Talk:Buddhist temples in Japan

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I have just begun this article, and at the moment I have neither the sources nor the time to make this all I want it to become. This is a subject that could easily become a lengthy and detailed article, and one worthy of Featured Article Status.

Here are my comments, a combination of 'notes to self' and notes to anyone else who comes across the article:

• Layout & Geomantic Positioning: I am sure that more can be put here, I just don't really have the sources. Which buildings are crucial to a proper Buddhist temple complex, and how must they be arranged? What functions do the different buildings serve? Should we create an entire section on life in a Buddhist monastery/temple, or is that covered better in articles on Buddhism in Japan, and on monks?

• Architecture: Sub-sections should be created for the Honden/Kondo, Pagodas, etc., along with detailed explanations or at least wikilinks to Japanese joinery, roofing design, etc.

• History: Do we even need a history section, or can this be covered in the Architecture section, and the Buddhism in Japan article?

• Goshuin: (or maybe the section sub-title should be something like "interesting things to do at temples and shrines"? ... stated more eloquently) I have found it very interesting and satisfying to get a goshuin calligraphy and stamp at each temple. One buys a goshuin book at the first temple they go to. Then, at each subsequent temple, you ask if they 'do' goshuin. If yes, you are directed to the calligrapher, usually in a small side building. For 300-500 yen, they add a calligraphy and some stamps representative of their temple. See this web site for examples: http://www.geocities.com/kuriburu2002/page-albu-gosh.html. I don't feel that I know enough about the history or meaning of goshuin to actually write the entry. I urge someone else who knows more to do so!
  • A brief article is available in Japanese at ja:御朱印 Fg2 10:16, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for any help or suggestions anyone would like to offer. I hope to add to this article in bits and pieces, spurts and starts, over the next few very busy weeks. ^_^ LordAmeth 03:44, 22 December 2005 (UTC)