Kofuku-ji,+Nara

=Post-trip Reflection=

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Since we didn't spend much time at Kofuku-ji as compared to the other sites I really don't have much to say about it. The five-storied pagoda and octagonal structures were as beautiful as any other place. I greatly enjoyed Todai-ji (where we traveled to following Kofuku-ji). The Buddhas were amazing and ornate along with the grounds that were so expansive and beautiful.=====

I have two favorite places from our trip. Both of these sites made me take in a breath and say "Wow!" immediately: one was Kinkaku-ji and the other Ginkaku-ji. I loved the Golden Pavilion and how it glittered and seemed it sit in the middle of the water when you walked up. It was truly and amazing site. The Silver Pavilion was very peaceful and zen-like. I could have spent hours walking around the gardens and reflecting on life!

I have to say that seeing Japan up close and personal was completely inspiring. I would love to go back and actually live in Japan for a year or two to get the complete feel for the nation. I greatly enjoyed the people, and the culture was completely refreshing compared to American culture. I love the fact that a city such as Tokyo with 8 million people can be so orderly and mannerly. I also appreciate the no public cell phone use!

For me, I can't wait to share my pictures with my friends, family, students, and co-workers. I hope to inspire them to travel to Japan and to learn more about the culture and its people!

= = =Kofuku-ji, Nara Jacqueline Hermann (SC)= Kofuku-ji used to be the family temple of the Fujiwara clan, the most powerful family during a large part of the Nara and Heian Periods. It was founded in 669 by a member of the Fujiwara clan to pray for the clan leader to recover from illness. It was originally built in Kyoto, but was moved to its present location when Nara became the capital in the year 710. Now only a few buildings remain of the original 175 buildings from that period. During its prosperity, it was one of the "Four Great Temples" of the Nara period (710-794), and one of the "Seven Great Temples" of the Heian period (794-1185). Today Kofuku-ji is one of the head temples of the Hosso ("mind only") sect of Buddhism.

In the Nara period, the pagoda was the most important structure in the temple complex as it held the relics of a Buddha. There are two pagodas in the Kofuku-ji complex. They are located on either side of the site of the Great Southern Gate; the Three Storied Pagoda to the west and the Five Storied Pagoda to the east. The Goju-no-to (Five Storied Pagoda) was built in 725 by the Empress Komyoh, and the current structure was restored in 1426. It is one of the symbols of Nara and is the second highest pagoda in Japan. The pagoda has caught fire six times in the long history since its foundation. The present pagoda is registered as a national treasure and was rebuilt in 1426. The pagoda currently houses four Buddha triads (Buddha and two attendants). The triads are enshrined around the central pillar: Yakushi (Healing Buddha) triad to the east; Shaka (Historical Buddha) triad to the south; Amida (Buddha of the Western Paradise and Infinite Life) triad to the west; and Miroku (Buddha of the Future) triad to the north. The Sanju-no-to (Three Storied Pagogoda) was built in 1143 by Emporer Shotoku. The present building is also a reconstruction from the beginning of the Kamakura period(1185-1333). This pagoda holds four paintings on wood which depict 1000 images of each of the same Buddhas enshrined in the Five Storied Pagoda (Yakushi Nyorai (Buddha), Shaka Nyorai, Amida Nyorai and Miroku Nyorai).

The main attraction at Kofuku-ji is the collection of Buddhist statues in the Tokon-do (Eastern Golden Hall). The current hall is a reconstruction dating from the fifteenth century and is situated north of the Five-Story Pagoda. The Tokon-do was built to speed the recovery of the ailing Empress Gensho, and therefore this building is dominated by a large image of Yakushi Nyorai (Buddha of Healing). The Buddha is flanked by Shi Tenno (Four Heavenly Kings) and Juni Shinsho (Twelve Heavenly Generals). Also enshrined here are three Bosatsu: Nikko (Bosatsu of the Sun), Gakko (Bosatsu of the Moon) and Monju (Bosatsu of Wisdom). Perhaps the most interesting statue is that of the seated figure of Yuima Koji, to the left of Yakushi Nyorai. The portrait, which depicts an ordinary mortal, instead of a heavenly deity, is beautifully realistic. In addition to the Tokon-do, there were two other Golden Halls in the temple. The Chukon-do (Central Golden Hall) was built in 714 by the Fujiwara clan. The present structure dates from 1811 but is currently under renovation. The statues that were housed in the Chukon-do have been moved to the Karikon-do (Temporary Golden Hall) immediately to the north. Among the images on display are the main altar piece with the image of Sakyamuni Buddha, as well as the Yakuoh (Medicine King), the Bhaisajyasamudgata Bosatsu, and the Shi Tenno (Four Deva Kings). the Central Golden Hall, which is presently being reconstructed. The treasures are currently stored in a temporary building just behind the former main hall. Reconstruction of the Central Golden Hall is estimated to last until 2015.

The Kokuhonkan (Kofuku-ji's National Treasure House) is located just north of the Tokon-do. It houses early Buddhist statues, the most famous figure being that of Ashura, one of Buddha's eight protectors. Dating from an even earlier period is the bronze Buddha head. The original, complete statue was stolen from another temple by Kofuku-ji's warrior monks sometime during the Heian Period (794-1185). The body was destroyed in a fire, after which the head was buried underneath the replacement Buddha. In 1937, it was rediscovered during a renovation of the building. The Kokuhokan also houses paintings, books, craftworks and historical documents and has a special exhibition which is changed three times a year.

There are two octagonal structures in the complex, the Hokuendo (Northern Octagonal Hall) and the Nanendo (Southern Octagonal Hall). The Hokuendo was built in 721 by the Empress Gemmei and the Emperor Gensho in honor of the first anniversary of the death of Fujiwara Fuhito. The original building was reconstructed in 1210 and the current building dates from this time. The National treasures on display in this building include the main alter image of Miroku Nyorai (Buddha of the Future) with two Bosatsu Muchaku and Seshin, and the Shi Tenno (Four Deva Kings). The Hokuendo is only open to the public during special viewing periods in the spring and the fall. The Sarusawa-no-ike Pond, located at Kofuku-ji Temple, is where captured fish were released. Surrounded by willow trees, if you walk around the 360-meter promenade circling the pond you will see many carp swimming in the pond and tortoises drying their backs. When you look at Kofuku-ji Temple over the pond, you will also see rich, green trees with the pagoda tower standing behind them, a water fountain in the pond, and an elegant reflection of the pagoda on the surface of the water, said to be one of the best sights in Nara.

Japan National Tourism Organization The Yamasa Institute Japan-Guide.com

=**Kofuku-ji, Nara Photo Gallery**=