Yakushi-ji,+Nara

=Yakushi-ji, Nara, Anne Matthews= =__Yakushi-ji, Nara Photo Gallery__= = =

=Yakushi-ji=


 * ==Built in the 7th century, this temple was one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. In that it has been burned many times over the centuries, the only remaining building from its reconstruction is a single pagoda surviving from the Hakuho period (645-710). The other building in this temple complex are all modern and serve as the head of the Hosso sect of Buddhism. The temple houses an extensive collection of Buddhist art objects, including a Takushi Triad, a Sho Kannon and an 8th century painting of Kichijoten which is displayed only for a week in the month of November.==

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 * ==Emperor Temmu (673-86) planned the construction of the temple to pray for the recovery of his Empress (who coincidentally was also his niece by his brother who preceded him as emperor). Ironically, Emperor Temmu died during the temple's construction and it was the Empress who saw it to completion in 698. Emperor Temmu is remembered as the most powerful military emperor in Japanese history. Under his reign, a centralized war department was developed and emphasis was placed on military tactics and strategies. Although the original site of the temple's construction was in the southern part of Nara, the temple was moved to its present site in 718 when the capital was moved to the northern part of Nara.==

The Dokyo Controversy: Temple Priest Extraordinaire or Power Hungry Pretender?
==== ** A n interesting story is associated with an infamous abbot(priest) of this great temple of Nara. This priest, named Dokyo, supposedly cured Empress Koken (759-764) from a serious disease. Because of these supposed powers, he gained political clout and influence. He rose in position until he claimed a divine proclamation that he was to be appointed the next emperor. His plans were stopped when the Tempyo nobles asked for a new divine proclamation which rejected the first proclamation. After the Empress died, Dokyo fell from power but since that time, no woman has ever ascended the Japanese throne because of the fear that she might be susceptible to a similar influences. This policy is currently under discussion because the reigning Japanese crown prince has thus far been unable to produce a male heir. ** ====

The following website gives a complete description and guided tour of the temple-much better than I could do so I decided not to reinvent the wheel. Enjoy!
> ==[]== ** Reflection after visit: I found the colors of the buildings and the contrast between the old and the reconstructed parts to be fascinating. I was impressed by the size of the complex and the layout. I was not at all impressed with the weather as it rained buckets throughout the visit:) ** > == ==