Nara – the Budhist Capital of Japan

Shika
The illustrious dwellers of the city of Nara – shika or the Japanese deer

Nara (奈良) or Heijo was Japan’s first permanent capital established in the year 710. Before that date, the capital moved to a new location whenever a new emperor ascended to the throne. However, as the influence and political ambitions of the city’s powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved away to Nagaoka in 784 and a few years later to Kyoto. The Todai-ji (the Great Eastern Temple) is Nara’s most iconic temple. It was constructed in 752 and houses one of Japan’s largest statues of the Buddha – the 16-metre bronze Dainichi Buddha. 

Todai-ji, Nara
The Buddhist Todai-ji Temple
Nara Buddha

The 16-metre-bronze statue of Dainichi Buddha.

According to the records, more than 2,600,000 people helped to construct the Great Buddha and its hall. The project was so ostentatious that consumed most of the available bronze of the country and nearly bankrupted the economy

Statue of Bodhisattva of Compassion – 603 CE. Buddhism entered Japan in the 6th century, transmitted from China and Korea. It became one of the main religions of the country but faced initially rejection from the conservative Shintoists
Statue of Bodhisattva of Compassion – 603 CE. Buddhism entered Japan in the 6th century, transmitted from China and Korea. It became one of the main religions of the country but faced initially rejection from the conservative Shintoists
Prince Shotoku (574 – 622 CE) was the early champion of Buddhism. He served as regent under his aunt Empress Suiko (554 – 628 CE). This is the oldest sculpted portrait of the prince currently known, showing him as an adolescent
Prince Shotoku (574 – 622 CE) was the early champion of Buddhism. He served as regent under his aunt Empress Suiko (554 – 628 CE). This is the oldest sculpted portrait of the prince currently known, showing him as an adolescent
Kichijoten
The is a Buddhist deity inspired by a Hindu Goddess from India. She was widely worshipped during Nara period (710 – 794)
A notice board (c. 17th century) with an anti-Christian edict. It offers 500 pieces of silver coin for handling in a priest, for a monk it is 300 and for denouncing someone who practises the faith illegally, 100 pieces is rewarded.
A notice board (c. 17th century) with an anti-Christian edict. It offers 500 pieces of silver coin for handling in a priest, for a monk it is 300 and for denouncing someone who practises the faith illegally, 100 pieces is rewarded.
Buddha at Birth and ablution basin (700 CE). The historical Buddha Shakyamuni, is pointing to heaven and earth just after his birth
Pavillion-shaped reliquary

This brilliantly decorated reliquary (1200s) pavillion-shaped structure is topped with a flaming jewel (rock crystal). Between the six pillars are delicate open-work panels showing dragons and scrolling flowers, The inner vessel is topped with a canopy surmounted by a three-ringed finial, beneath which a seated Cosmic Buddha performs the “wisdom fist” ritual hand gesture. These elements reflect the esoteric Shingon Buddhist teachings promoted by monk Eison, (1201 – 1290), abbot of the Saidaiji Temple.

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