#Tōdai-ji Temple

[kyotodreamtrips]

A rainbow over the Sangatsu-do of Tōdai-ji Temple: Nara, Japan!

[astrangefestive]

[dlyarchitecture]

[bettergeology]

The Great South Gate of Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The gate is one of the oldest extant structures in Nara, built at the end of the 12th century - that makes it well over 850 years old. The support pillars, which are whole trees, are over 1.5 meters across and stand on huge rock foundations. Based on my quick observation, there was no attachment between the foundations and the pillars, seemingly held in place by the mass of the building. The two dancing statues on either side of the gate were removed from their niches in the late 1980s for the first time in 800 years for cleaning and conservation.

[saiakv]

❛  i need more time to think about what i want.  ❜

THE SPACE BETWEEN EACH MEET-UP HAS BEEN arranged around a hundred years - a century may be skipped at times, when Kenjaku disappears from the face of the earth for a little while. And each time she finds them, with the same persistence a bird picks at the ground with to unearth the worm. Currently, it was lurking in the bowels of Tōdai-ji temple, where the faithful have gathered fruit and wines to lay before the dedicated statue. An alarming expression cast down on its lacquered visage bares an odd reminiscence to the one on Kenjaku's own features as she sits by the offerings, legs crossed under the flowy robes. She is adorned with gold chains around her veil, and they sit atop the stitch marks as though to embellish them.

The scar has almost melded into her skin. Kenjaku has been living as a Bodhisattva here for the last century, after all. That, too, adds to the note of impatience and the click of their tongue.

❝ Oh, you're slower than pond water. ❞ Comes the retort. She gets up with a huff, bracelets and bead-necklaces orchestrating her frustration as she pats the long robes back down into place. This discussion has been brewing for the last couple of times they've met up, ever since Kenjaku walked away from the compound. Or rather, walked into a new life alltogether. Their faith to Tengen's scripture died with that first transition - the first time they realized that they held the power to deny the natural order of jujutsu. To defeat death; that would be enough to broaden anyone's horizons. Tengen is different - death is not going to come for her. Maybe it's the fact Tengen never quite won over it yet that has placed them in such different mindsets over the years. Still, Kenjaku can't help but experience the same frustration they did back when that conversation was first held.

❝ Tell me, do you enjoy waking up every morning and having your acolytes prepare your tea for you and comb your hair on the porch, same as they did a hundred years ago? Do you find some comfort in the repetition? ❞ Caustic commentary falls over the golden platters as she descends the stairway and comes to stand beside her taller counterpart. They have met her at different heights, from different angles, through different eyes — but the sight is never any less mesmerizing. In spite of being very disillusioned now compared to back then, Kenjaku still sees the enthralling aspects of Tengen's visage that have lead lesser minds to worship her for her purity alone.

The expression softens - hands dyed with ceremonial tar at the fingertips reach out to take Tengen's own ( in other times, they had bigger palms that could fit hers comfortably within them, but in this body that was stolen from a temple maiden, they have naught but slender fingers and soft, creamy skin that hasn't seen toiling under the sun ) There's charcoal painted over their brows, kohl around the eyes, white cream paste on the face and dark cherry lips that exaggerate the pensive expression when they look up to her with a rare spark of sentiment.

❝ Look -- I consider you my one and only friend still. So consider this a wake up call. You don't have as much time as you think. If you are ever going to be a mother, Master Tengen, your time is now. And I can help you. ❞

[mastigiias]

Fuji-san and Tōdai-ji, both 6”x4”, watercolour and ink on paper, 2021.

These were painted for a commission a few months before I moved to Japan. I’ve since seen Fuji a number of times and went to Tōdai-ji in September. I don’t remember my exact thought process while making these but I know I was excited but also a bit bitter that I was waiting at home painting Japan instead of moving here.

I think I’ve seen too many paintings of Fuji to ever want to paint it again lol but it really is such a satisfying subject to paint. My friend dragged me around to so many different viewpoints in Yamanashi in March so if I ever do want to paint it again I have tons of reference pics at least

I wish I had exaggerated the size of Tōdai-ji a bit since it’s impossible to capture on camera. It was strange visiting after having spent so long staring at photos to get the painting right and realizing that I really didn’t manage to capture it lol. Like I’ve been to so many temples at this point but Tōdai-ji is still breathtaking.

[toshodai]

Some photos of Todaiji Temple (東大寺) taken by Izumi-san during a visit to Nara Park (奈良公園), located within Nara Prefecture in southern Kansai, Japan. The temple is primarily known for its Daibutsuden (大仏殿, "Great Buddha Hall") housing the world's largest bronze statue of the Vairocana, not present in these.

Being the obvious Japanese culture analog, aspects of the architecture here will be seen in the Kadoe lands, which made a very brief appearance in chapter 11:

The full extent of ancestral Japanese architecture's influence will likely appear in Tei's backstory much later on.

From Todaiji Temple's official website:

The origins of Tōdai-ji lie in a temple called Kinshō-ji which was founded in 728 for the repose of the spirit of Crown Prince Motoi, son of Emperor Shōmu (r. 724-749). In 741 when the Emperor issued his edict ordering the construction of a national system of monasteries (Kinkōmyō-ji) known as the Kokubun-ji, Kinshō-ji was elevated in status. In 743 Emperor Shōmu issued his proclamation for the erection of a Great Buddha Image and when the capital was returned to Heijō (Nara) construction of the colossal image of Vairocana was begun on the grounds of the Kinkōmyō-ji and was completed in 749. Construction of the Great Buddha Hall took place concurrently and the image was dedicated in 752 with a lavish consecration ceremony. Subsequently the Office for the Construction of Tōdai-ji supervised the building of the West and East Pagodas, the Lecture Hall and Monks’ Quarters to complete the temple complex. Because Tōdai-ji was the chief temple in the Kokubun-ji system, it was a center for rituals for the peace of the nation and the prosperity of the people; it also functioned, however, as a center for the training of scholar monks who studied Buddhist doctrine. After the start of the Meiji period in 1868 edicts legislating the separation of Shinto and Buddhist religious establishments and the confiscation of temple lands threatened the existence of Tōdai-ji. Nevertheless, the temple managed to carry out major repairs to the Great Buddha Hall at the start of this century and again in the 1970s and has striven to preserve the extensive compound with all its structures. Tōdai-ji today preserves many precious cultural treasures from the temple’s past, yet it also is a treasure house of traditional Buddhist rituals such as the Shuni-e held at the Nigatsu-dō. Many people from throughout Japan and the world visit the temple to worship and pay their respects every year.

[adventure-alex]

Nara: Ancient Traditions and Sacred Deer

🦌✨ Discover the enchantment of Nara: Ancient Traditions and Sacred Deer! 🏯🌸 Immerse yourself in Japan's rich cultural heritage and witness the awe-inspiring Tōdai-ji Temple with its iconic Great Buddha. Interact with the gentle sacred deer of Nara Park, considered messengers of the gods 🌳💫. Explore serene temples like Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Hōryū-ji, one of the world's oldest wooden structures.

🍣🍡 Don't miss Nara's delectable cuisine, try kakinoha-zushi or warm kudzu mochi! 🍵🍂 Wander through Naramachi's traditional streets, or step back in time at Yoshikien Garden. 🏰🌳 Experience the magic and harmony between humans and nature in this captivating city.

What to do in Nara? / Top 10 Sightseeing Spots in Nara

For the ultimate Nara adventure, follow our Top 10 Sightseeing spots! 🏞️🦌 From the Soni Highlands to the majestic cherry blossoms of Mt. Yoshino, these spots will leave you in awe! 🌸🌟

Plan your unforgettable Nara trip with our 1-3 day itinerary, and let the ancient traditions and natural wonders embrace your heart! 🗺️❤️

[whatevergreen]

c1900 photos of temple gate guardians: Naraen Kongo and Misshaku Kongo, 28 ft statues created in 1203 by the sculptors Unkei Busshi and Kaikei and still standing in the Great South Gate of the Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan.

[whencyclopedfr]

Tōdai-ji

Le Tōdai-ji est un ancien complexe de temples situé à Nara, au Japon. Fondé en 738 et officiellement ouvert en 752, lorsque Nara était la capitale, le temple est le siège de la secte bouddhiste Kegon. Le temple abrite une sculpture de 500 tonnes du Bouddha, mieux connue au Japon sous le nom de Nara daibutsu. Il s'agit de la plus grande statue de bronze du monde, abritée dans le plus grand bâtiment en bois du monde. Le Tōdai-ji abrite également des milliers d'objets d'art précieux et est classé au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO.

Lire la suite...

[travelinghailes]

TOKYO

Brunch at PATH* (Okushibu) Coffee at Beasty Coffee (Okushibu), Bear Pond Espresso (Shimokitazawa) Sushi at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Shibuya Dogenzaka, Sanaka (Shibuya) Dinner at Peter Luger Steak House Tokyo* (Ebisu) See Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden*, Godzilla Head (Shinjuku) Shopping at Shibuya Publishing & Booksellers, LOFT (Shinjuku) KYOTO | NARA | OSAKA

Brunch at Lorimer* (Kyoto) Cocktails at Bar Rocking chair* (Kyoto), jazz spot YAMATOYA* (Kyoto) Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto), Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (Kyoto), Nishiki Market (Kyoto) Visit Tōdai-ji temple* (Nara) Lunch at Mizuya Chaya (Nara Park) Coffee at LiLo Coffee Roasters (Osaka) Shopping in Shinsaibashi* (Osaka)

[kyotodreamtrips]

20.000 Candles at the “Toukae” Festival in Nara-Japan.

[lowcountry-gothic]

Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara, Japan.

'24.4.7 東大寺本坊、勧学院にて

桜の季節、ツーリストも多数押し掛ける東大寺南大門から大仏殿の間の参道も、夜明け前は静かなもんです。そんな時間を使って沿道の桜をゆっくり撮ります。

だんだんと辺りが明るくなってきて、東の空は朝焼け。飛火野に行っておけば良かったかな～･･なんて後ろ髪引かれましたが、あそこも今の時期はカメラマンが大勢やって来ていることでしょう。

･･今日は静寂を選んで、この場で撮り続けました。

[albajapanblog]

June 21 Nara

After storing our luggage in lockers at Kyoto Station, Tallulah and I hopped on the JR Nara Line to visit the lovely deers at Nara Park. With Tallulah as my shield I cautiously interacted with the deers, watching while Tallulah fed them and consequently was chased and bitten on the bum several times. I attempted to feed the deer but immediately fled as they started demanding more crackers that I did not have. After watching the locals interact with the deers I learnt that it would be best not to continue feeding the deers if I wanted to peacefully explore Nara. 

Following the large crowd of people, Tallulah and I headed towards the incredible Tōdai-ji temple. On our journey to the temple we passed through the Nandaimon Gate which houses two enormous statues symbolising the Nio Guardian Kings. Standing next to these statues it was easy to see their purpose as guardians of the temple, their sheer size enough to intimidate anyone. Though we did not enter the temple itself, we admired its size and beauty from afar. 

On our way back to Nara Station from the temple Tallulah and I stumbled upon a narrow path leading through a forest that no one else was walking through. Curious as to where this led and why no one else had noticed it, Tallulah and I walked up the path leading to some stairs which we followed until we came across a shrine of sorts. The area was serene with bright green trees crowded together surrounding the stone statue, beams of sunlight shining onto it through the gaps between the leaves. There were no signs identifying what the large statue was but we were amazed to have found such a beautiful place unfrequented by tourists.

[planetwinkle2]

2024.08.07 東大寺　Tōdai-ji Temple

[kkonstan]

Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara