [[temple]] in [[Nagano]] Prefecture, [[Japan]], affiliated with the [[Tendai]] and the [[Pure Land]] ([[Jodo]]) schools. Built in the seventh century, it enshrines a statue of [[Amida Buddha]] flanked by those of the [[bodhisattvas]] [[Perceiver of the World's Sounds | + | A [[temple]] in [[Nagano]] Prefecture, [[Japan]], affiliated with the [[Tendai]] and the [[Pure Land]] ([[Jodo]]) schools. Built in the seventh century, it enshrines a statue of [[Amida Buddha]] flanked by those of the [[bodhisattvas]] [[Perceiver of the World's Sounds and Great Power]]. |
| − | According to this temple's [[tradition]], the statue was [[Japan's]] first [[Buddhist]] image, sent by [[King]] SyØngmyØng of the [[Korean]] {{Wiki|kingdom}} of [[Wikipedia:Baekje|Paekche]] to the [[Japanese]] [[emperor]] Kimmei in 552 (the [[traditionally]] accepted date for the formal introduction of [[Buddhism]] to [[Japan]]). | + | According to this temple's [[tradition]], the statue was [[Japan's]] first [[Buddhist]] image, sent by [[King]] [[SyØngmyØng]] of the [[Korean]] {{Wiki|kingdom}} of [[Wikipedia:Baekje|Paekche]] to the [[Japanese]] [[emperor]] [[Kimmei]] in 552 (the [[traditionally]] accepted date for the formal introduction of [[Buddhism]] to [[Japan]]). |
| − | The [[Mononobe]] {{Wiki|clan}}, who opposed [[Buddhism]] and claimed it to be the [[cause]] of epidemics, repeatedly discarded the statue. According to [[tradition]], however, it was retrieved each time by the [[Soga clan]], the pro-Buddhist faction. | + | The [[Mononobe]] {{Wiki|clan}}, who opposed [[Buddhism]] and claimed it to be the [[cause]] of epidemics, repeatedly discarded the statue. According to [[tradition]], however, it was retrieved each time by the [[Soga clan]], the pro-[[Buddhist]] faction. |
| − | In 602 the statue [[Zen school]] 832 was transported to Shinano Province (present-day [[Nagano]] Prefecture) and enshrined in 642 at Zenko-ji [[temple]], which was built that year. | + | In 602 the statue [[Zen school]] 832 was transported to [[Shinano]] Province (present-day [[Nagano]] Prefecture) and enshrined in 642 at Zenko-ji [[temple]], which was built that year. |
| − | Zenkō-ji ([[善光寺]]?) is a [[Buddhist temple]] located in [[Nagano]], [[Japan]]. | + | [[Zenkō-ji]] ([[善光寺]]?) is a [[Buddhist temple]] located in [[Nagano]], [[Japan]]. |
The [[temple]] was built in the 7th century. [[Nagano]] City, established in 1897, was originally a town built around the [[temple]]. | The [[temple]] was built in the 7th century. [[Nagano]] City, established in 1897, was originally a town built around the [[temple]]. | ||
| − | Historically, Zenkō-ji is perhaps most famous for its involvement in the battles between | + | Historically, [[Zenkō-ji]] is perhaps most famous for its involvement in the battles between [[Uesugi Kenshin]] and [[Takeda Shingen]] in the 16th century, when it served as one of [[Kenshin's]] bases of operations. |
| − | Currently, Zenkō-ji is one of the last few remaining [[pilgrimage sites]] in [[Japan]]. | + | Currently, [[Zenkō-ji]] is one of the last few remaining [[pilgrimage sites]] in [[Japan]]. |
| − | Zenkō-ji was founded before [[Buddhism in Japan]] was split into several different sects, so it currently belongs to both the [[Tendai]] and [[Jōdoshū]] [[schools of Buddhism]], and is co-managed by twenty-five {{Wiki|priests}} from the former school, and fourteen from the [[latter]]. | + | [[Zenkō-ji]] was founded before [[Buddhism in Japan]] was split into several different sects, so it currently belongs to both the [[Tendai]] and [[Jōdoshū]] [[schools of Buddhism]], and is co-managed by twenty-five {{Wiki|priests}} from the former school, and fourteen from the [[latter]]. |
The [[temple]] enshrines images of the [[Amida Buddha]]. | The [[temple]] enshrines images of the [[Amida Buddha]]. | ||
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According to legend, the image, having [[caused]] dispute between two [[clans]], was dumped into a canal. | According to legend, the image, having [[caused]] dispute between two [[clans]], was dumped into a canal. | ||
| − | It was later rescued by Yoshimitsu Honda. The [[temple]] was thus named "Zenkō," according to the {{Wiki|Chinese}} transliteration of Yoshimitsu's [[name]]. | + | It was later rescued by [[Yoshimitsu Honda]]. The [[temple]] was thus named "[[Zenkō]]," according to the {{Wiki|Chinese}} transliteration of [[Yoshimitsu's]] [[name]]. |
[[File:Zenkoji47.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Zenkoji47.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | The main [[Buddhist]] image is a hibutsu ( | + | The main [[Buddhist]] image is a [[hibutsu]] ([[secret Buddha]]), a hidden [[Buddha]] statue, not shown to the public. This [[hibutsu]] is rumored to be the [[first Buddha]] statue to ever be brought to [[Japan]]. |
The commandments of the [[temple]] require the [[absolute]] secrecy of the statue, prohibiting it to be shown to anyone, including the [[chief priest]] of the [[temple]]. | The commandments of the [[temple]] require the [[absolute]] secrecy of the statue, prohibiting it to be shown to anyone, including the [[chief priest]] of the [[temple]]. | ||
| − | However, a replica of the statue ( | + | However, a replica of the statue ([[Maedachi Honzon]]) has been created which can be shown publicly once every six years in spring, in a {{Wiki|ceremony}} called [[Gokaichō]]. |
This event attracts many worshipers and visitors. | This event attracts many worshipers and visitors. | ||
| − | When the statue was on display in 2003, Zenkō-ji cooperated with Motozenkō-ji and Zenkō-ji of Kofu, | + | When the statue was on display in 2003, [[Zenkō-ji]] cooperated with [[Motozenkō-ji]] and [[Zenkō-ji]] of [[Kofu]], [[Yamanashi]] Prefecture. |
| + | The most recent display of "[[Maedachi Honzon]]" took place in April and May, 2009. | ||
| − | The [[temple]] contains a statue of [[Binzuru]], a [[physician]] who was said to be [[Buddha's]] follower. Visitors to the [[temple]] {{Wiki|touch}} the statue in order to cure their {{Wiki|ailments}}. | + | |
| + | The [[temple]] contains a statue of [[Binzuru]], a [[physician]] who was said to be [[Buddha's]] follower. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Visitors to the [[temple]] {{Wiki|touch}} the statue in order to cure their {{Wiki|ailments}}. | ||
The [[temple]] also contains an inner [[prayer]] chamber, accessible to visitors. | The [[temple]] also contains an inner [[prayer]] chamber, accessible to visitors. | ||
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[[File:Zenkoji_Temple_01.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Zenkoji_Temple_01.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | According to the explanation of Zenkō-ji, The Hibutsu, or the Main Image of Zenkō-ji, moved from [[India]] to [[Japan]] by way of the {{Wiki|Korean peninsula}}, in the 6th century, during the reign of [[Emperor Kimmei]].[1] | + | According to the explanation of [[Zenkō-ji]], The [[Hibutsu]], or the Main Image of [[Zenkō-ji]], moved from [[India]] to [[Japan]] by way of the {{Wiki|Korean peninsula}}, in the 6th century, during the reign of [[Emperor Kimmei]].[1] |
Afterwards, it was moved several times before coming to rest at its {{Wiki|present}} location in [[Nagano]] city. | Afterwards, it was moved several times before coming to rest at its {{Wiki|present}} location in [[Nagano]] city. | ||
| − | At the end of the [[Kamakura period]] (1185–1333), many [[temples]] copied Zenkō-ji's famous [[Buddha]] statue, and many new [[temples]] were built around the country, calling themselves "Zenkō-ji" or "Shin-Zenkō-ji" (The New Zenkō-ji). | + | At the end of the [[Kamakura period]] (1185–1333), many [[temples]] copied [[Zenkō-ji's]] famous [[Buddha]] statue, and many new [[temples]] were built around the country, calling themselves "[[Zenkō-ji]]" or "[[Shin-Zenkō-ji]]" (The [[New Zenkō-ji]]). |
| − | In the {{Wiki|Sengoku period}} (mid-15th to 17th century), when the Zenkō-ji became embroiled in the struggles between | + | In the {{Wiki|Sengoku period}} (mid-15th to 17th century), when the Zenkō-ji became embroiled in the struggles between [[Uesugi Kenshin]] and [[Takeda Shingen]], the [[chief abbot]] was afraid it would be burnt to the ground. |
| − | He built a new Zenkō-ji in what is now Kofu; it stands to this day. | + | He built a new [[Zenkō-ji]] in what is now [[Kofu]]; it stands to this day. |
| − | In 1598, [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]] moved the hibutsu to {{Wiki|Kyoto}}, and then to Shinano. The hibutsu and the [[Zenkoji]] [[temple]] itself have since been moved back to [[Nagano]]. | + | In 1598, [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]] moved the [[hibutsu]] to {{Wiki|Kyoto}}, and then to [[Shinano]]. The [[hibutsu]] and the [[Zenkoji]] [[temple]] itself have since been moved back to [[Nagano]]. |
| − | Zenkō-ji [[temple]] decided to pull out of the 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay, in [[relation]] with the {{Wiki|2008 Tibetan unrest}} and in solidarity with the [[Tibetan buddhists]].[2] The Zenkō-ji [[temple]] was then vandalized.[3] | + | [[Zenkō-ji]] [[temple]] decided to pull out of the 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay, in [[relation]] with the {{Wiki|2008 Tibetan unrest}} and in solidarity with the [[Tibetan buddhists]].[2] The [[Zenkō-ji]] [[temple]] was then vandalized.[3] |
Inside the compound | Inside the compound | ||
| − | The Zenkō-ji compound contains many [[interesting]] and historically significant buildings. | + | The [[Zenkō-ji]] compound contains many [[interesting]] and historically significant buildings. |
The compound is arranged in a linear fashion, from the [[south]] to the [[north]], so that worshipers and visitors would likely see the buildings in this order. | The compound is arranged in a linear fashion, from the [[south]] to the [[north]], so that worshipers and visitors would likely see the buildings in this order. | ||
Admission to most of the buildings at the compound is covered by a ticket which costs ¥500. The ticket can be re-used at different buildings. | Admission to most of the buildings at the compound is covered by a ticket which costs ¥500. The ticket can be re-used at different buildings. | ||
| − | Daihongan | + | |
| + | |||
| + | [[Daihongan]] | ||
Immediately on the left, from the southern entrance, this [[Jōdo]] [[Sect]] [[temple]] houses the [[nunnery]] and the residence of the [[high priestess]]. | Immediately on the left, from the southern entrance, this [[Jōdo]] [[Sect]] [[temple]] houses the [[nunnery]] and the residence of the [[high priestess]]. | ||
Latest revision as of 13:21, 8 January 2016
Zenko-ji
善光寺 Zenko-ji
A temple in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, affiliated with the Tendai and the Pure Land (Jodo) schools. Built in the seventh century, it enshrines a statue of Amida Buddha flanked by those of the bodhisattvas Perceiver of the World's Sounds and Great Power.
According to this temple's tradition, the statue was Japan's first Buddhist image, sent by King SyØngmyØng of the Korean kingdom of Paekche to the Japanese emperor Kimmei in 552 (the traditionally accepted date for the formal introduction of Buddhism to Japan).
The Mononobe clan, who opposed Buddhism and claimed it to be the cause of epidemics, repeatedly discarded the statue. According to tradition, however, it was retrieved each time by the Soga clan, the pro-Buddhist faction.
In 602 the statue Zen school 832 was transported to Shinano Province (present-day Nagano Prefecture) and enshrined in 642 at Zenko-ji temple, which was built that year.
Zenkō-ji (善光寺?) is a Buddhist temple located in Nagano, Japan.
The temple was built in the 7th century. Nagano City, established in 1897, was originally a town built around the temple.
Historically, Zenkō-ji is perhaps most famous for its involvement in the battles between Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen in the 16th century, when it served as one of Kenshin's bases of operations.
Currently, Zenkō-ji is one of the last few remaining pilgrimage sites in Japan.
Zenkō-ji was founded before Buddhism in Japan was split into several different sects, so it currently belongs to both the Tendai and Jōdoshū schools of Buddhism, and is co-managed by twenty-five priests from the former school, and fourteen from the latter.
The temple enshrines images of the Amida Buddha.
According to legend, the image, having caused dispute between two clans, was dumped into a canal.
It was later rescued by Yoshimitsu Honda. The temple was thus named "Zenkō," according to the Chinese transliteration of Yoshimitsu's name.
The main Buddhist image is a hibutsu (secret Buddha), a hidden Buddha statue, not shown to the public. This hibutsu is rumored to be the first Buddha statue to ever be brought to Japan.
The commandments of the temple require the absolute secrecy of the statue, prohibiting it to be shown to anyone, including the chief priest of the temple.
However, a replica of the statue (Maedachi Honzon) has been created which can be shown publicly once every six years in spring, in a ceremony called Gokaichō.
This event attracts many worshipers and visitors.
When the statue was on display in 2003, Zenkō-ji cooperated with Motozenkō-ji and Zenkō-ji of Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture.
The most recent display of "Maedachi Honzon" took place in April and May, 2009.
The temple contains a statue of Binzuru, a physician who was said to be Buddha's follower.
Visitors to the temple touch the statue in order to cure their ailments.
The temple also contains an inner prayer chamber, accessible to visitors.
Currently, a daily morning ritual is held there by the high priest or priestess.
From the inner chamber, a narrow staircase leads down to a completely dark corridor.
In this corridor worshippers try to touch a metal key hanging on the wall, in order to gain enlightenment. The key represents the Key to the Western Paradise of the Amida Buddha.
History
According to the explanation of Zenkō-ji, The Hibutsu, or the Main Image of Zenkō-ji, moved from India to Japan by way of the Korean peninsula, in the 6th century, during the reign of Emperor Kimmei.[1]
Afterwards, it was moved several times before coming to rest at its present location in Nagano city.
At the end of the Kamakura period (1185–1333), many temples copied Zenkō-ji's famous Buddha statue, and many new temples were built around the country, calling themselves "Zenkō-ji" or "Shin-Zenkō-ji" (The New Zenkō-ji).
In the Sengoku period (mid-15th to 17th century), when the Zenkō-ji became embroiled in the struggles between Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen, the chief abbot was afraid it would be burnt to the ground.
He built a new Zenkō-ji in what is now Kofu; it stands to this day.
In 1598, Toyotomi Hideyoshi moved the hibutsu to Kyoto, and then to Shinano. The hibutsu and the Zenkoji temple itself have since been moved back to Nagano.
Zenkō-ji temple decided to pull out of the 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay, in relation with the 2008 Tibetan unrest and in solidarity with the Tibetan buddhists.[2] The Zenkō-ji temple was then vandalized.[3]
Inside the compound
The Zenkō-ji compound contains many interesting and historically significant buildings.
The compound is arranged in a linear fashion, from the south to the north, so that worshipers and visitors would likely see the buildings in this order.
Admission to most of the buildings at the compound is covered by a ticket which costs ¥500. The ticket can be re-used at different buildings.
Daihongan
Immediately on the left, from the southern entrance, this Jōdo Sect temple houses the nunnery and the residence of the high priestess.
Niōmon
