Shunkō-in
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shunkōin Temple (Temple of the Ray of Spring Light) is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan and belongs to the Myōshinji (Temple of Excellent Mind) school, which is the largest among 14 Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhist schools. The temple was established in 1590 by Yoshiharu Horio, who was a feudal lord, or daimyō, of Matsue in present-day Shimane Prefecture. This temple houses important historical objects that reflect the multifaceted religious and artistic atmosphere in Japan from the sixteenth century onward.
Contents |
[edit] The Bell of Nanban-ji
The Bell of Nanbanji is a Jesuit bell made in Portugal in 1577. The bell was used at Nanbanji Church, which was established by Jesuit Father Gnecchi-Soldo Organtinowith the support of Nobunaga Oda in 1576. However, the church was destroyed in 1587 because Regent Hideyoshi Toyotomi made the first law against Christians in Japan. The Bell of Nanbanji came to Shunkōin during the Edo period. This bell tells us about the history of Christianity in Japan during the 16th century and about the political and economic relationship between Japan and Europe, especially Portugal and Spain.
[edit] Kirishitan Lantern, or Hidden Christian Lantern
The Edo period (between 1603 and 1867) was the dark age of Japanese Christians. Christianity was banned, and Christians were systematically eliminated by the Tokugawa shogunate, or Edo bakufu. However, some Christians kept their faith and hid their religious identity. Those hidden Christians made their crosses and graves cleverly to resemble the Buddhist statues, pagodas, and stone lanterns. Shunkōin’s hidden Christian lantern is one of those religious objects.
[edit] The Garden of Bolders, or Sazareishi-no-niwa
The Garden of Bolders, or Sazareishi-no-niwa, is the main garden of Shunkōin. The theme of the garden is the Grand Shrine of Ise, or Ise Jingū, in Mie Prefecture. The Grand Shrine of Ise is the head shrine of all Shinto shrines in Japan. This garden houses a forest to Amaterasu-ōmikami, a sun goddess, and a shrine to Toyouke-no-ōmikami, a goddess of agriculture. It is common to see Buddhist and Shintō objects enshrined at the same place in Japan because until the Meiji period (in the late 19th and early 20th century), it was a popular belief in Japan that Shinto deities are various forms of the Buddha that existed to save people.
[edit] Sliding Door Panels, or fusuma-e, by Eigaku Kanō
Several sliding door panels at Shunkōin were painted by Eigaku Kanō. Some of the paintings have Confucian teachings as their theme. Confucianism was very important to samurai, or warriors, during the Edo period because Confucianism taught samurai about honor, loyalty, and honesty.
[edit] Azaleas of D.T. Suzuki
Shunkōin was one of the most important places in Japanese Buddhist philosophy in the early 20th century. D. T. Suzuki and Shinichi Hisamatsu, who are two of the most famous Japanese Zen Buddhist philosophers, discussed the future of Japanese Buddhism at this temple. There are azaleas planted by D.T. Suzuki in the front garden of Shunkōin.
[edit] Zen Meditation Classes
After learning about Japanese history from the precious objects housed at Shunkōin, visitors are also able to experience Zen meditation classes, or zazen-kai. Traditionally, this type of meditation has been considered the highest form of Buddhist practice used to reach enlightenment. Today, Zen meditation has become one of the most popular alternative treatments for many physical and mental health problems. At Shunkōin Temple, all Zen meditation classes start with a reception and basic instruction. Then, visitors get a chance to seek for their own inner peace during a 45-minute meditation session. A bowl of powdered green tea, or matcha, and Japanese sweets are served at the end of each class. One class lasts about two hours and includes a tour of the temple.
[edit] Tourist Information
Shunkōin not only offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Rinzai Zen Buddhism, but also to see valuable objects representative of important epochs in Japanese history. In the early summer of 2007, the accommodations will also be available at Shunkōin Temple. All tours and classes are given in English by an American-educated Zen scholar; group visit welcome; Enquiries: Tel: 075-462-5488; Shunkoin Temple.
[edit] Links
[edit] =Reference
 |
This article about a Japanese building or structure is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
This article about a religious building or structure is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
This Buddhism-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
