Buddhist Temples

Once you enter a temple passing through the Sanmon gate, you may feel a crisp atmosphere of being in the sanctuary of the Buddha. Buddhism has developed through the advocacy of new doctrines in response to the demands of the times.

World Heitage Sites

Three Greate Pavillions in Kyoto

New Buddhism schools

Temples of Turning Points in History

Zen Temples in Kamakura

The Evolution of Buddhism

The Beginning of Japanese Buddhism

Buddhism was introduced officially in Japan in 538 (or 552) through the Korean peninsula. Buddhism started in the Asuka province of Nara prefecture in the 6th century by three key persons; Empress Suiko, Minister Soga Umako, and Prince Umayado. Working together, they aimed to establish the Ritsu-Ryo-code-based nation with Buddhism as its foundation and to be an independent nation without being a tributary nation of the Sui dynasty. Many temples were built in Nara including Asukadera Temple, Japan's first large temple complex, Horyuji Temple, the oldest wooden structure in Japan, Tennoji Temple, and more.

Stabilize chaos with Buddhism (Kegon sect)

Suffering from earthquakes, eclipses, a smallpox epidemic, and numerous political upheavals during the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu took measures to stabilize and protect the nation with the help of the Buddha. Therefore, he built the Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha, in the center of the capital. With Todaiji as the head temple, he established provincial temples called Kokubunji and Kokubuninji in about 60 regions throughout Japan, to pacify and protect the nation by spreading Kegon Buddhism to every corner of the country. In a sense, it was a Buddhist network of Todaiji at the top connected with these provincial temples. As the monks pursued and implemented strict doctrines, including theories and precepts, politics and Buddhism became closely aligned.

Elite Saicho and Genius Kukai paved the way for Saving People (Tendai and Shingon sects)

In the Heian period (794-1185), politically Buddhism had become powerful. Two young monks, Saicho and Kukai, think about the necessity of Buddhism to save not only the nation but also the people and society itself a little more. After studying Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty, they each entered into ascetic training in the deep mountains, Saicho established the Tendai sect on Mount Hiei and Kukai established Shingon esoteric Buddhism on Mount Koya. Saicho formulated the unique theory that "all mountains, rivers, plants, and trees become fully realized Buddhas," In other words, all things such as even flowers in the field can become Buddhas. He was involved in a heated debate with the sects in Nara, led by Todaiji Temple, and died with a broken heart, unable to establish his own Kaidan (ordination platform) while he was still alive. On the other hand, Kukai cherished the idea of "Sokushin-Jobutsu," or that being born in this world is itself a Buddha. Kukai's Shingon Esoteric Buddhism was supported by emperors and aristocrats who sought benefits in this world (such as healing illnesses and dispelling vengeful spirits). Under the patronage of Emperor Saga, he was granted Mount Koya to build its complex. He also established a three-dimensional mandala at Toji Temple near the Heian-Kyo capital, which is an easy-to-understand expression of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.

Intently chanting, then anyone can be saved（Jodo and Jodo Shinshu sects）

Around the middle of the Heian period (794-1185), the pessimism called "mappo" was widely believed that the power of Buddha had weakened and people could not be saved in this world, putting people in a state of fear. Wishing for rebirth in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, the aristocrats began to build temples one by one. One famous temple is the Byodoin Temple in Kyoto. As the Genpei War broke out in 1180, the battles were expanded throughout the nation. Adding famine, "live in hell and die in hell" was the daily life for many people such as farmers. "mappo" had become a reality. Under such situations, Honen founded the Jodo sect and Shinran did the Jodo Shinsu sect as the "Buddhism of salvation". Its doctrine is that people could be saved by Buddhist chanting. The head temple of the Jodo sect is Chion-in, and the head temple of the Honganji school of the Jodo Shinshu sect is Nishi Honganji, the head temple of the Otani school is Higashi Honganji, both located in Kyoto since they have been split into the east and west temples.

Blooming of Buddhism of Zen for Samurai (Soto and Rinzai sects)

During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), when samurai warriors rose to the forefront of politics, Yosai and Dogen returned to Japan after studying Zen Buddhism in the Sung Dynasty. Yosai founded the Rinzai sect, which was associated with the samurai regimes of the Kamakura and Muromachi Shogunates. Five great temples were established in Kyoto and Kamakura, respectively (*). Its doctrine is that the human mind is pure, beautiful, and great. Therefore he promoted Zazen (Zen sitting meditation) to recover this great mind we have forgotten in our daily lives. On the other hand, Soto Zen, founded by Dogen, believed that sitting (zazen) itself was a form of enlightenment and found the same value in daily activities. Eiheiji Temple was built as the practice center. After studying with Dogen, Keizan spread Dogen’s teachings and opened the Sojiji Temple. With this, Eiheiji and Sojiji stand as the two head temples of the Soto sect.

(*) Kyoto; Nanzen-ji, Tenryu-ji, Shokoku-ji, Kennjn-ji, Tofuku-ji, and Manju-ji / Kamakura; Kencho-ji, Engaku-ji, Jufuku-ji, Jochi-ji, and Jomyo-ji