Asia Images / John Lander Photography

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
45 images found
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Oiso Sagicho Saito Dharma - Every year in mid January, a  festival is held at Oiso Beach called Sagicho. Originally, local fishermen organized this event and tradition.  Sagicho has been observed for over 400 years and has been designated as Japan’s national intangible treasures or officially Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.  The Oiso no Sagicho is a Dosojin or a travelers' guardian deity fire matsuri.  Used shinto Japanese New Year decorations are turned into burnable artistic looking cones on the beach, and when the sun goes down, the bonfires are lit. Many local children participate by roasting dango, small glutinous rice cakes. Dango is eaten with the hopes of good health for the upcoming year.  From each group gathered around its respective bonfire, several men wear traditional loincloths and plunge into the frigid ocean. Straw cone shaped structures called Saito are built on the beach using pine, bamboo and New Year decorations.  These are turned into bonfires and provide some warmth for the participants and spectators.  This event is held during Koshogatsu, or Little New Year, the 15th of January.  Usually New Year decorations are taken down and burnt at the local Shinto shrine though Oiso is famous for burning them on the beach, with additional rituals associated with Koshogatsu.
    sagicho-35.jpg
  • Daruma dolls are hollow and round Japanese wish dolls with no arms or legs, modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder and first patriarch of Zen Buddhism. The doll has a face with a mustache and beard, but its eyes only contain the color white. Using black ink, you fill in a single circular eye while thinking of a wish.  Should the wish come true the second eye is filled in.  It is traditional to fill in the right eye first; the left eye is left blank until the wish is fulfilled.
    Dharma-Doll.jpg
  • Daruma are figures that represent Boddhidarma, the founder of the famous Indian Buddhist school of meditation. Daruma or dharma as they are often called in English have a mustachioed face though the eyes are white and importantly without pupils. Dharma are thought to have the ability to grant wishes. These figurines are traditionally brought out before an important event such as an  election, exam or competition and too paint a single iris in one of the empty sockets, an act of that is thought to help materialize your wish. If the wish comes true, then the Daruma has a chance to fully recover its eyesight!
    dharma-1.jpg
  • Daruma are figures that represent Boddhidarma, the founder of the famous Indian Buddhist school of meditation. Daruma or dharma as they are often called in English have a mustachioed face though the eyes are white and importantly without pupils. Dharma are thought to have the ability to grant wishes. These figurines are traditionally brought out before an important event such as an  election, exam or competition and too paint a single iris in one of the empty sockets, an act of that is thought to help materialize your wish. If the wish comes true, then the Daruma has a chance to fully recover its eyesight!
    dharma-2.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English.  Even the ceiling of the temple has a large painting of a dharma!  Hundreds of Daruma, of every shape and size is displayed here including Horin-ji’s own special design.  Daruma are figures that represent Boddhidarma, the founder of the famous Indian Buddhist school of meditation. Daruma or dharma as they are often called in English have a mustachioed face though the eyes are white and importantly without pupils. Dharma are thought to have the ability to grant wishes. These figurines are traditionally brought out before an important event such as an  election, exam or competition and too paint a single iris in one of the empty sockets, an act of that is thought to help materialize your wish. If the wish comes true, then the Daruma has a chance to fully recover its eyesight!
    daruma-dera-5.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English.  Even the ceiling of the temple has a large painting of a dharma!  Hundreds of Daruma, of every shape and size is displayed here including Horin-ji’s own special design.  Daruma are figures that represent Boddhidarma, the founder of the famous Indian Buddhist school of meditation. Daruma or dharma as they are often called in English have a mustachioed face though the eyes are white and importantly without pupils. Dharma are thought to have the ability to grant wishes. These figurines are traditionally brought out before an important event such as an  election, exam or competition and too paint a single iris in one of the empty sockets, an act of that is thought to help materialize your wish. If the wish comes true, then the Daruma has a chance to fully recover its eyesight!
    daruma-dera-4.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English.  Even the ceiling of the temple has a large painting of a dharma!  Hundreds of Daruma, of every shape and size is displayed here including Horin-ji’s own special design.  Daruma are figures that represent Boddhidarma, the founder of the famous Indian Buddhist school of meditation. Daruma or dharma as they are often called in English have a mustachioed face though the eyes are white and importantly without pupils. Dharma are thought to have the ability to grant wishes. These figurines are traditionally brought out before an important event such as an  election, exam or competition and too paint a single iris in one of the empty sockets, an act of that is thought to help materialize your wish. If the wish comes true, then the Daruma has a chance to fully recover its eyesight!
    daruma-dera-3.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English.  Even the ceiling of the temple has a large painting of a dharma!  Hundreds of Daruma, of every shape and size is displayed here including Horin-ji’s own special design.  Daruma are figures that represent Boddhidarma, the founder of the famous Indian Buddhist school of meditation. Daruma or dharma as they are often called in English have a mustachioed face though the eyes are white and importantly without pupils. Dharma are thought to have the ability to grant wishes. These figurines are traditionally brought out before an important event such as an  election, exam or competition and too paint a single iris in one of the empty sockets, an act of that is thought to help materialize your wish. If the wish comes true, then the Daruma has a chance to fully recover its eyesight!
    daruma-dera-6.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English.  Even the ceiling of the temple has a large painting of a dharma!  Hundreds of Daruma, of every shape and size is displayed here including Horin-ji’s own special design.  Daruma are figures that represent Boddhidarma, the founder of the famous Indian Buddhist school of meditation. Daruma or dharma as they are often called in English have a mustachioed face though the eyes are white and importantly without pupils. Dharma are thought to have the ability to grant wishes. These figurines are traditionally brought out before an important event such as an  election, exam or competition and too paint a single iris in one of the empty sockets, an act of that is thought to help materialize your wish. If the wish comes true, then the Daruma has a chance to fully recover its eyesight!
    daruma-dera-2.jpg
  • The popular symbolism associated with Daruma as a good luck charm comes from the founder of Daruma-Dera that New Year’s charms depicting Bodhidharma would bring happiness and prosperity and ward off accidents and misfortune. The charms were always given with an effectiveness of one year, so the people required new ones every year.
    daruma-statue.jpg
  • Daruma doll or daruma is a hollow, round figurine typically made of gourds or paper-mache. Dharma are modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen in Buddhism.  Dharma figures are typically red and show a bearded man though they do vary in color and design depending on the region and creator. Though regarded as a toy or a mere symbol of good luck by some, Daruma has a design that is rich in symbolism and is regarded more as a talisman of luck to the Japanese. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance, making them a popular gift of encouragement. The doll has also been commercialized by many Buddhist temples to use alongside the setting of goals for the future.
    objet-3.jpg
  • Gilt Temple Chandelier at Horinji - Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English.  Even the ceiling of the temple has a large painting of a dharma!  Hundreds of Daruma, of every shape and size is displayed here including Horin-ji’s own special design.  The moss covered garden at the rear lets you enjoy a few moments of tranquility, unlike most well-composed gardens in Kyoto thanks to its off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
    Horin-ji-1.jpg
  • Buddha's Footprint at Enmyoji -  temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-13.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English. The moss covered garden at the rear lets you enjoy a few moments of tranquility, unlike most well-composed gardens in Kyoto thanks to its off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
    Horin-ji-garden-3.jpg
  • Enmyoji is temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-11.jpg
  • Incense at Enmyoji - temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-14.jpg
  • Enmyoji is temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-12.jpg
  • Belltower and Gate at Enmyoji - temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-10.jpg
  • Belltower and Gate at Enmyoji - temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-4.jpg
  • Belltower and Gate at Enmyoji - temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-1.jpg
  • Enmyoji is temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-3.jpg
  • 5. Hokki-ji Temple 法起寺 or Temple of the Arising Dharma was once known as Okamoto-dera.  Founded by Prince Shotoku came to understand the Lotus Sutra here in a palace that was later turned into a temple. The small three-storied pagoda is the oldest in Japan.  Though most of the other buildings at Hokkiji were destroyed by fire, this pagoda indicates what the rest of the temple would have originally looked like.  The pagoda is similar to the one at nearby Horyu-ji built by the same prince.
    5.NARA-HOKKI-JI-02.jpg
  • Hokki-ji Temple or temple of the Arising Dharma was once  known as Okamoto-dera.  Founded by Prince Shotoku who dedicated his life to spreading Buddhism came to understand the Lotus Sutra here in a palace that was later turned into a temple during the 7th century. The small three storied pagoda  is the oldest in Japan.  Though most of the other buildings at Hokkiji were destroyed by fire, this pagoda indicates what the rest of the temple would have originally looked like. It has been designated a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. The pagoda is similar to the one at nearby Horyu-ji built by the same prince, and it is thought that it may have been built by the person who designed Horyu-ji.
    hokkiji-5.jpg
  • Hokki-ji Temple or temple of the Arising Dharma was once  known as Okamoto-dera.  Founded by Prince Shotoku who dedicated his life to spreading Buddhism came to understand the Lotus Sutra here in a palace that was later turned into a temple during the 7th century. The small three storied pagoda  is the oldest in Japan.  Though most of the other buildings at Hokkiji were destroyed by fire, this pagoda indicates what the rest of the temple would have originally looked like. It has been designated a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. The pagoda is similar to the one at nearby Horyu-ji built by the same prince, and it is thought that it may have been built by the person who designed Horyu-ji.
    hokkiji-1.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English. The moss covered garden at the rear lets you enjoy a few moments of tranquility, unlike most well-composed gardens in Kyoto thanks to its off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
    horinji-5.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English. The moss covered garden at the rear lets you enjoy a few moments of tranquility, unlike most well-composed gardens in Kyoto thanks to its off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
    Horin-ji-2.jpg
  • Saddhu Portrait - In Hinduism, sadhu is a common term for an ascetic or yogi who has given up pursuit of the first three Hindu goals of life: kama (enjoyment), artha (practical objectives), and dharma (duty). The sadhu is dedicated to achieving the fourth and final Hindu goal of life - liberation through meditation. Sadhus usually wear ochre colored clothing, symbolizing renunciation
    sadhu-kathmandu-2.jpg
  • Hokki-ji Temple or temple of the Arising Dharma was once  known as Okamoto-dera.  Founded by Prince Shotoku who dedicated his life to spreading Buddhism came to understand the Lotus Sutra here in a palace that was later turned into a temple during the 7th century. The small three storied pagoda  is the oldest in Japan.  Though most of the other buildings at Hokkiji were destroyed by fire, this pagoda indicates what the rest of the temple would have originally looked like. It has been designated a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. The pagoda is similar to the one at nearby Horyu-ji built by the same prince, and it is thought that it may have been built by the person who designed Horyu-ji.
    hokkiji-4.jpg
  • Hokki-ji Temple or temple of the Arising Dharma was once  known as Okamoto-dera.  Founded by Prince Shotoku who dedicated his life to spreading Buddhism came to understand the Lotus Sutra here in a palace that was later turned into a temple during the 7th century. The small three storied pagoda  is the oldest in Japan.  Though most of the other buildings at Hokkiji were destroyed by fire, this pagoda indicates what the rest of the temple would have originally looked like. It has been designated a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. The pagoda is similar to the one at nearby Horyu-ji built by the same prince, and it is thought that it may have been built by the person who designed Horyu-ji.
    hokkiji-2.jpg
  • The footprints of the Buddha are venerated in all Buddhist countries. They generally show all the toes to be of equal length, and often bear distinguishing marks - either a Dharma wheel or chakra at the centre of the sole, or the 32, 108 or 132 distinctive signs of the Buddha, engraved or painted on the sole and inscribed in a pattern. These footprints are at Hase-Dera Temple in Kamakura.
    buddha-footprints-3.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English. The moss covered garden at the rear lets you enjoy a few moments of tranquility, unlike most well-composed gardens in Kyoto thanks to its off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
    Horin-ji-garden-2.jpg
  • In Hinduism, sadhu is a common term for an ascetic or yogi who has given up pursuit of the first three Hindu goals of life: kama (enjoyment), artha (practical objectives), and dharma (duty). The sadhu is dedicated to achieving the fourth and final Hindu goal of life - liberation through meditation. Sadhus usually wear ochre colored clothing, symbolizing renunciation
    sadhu-kathmandu-3.jpg
  • In Hinduism, a sadhu is a common term for an ascetic or yogi who has given up pursuit of the first three Hindu goals of life: kama (enjoyment), artha (practical objectives), and dharma (duty). The sadhu is dedicated to achieving the fourth and final Hindu goal of life - liberation through meditation. Sadhus usually wear ochre colored clothing, symbolizing renunciation.
    sadhu-kathmandu-1.jpg
  • Enmyoji is temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-9.jpg
  • Enmyoji is temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-7.jpg
  • Enmyoji is temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-6.jpg
  • 5. Hokki-ji Temple 法起寺 or Temple of the Arising Dharma was once known as Okamoto-dera.  Founded by Prince Shotoku came to understand the Lotus Sutra here in a palace that was later turned into a temple. The small three-storied pagoda is the oldest in Japan.  Though most of the other buildings at Hokkiji were destroyed by fire, this pagoda indicates what the rest of the temple would have originally looked like.  The pagoda is similar to the one at nearby Horyu-ji built by the same prince.
    5.NARA-HOKKI-JI-01.jpg
  • Hokki-ji Temple or temple of the Arising Dharma was once  known as Okamoto-dera.  Founded by Prince Shotoku who dedicated his life to spreading Buddhism came to understand the Lotus Sutra here in a palace that was later turned into a temple during the 7th century. The small three storied pagoda  is the oldest in Japan.  Though most of the other buildings at Hokkiji were destroyed by fire, this pagoda indicates what the rest of the temple would have originally looked like. It has been designated a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. The pagoda is similar to the one at nearby Horyu-ji built by the same prince, and it is thought that it may have been built by the person who designed Horyu-ji.
    hokkiji-3.jpg
  • The footprints of the Buddha are venerated in all Buddhist countries. They generally show all the toes to be of equal length, and often bear distinguishing marks - either a Dharma wheel or chakra at the centre of the sole, or the 32, 108 or 132 distinctive signs of the Buddha, engraved or painted on the sole and inscribed in a pattern. These footprints are at Hase-Dera Temple in Kamakura.
    buddha-footprints-4.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English. The moss covered garden at the rear lets you enjoy a few moments of tranquility, unlike most well-composed gardens in Kyoto thanks to its off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
    horinji-6.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English. The moss covered garden at the rear lets you enjoy a few moments of tranquility, unlike most well-composed gardens in Kyoto thanks to its off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
    Horin-ji-garden-4.jpg
  • Daruma-dera or Horin-ji belongs to the esoteric Shingon sect and is dedicated to the Daruma or Dharma as it is often spelled in English. The moss covered garden at the rear lets you enjoy a few moments of tranquility, unlike most well-composed gardens in Kyoto thanks to its off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
    Horin-ji-garden-1.jpg
  • The footprints of the Buddha are venerated in all Buddhist countries. They generally show all the toes to be of equal length, and often bear distinguishing marks - either a Dharma wheel or chakra at the centre of the sole, or the 32, 108 or 132 distinctive signs of the Buddha, engraved or painted on the sole and inscribed in a pattern. These footprints are at Hase-Dera Temple in Kamakura.
    buddha-footprints.jpg
  • Incense at Enmyoji - temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-8.jpg
  • Enmyoji is temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-2.jpg