Yakushiji Temple, where the eight-phase statue of Sakyamuni, finally completed, can be seen in the East and West Pagodas. Yakushiji Temple is a one-minute walk from Nishinokyo Station on the Kintetsu Kashihara Line. Many people visit the Yakushi Nyorai, which is believed to provide health and happiness. The East Pagoda and West Pagodas, both National Treasures, will be open to the public until January 15, 2024 to celebrate the completion of 12 years of repairs. During this period, visitors can enter the first floor of both the East and West Pagodas and view the “Eight Phases of the Buddha (the In-phase image in the East Pagoda and the Ko-phase image in the West Pagoda)” by Shinya Nakamura, a sculptor. The last time the author visited the East Pagoda was in October 2021, and at that time, he was able to see the precious central pillar, which is not usually seen in the East Pagoda. This time, the eight-phase image of Buddha is displayed around the central pillar, and visitors can learn the story of Buddha from his birth to his death and enshrinement. Visitors can see eight different scenes, beginning with the “Nyorai” (conception), which is displayed inside the East Pagoda, and ending with the “Bunshari” in the West Pagoda. The West Pagoda had been completed, but now the four scenes in the East Pagoda have also been completed and are open to the public for a special limited time only. The masterpiece by Nakamura, one of Japan’s leading sculptors, took more than 10 years in conception and production, and must be seen to be believed. If you come to Yakushiji Temple, you must see the Yakushi Nyorai Buddha. Since society has become more relaxed than before, the yakko (medicine jar), which was always kept close at hand during the Corona Disaster, was removed from the temple. This time, too, I worshipped him from the front and from the side, where the three images of the Buddha are seen beautifully.
Toshodaiji Temple, where the Mikado Hall is now open to the public in commemoration of the 1270th anniversary of the arrival of Wajo Ganjin to Japan Toshodaiji Temple, located within walking distance from Yakushiji Temple, is another temple with wonderful buildings remaining. The magnificent and breathtaking Kondo was built in the Nara period (710-794), and still retains its dignified appearance after 1,300 years. It is of course a very valuable building, designated as a National Treasure. Inside the temple, there is an overwhelming presence of cultural assets designated as national treasures, including a seated statue of Rushanabutsu, a standing statue of Yakushi Nyorai, a standing statue of Senju Kannon Bosatsu, standing statues of the Four Heavenly Kings (Jikokuten, Zonchoten, Hiromokuten and Tamonten) and standing statues of Bonten and Teishakuten, all created in the Nara and Heian periods. Even though repairs have been made, it is a precious space where one can still appreciate the atmosphere of those days. It is also interesting to take a closer look at the techniques that have been used to support this large wooden Kondo for centuries. The large eaves are supported by a technique called mimesaki, which uses a triangular shape to support the eaves. Also on the grounds is a moss garden on either side of the path leading to the tomb of Ganjin Wajo, which Ryohei Suzuki said, “I was very moved by it, and it’s a place I don’t want to tell anyone about. The moss gardens on either side of the path leading to Ganjin’s gravesite are very beautiful and have a sacred atmosphere, so I highly recommend a visit to this area as well. Also noteworthy is the special opening of the Mikageido Hall to commemorate the 1,270th anniversary of Ganjin Wajo’s arrival in Japan. The hall is dedicated to the seated statue of Ganjin Wajo (National Treasure) and is usually open to the public only in June, but this year, special open house dates have been set for October and November. This is a rare opportunity to see the precious seated statue of Wajo Ganjin and the sliding door paintings by Kaii Higashiyama. If you are interested, please check the website of Toshodaiji Temple.
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