![]() ![]() It is all that remains of a temple complex that surrounded it until the 1870s when the buildings were destroyed. The current pagoda dates from 1372 when it was rebuilt by Daihoji Masauji, the chief priest of Mount Haguro. Its design has inspired modern techniques for constructing earthquake-proof buildings and towers, such as the 634 meter Tokyo Sky Tree. It features a large earthquake-resistant pendulum in the center which allows the building to gently and loosely sway like a snake during tremors. The Go-jū-no-toh was built without using any nails. You may remember Masakado as one of Japan’s Three Most Infamous Vengeful Ghosts. This amazing work of architecture was originally built by none other than Taira no Masakado in the 930s. Soon, I meet the 1,000-year-old cedar tree affectionately called Jiji-sugi, or “Grandfather Cedar.” This majestic tree stands near the 600-year-old Go-jū-no-toh, or Five-Story Pagoda. Shinkyo Bridge and Suga-no-Taki waterfall. Many Buddhist priests were forced to leave the priesthood others chose to become Shinto priests. Temples, statues, bells, and sutras were destroyed in a frenzy of attack by Shinto nationalists. In 1868, as a means of weakening the wealth and power of Buddhist sects and to bring greater respect to the authority of the newly installed Emperor Meiji, himself a Shinto god, the government ordered the division of Buddhism and Shintoism. Buddhist gods were considered manifestations of Shinto kami, and many temples and shrines shared the same grounds - some buildings even served as both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. There he remained, teaching and healing, until his death in 641.įrom the time Buddhism reached Japan in the 6th century, there was a peaceful syncretism of Buddhism with Shinto. In a quintessential mix of Buddhism and Shinto, Prince Hachiko set up a monastery to practice Buddhism and to worship the Shinto kami of the three mountains. Yet Prince Hachiko, without concern for his earthly appearance, kept on.Įventually, he was led to Mount Haguro by a three-legged crow. The more hardships he took upon himself, the more disfigured he became. Legend tells us that Hachiko then traveled the country, healing those wherever he went by magically absorbing their sufferings. ![]() His father, Emperor Sushin, had been assassinated, and his cousin, the influential and powerful Shotoku Taishi, advised him that discretion was the better part of valor. Hachiko accepted this advice and, difficult though it must have been, quietly left the capital. In the 6th century, Prince Hachiko, the son of the 32nd emperor of Japan, left the capital in Nara. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |